Carol Shoppes donates 2 large rolls of ribbon every year for our township Memorial Day Parade and Service; they are made into 150 participation award banners. They also donate 4 wreaths for distribution to grave sites, doves to be released during the service, were the first to provide a float honoring veterans, the military and those who have died in the service of their country and many things I only find out about during each new year. Since they provide the same things year after year, I only contact Carol 2 months in advance. When our daughter got married she called Carol 6 months in advance. For a larger wedding we war part of, we called Carol 8 months in advance. I mention this because the reviewer Christine complained that she contacted Carol Shoppes 6 *weeks* before her wedding, from 90 miles away and was disappointed when Carol told her that she could not do the wedding. Though the order was small, Carol spends an inordinate amount of time (in my opinion) at the weddings that she does, regardless of size. The other reviewer, Christine, also complained that another (far larger) florist was cheaper, but if no final price was given I cannot see how she knew that. I'm glad Christine's wedding flowers were done to her satisfaction, but Carol Shoppes is a terrific small florist and I hate to see her maligned for something that was beyond her control. I've ordered huge centerpieces, birthday flowers, anniversary flowers, probably 100 items over the years and have always been delighted with how long the flowers last and how inexpensive the pieces were. read more