For Wedding Arrangements

FLORESTA, 51-02 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City; florestanyc.com; 347-642-8108

 residents of Long Island City say walking into this small family-owned business is “like entering a magical little wonderland.” Says Hillary Blick, a longtime customer, “I buy bouquets at Floresta on my way home from work, and I hired them for my wedding.” Although Floresta’s bouquets are pricier than deli flowers (people tend to spend between $70 and $150), you’re paying for the expertise and creativity of the three generations of floral designers who own the place. A typical springtime bouquet has golden ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace, and “Franz Kafka” dahlias (two-to-three-inch blooms with tightly cupped petals that resemble pompoms). “Shopping there is a true boutique experience in that the owners make you feel so valued as a customer,” says blogger Austen Tosone. “They go above and beyond to wow you, and they’re on top of the same-day delivery,” which is available in all five boroughs.