During the winter I do not have enough fresh flowers in the garden for a party so I shop at the local flower market. I like to buy my flowers unopened a few days in advance so I can control them opening and being fresh for my event. To speed up the opening process for your flower replace the water that they are sitting in with warm water. Depending on how tight the flower is it may take more time and you may have to keep replacing the water and keeping it warm.