A Guide to Sympathy & Funeral Flowers
Wondering what sympathy or funeral flowers to get your loved ones or a friend? You're not alone. Picking out sympathy gifts can be difficult for many people wanting to pay respects, but it doesn't have to be!
We've created this guide for you and hopefully it'll help you in your search to send flowers. As always, if you need any assistance, our team is always happy to give some more personalized service through phone or email.
Sympathy vs. Funeral Flowers: What's the difference?
Sympathy flowers and funeral flowers are both expressions of condolences and sympathy, but there are some differences between the two:
Sympathy flowers are typically sent to the home of the bereaved as a way to offer condolences and support. They can be sent at any time after the death and do not necessarily need to be associated with the funeral or memorial service. Sympathy flowers can be a bouquet or an arrangement and are often sent in a vase or basket that can be kept as a memento.
Funeral flowers, on the other hand, are specifically sent for the funeral or memorial service. They are usually larger arrangements or standing sprays and are placed near the casket or urn during the service. Funeral flowers are often sent by close family members or friends, but they can also be sent by co-workers or acquaintances as a way to show respect and offer condolences.
In short, sympathy flowers are meant to provide comfort and support to the bereaved in the days and weeks following the death, while funeral flowers are a way to honor and pay tribute to the deceased during the funeral or memorial service.
How to Order Sympathy and Funeral Flowers Online
1. Choose a reputable florist: Before you begin your search for sympathy and funeral flowers, do some research to find a reputable florist. Look for florists with good reviews and ratings, and check if they offer a satisfaction guarantee.
2. Select the type of arrangement: There are different types of arrangements available, such as standing sprays, wreaths, and sympathy baskets. Consider the relationship you had with the deceased and their family when selecting an appropriate arrangement. Still unsure what's appropriate? Skip below for more on this.
3. Add a personalized message: Most online florists allow you to add a personalized message to the arrangement. This message can offer comfort and support to the bereaved and let them know that you are thinking of them during this difficult time. You can also add a tribute ribbon to sprays, wreaths, and larger arrangements.
4. Provide the delivery details: Make sure to provide accurate delivery details, such as the name and address of the funeral home or the recipient’s home address. It’s also helpful to provide a contact number for the recipient or the funeral home, in case there are any issues with the delivery.
5. Review your order: Before you submit your order, review the details to ensure that everything is correct, including the spelling of the recipient's name, the delivery address, and the message. Provide as much delivery information as possible (such as the deceased's last name) to ensure a successful delivery.
What Should I Send?
The type of flower arrangement you should send for a funeral can depend on various factors such as your relationship with the deceased, cultural or religious traditions, and personal preferences.
Here are some popular flower arrangements that are often sent for funerals:
Standing spray and wreaths: A standing spray is a large floral arrangement designed to stand on an easel near the casket or urn during the service. They can be customized with a variety of flowers and colors and are usually sent by family members or close friends. It's also typically sent as a tribute from a group such as coworkers and bandmates.
Casket sprays: Casket sprays are used to adorn the casket and re typically reserved to be ordered by the closest family or relative of the deceased. It can be ordered by itself or in combination with sprays and arrangements to create a matching "set" of flowers for the funeral service.
Funeral/tribute basket: A tribute basket is a large basket arrangement that can be displayed near the casket or sent to the home of the bereaved as a way to offer condolences. They can be filled with a variety of flowers and are often sent by co-workers or acquaintances.
Vase arrangements: A sympathy vase arrangement is a smaller arrangement that can be sent to the home of the bereaved as a way to offer condolences and support or to the funeral service as a smaller gesture. Please note that vase arrangements to a funeral service may and get lost in a room full or larger sprays and people.
When selecting a flower arrangement for a funeral, it's important to consider the preferences and cultural or religious traditions of the family of the deceased.
Cultural Traditions to Mind
If you're unsure about what is appropriate for different cultures, we've created this quick guide. Please keep in mind that these are just general traditional guidelines that we've researched online in in our years of service. They may not be applicable to all people and situations.
Christian funerals: In Christian funerals, white flowers are often used to symbolize purity and peace, while red flowers can represent love and courage.
Jewish funerals: In Jewish funerals, it's customary to send flowers or plants to the home of the bereaved rather than to the funeral service. Flowers are not typically placed on the gravesite, and arrangements should be simple and without any religious symbols or motifs.
Islamic funerals: In Islamic funerals, flowers are not typically sent, as they are not considered an appropriate way to express condolences. Instead, it's common to donate to a charity or offer support to the family in other ways.
Hindu funerals: In Hindu funerals, it's customary to send a garland of flowers or a simple bouquet to the family of the deceased. The color of the flowers can vary, but white or yellow flowers are often used.
Chinese/Asian funerals: In Chinese and many Asian culture funerals, white or yellow flowers are often used to represent purity and respect. It's important to avoid sending red flowers, as they are associated with happiness and are not appropriate for a funeral.
Writing the Card Message
Choosing the right words for a funeral arrangement card message can be difficult, but it's important to express your condolences and offer support to the bereaved. Here are some suggestions for what to write in a funeral arrangement card message:
Express your sympathy: Begin by expressing your condolences for the loss of their loved one. You can use phrases such as "Please accept my deepest sympathy" or "I'm sorry for your loss."
Share a memory: If you knew the deceased well, sharing a fond memory or a personal anecdote can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and offer comfort to the bereaved.
Offer support: Let the bereaved know that you are there for them and willing to offer support in any way you can. You can use phrases such as "Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help" or "I'm here for you if you need to talk."
Express your love: If you have a close relationship with the bereaved, expressing your love and affection can be a comforting reminder of your support. You can use phrases such as "Sending you love and strength during this difficult time."
Religious or spiritual messages: If the bereaved is religious or spiritual, you can include a message of faith or offer a prayer or blessing. For example, "May God's love and grace bring you comfort during this time of sorrow."
Remember that your card message should be sincere and personal. Keep your message brief and heartfelt, and avoid cliches or platitudes. Your message can be a source of comfort and support to the bereaved during a difficult time.
And Remember
These days, sending flowers for a funeral is more understated and more visually creative. People are choosing to send creative, modern flower arrangements to the gravesite or to memorial services to demonstrate the life of their loved one and how they impacted their world. The above tips are a great place to start, but if you're looking for further ideas, visit our funeral flower shop here. We promise that no matter which flower arrangement you choose, it's sure to show your love and respect for the departed.
