Sympathy

Sympathy flowers

Funeral flowers have always played an important role in funeral customs because of their fragrant beauty and comforting qualities. They also serve as a reminder for hope and the spirit of life. Tradition used to call for loved ones to use flowers and herbs to anoint the bodies of the deceased, while aromatic flowers and plants were used to decorate the burial site. Today, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences when words fail us. During times of sorrow, sympathy flowers send a message of hope when it’s needed most. Need help getting started? Shop our Sympathy Collection or read below for more information

 

I just heard the news… Is it too late to send funeral flowers? 


Whether you hear the news on the same day or a month later, sending flowers is always appropriate. If there is time you can choose to send a flower arrangement to the service or to the home of the surviving family members.

Should I send a flower arrangement or a wreath to the funeral?

This is one of the most common questions that we hear.
Which you should send depends on personal preference, and what type of service is taking place.
If there is a traditional burial after the funeral service, we recommend sending a wreath or standing spray that can be brought to the burial. It is always nice to have flowers, and they can be left as a marker of the grave site after the service. 
Although arrangements can also be brought to the burial, they are generally left at the funeral home or church, and then taken home by family members. 
If there is no burial, sending an arrangement would be the most appropriate. Size and color is completely personal preference. We do suggest sending a larger arrangement when sending the a funeral home or church, as they stand out better at the front of the service. 

What if I don't know what to send to a funeral that is out-of-town?


There are many types of services, from funerals with a traditional burial not long after passing, to memorial services at a much later date. It is appropriate to send flowers to any of these services. If you are sending flowers to a service that is out-of-town, ask us to make the arrangement "according to local customs." We will then make sure that what is sent is the style and design that is best suited for the service.

The obituary says "In lieu of funeral flowers," but I still would like to send flowers – is this appropriate? 

Yes, flowers are also appropriate in these situations. Many people choose to send a token of remembrance to the service or family home as well as a donation to the charity indicated.

I am not certain where the service is being held. Can the florist help me?

If you have the name of the deceased and the funeral home, most florists have the obituaries on hand to check them. You can trust the florist to get the sympathy flowers to the funeral on time.

I am not sure how to sign the card. What should I say?

Most enclosure cards are pre-printed with messages like "Deepest sympathy" or "With love and sympathy." All you need to do is sign your name. You should use your first and last name to avoid confusion for the family. If there are a group of names, you should spell each one for the person taking the order to make sure he or she has the correct information.
If there is someone particular in the family you would like the flowers and card to go to after the service, please let us know so we can note that for the funeral home.

 

We collected money among the people in our office to send flowers. How do we sign the card? 

You can sign it with the name of the business or group or use the individual names on the card. Try to keep the name list as concise as possible. You might want to get a larger greeting card and have everyone sign it as you collect the contributions. Then bring the card to the flower shop and they can attach it to the design you are sending.

Are there certain types of sympathy flowers that are not appropriate for sending to a funeral?

Every flower when tastefully arranged is appropriate for expressing sympathy. That being said, for designs that are going to a memorial or funeral service, most arrangements will include larger flowers to create dramatic tributes. These might include gladioli, snapdragons, lilies, spider mums, carnations and roses. Small-scale flowers in mid- to small-size designs are used for sending to the home. These may include carnations, roses, spray roses, alstroemeria, lilies, daisies, liatris, delphinium and stock. You may also want to browse Flower Color Meaning and Meaning of Flowers to impart special symbolism or intention to your gift. 

Are there certain colors that should not be sent for a sympathy arrangement?

Sympathy arrangements can range from an all white piece, to a colorful mixture.
No matter if you are sending to the funeral home, church, or family home, there is no right or wrong color combination.