How to Choose Sympathy Flowers for the Funeral Home

Posted on 30/07/2019

Sending Flowers to a Funeral

Perhaps one of the hardest things in this life would be losing a loved one. It doesn't matter whether it was your mother, brother, husband, or even a good friend, it can difficult to fathom not ever seeing that person in this existence ever again. If you know someone who is going through a difficult loss, it can be difficult to know what to say to the bereaved. However, even if you aren't very good at expressing sympathy, there is a better way of going about it: you can send the bereaved some sympathy flowers. Sending flowers to a bereaved individual has been a longstanding tradition and a great way to comfort those who are going through an emotional time. However, how do you know what to send? Here is a guide for sending the right flowers, each and every time.

Be aware of any of the traditional floral arrangements

If you don't have any experience in sending flowers after a funeral, it can be a bit of a daunting process. However, here is a list of some of the most common floral arrangements after a funeral:

Wreaths - These circular floral arrangements are definitely very eye appealing, however, there's more to it than that. Wreaths have long been known to symbolize eternal life.

Floral arrangements - These combinations can literally mean any type of flower arrangements. The most common arrangements might be such things as baskets, various containers, and flowers that are cut in a nice fashion.

Spray arrangements

Spray floral arrangements are generally a type that can be viewed on just one side only. Examples of this would include some flowers that are best viewed on a freestanding easel.

Casket sprays - This type of arrangement is generally placed on the casket for viewing during the funeral.

Inside pieces - Flower pieces that are often placed inside the casket, usually over by the lap. Small floral spray arrangements are usually best suited for this purpose.

Obviously, the most common type of flowers to send would be the floral arrangements. However, there are even more ways you can mix it up to properly comfort the bereaved.

Funeral flowers should be based on some aspect of a person's life

Ideally, you should base your choice of flowers on something prominent in the deceased person's life. For example, if the person lived a life where they were a free spirit, you might consider sending their family an arrangement of white roses, because they represent not only reverence and humility, but they also convey a feeling of innocence and youthfulness.

If the deceased is someone that you were very close to, you could probably consider sending yellow roses. This arrangement is a good way to convey the strong ties that you and your friend had in your life.

Finally, another good option for funeral flower delivery would be white stargazer lilies, as they have always simply symbolized sympathy.

Flowers could be based on the deceased's personal preferences

Did your loved one have a favorite color? If that's the case, there are many florists that can accommodate you. Did they enjoy doing garden work? If so, there are a number of flowers that a flower shop can send that will represent the dedication to growing things. Did the deceased enjoy the beach? If so, there are plenty of funeral flower delivery companies that can find ocean-friendly flowers for you to commemorate your loved one.

Make sure the flowers align with the religious faith of the deceased

It's important to realize that not everyone is Christian and not every Christian is going to have the same preferences for flowers. Consider some of these rules for etiquette:

General Protest or Catholic: there are no specific issues with any type of flowers you might send.

Mormon: the great majority of flowers are easily accepted, but be sure to avoid any cross designs or crucifixes.

Greek Orthodox: they will accept any flowers, but they prefer white.

Jewish: flowers are not usually present at a Jewish home, but as long as their home isn't observing Shiva you can send flowers to them.

Baha'i and Buddhist: Most flowers will be accepted.

Hindu: Hindus strongly prefer garlands, so if the deceased was a practicing Hindu it would be better to ask the funeral home about how to send a garland.