Sending flowers and plants when someone dies is a traditional and kind act of empathy, respect and caring for family, friends and co-workers. Flowers offer comfort and serve as reminders of your care even after the funeral is over. Although there are no hard rules here and to me it seems easy, people unnecessarily seem intimidated some times. Here are some tips to simplify using plants and flowers to convey your condolences.
You can send wreaths, sprays, casual centerpiece arrangement for the family table, live plants and botanical arrangements. No matter what you send, I think you[ll be pleased. Flowers are visually interesting in a funeral space and offer conversation ideas, lift the mood while offering comfort.
I want my obituary to read "in lieu of a donations please send flowers." I hope the room or space is overflowing with joyful florals to enhance the space and plants for family members to take home.
Yours Truly,
CGH
SHOULD YOU SEND FLOWERS TO A FUNERAL SERVICE?
Of course, you should send flowers. You just need to know a little about them so you send the right thing.
- Funeral flowers vs. sympathy flowers: Some arrangements are selected only by family members like a casket blanket or a casket spray. These arrangements will be displayed at a viewing, funeral service, or graveside burial. Sympathy flowers are most likely what you are thinking of. Sympathy flowers can be on a stand, wreath, vase or basket. Sympathy flower may be sent to the funeral home or to homes of the family member.
- Family’s wishes: In some cases, family members may request that, “in lieu of flowers,” you make a charitable donation in honor of the deceased. However, I recommend choosing to both make a donation and send sympathy flowers or plants to loved ones.
- Funeral attendance: It is certainly proper to send a plant or flower composition if you won't be attending th funeral so the family knows you are thinking of them. Even if you are unable to send something the week of the funeral you can send it to family members any time as it provides support and encouragement.
WHAT ARE TRADITIONAL FLOWER TYPES SENT TO A FUNERAL SERVICE?
Here are some of the most traditional and popular florals used to express sympathy and their meaning.
- Lilies – symbolizes the soul’s return to purity.
- Orchids – no matter what color, the orchid’s meaning is “I will always love you.”
- Carnations – the color shows the meaning behind the carnation. Red shows affection, and white stands for purity.
- Chrysanthemums – symbolizes sympathy and honor. The colors also play a role in the meaning. Red is for love, and white is for innocence.
- Roses – white roses are the ultimate token of spirituality, purity, and innocence. The deep red rose evokes love and grief.
- Hyacinth – including a hyacinth in an arrangement means that you are praying for the family. This flower also represents deep anguish.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON SYMPATHY FLOWERS?
People send everything from large olive trees to small house plants and simple carnations to orchids. Plan to spend anywhere from $50 - 500.00 depending on what type of plant or floral arrangement you are sending.
WHAT DO I WRITE ON THE SYMPATHY MESSAGE?
My recommendation is to keep it very simple with only a few words and then names of whom is giving the floral composition. At our flower shop we had cards printed with simple words of condolences.
Below you will find a list of messages you may want to use.
- Words cannot begin to express our sorrow
- With deepest sympathy
- In loving memory
- Rest in peace
- Thinking of you
- With love and fond memories
- Forgotten never, loved forever
- Always in our thoughts and prayers
- Dearly loved and missed
- With loving memories of (name of decedent)
- Always in my heart
- I share in your sadness
