Families who suffer a loss is one of the worst events that could ever happen. As a relative or a friend, you would like to do anything to make them smile again. Sending flowers is one of the nicest notions of sympathy. Before you send funeral flowers you should know about the right times to send funeral flowers to the grieving family. In this article, you will learn about funeral flower etiquette on when the right time is to send flowers.
When is the Right Time to Send Flowers?
Right when you hear about the death, that’s when you can start to think about sending flowers. Once you know what funeral home to send the flowers, go ahead and choose the bouquet that you feel is the best pick. But, remember this. You don’t have to send flowers right when the person has died. Grief continues after the funeral. It is a nice gesture to send flowers afterward to continue your support to the family.
Where Should I Send the Flowers?
This is the first question that you should ask yourself? Most times, the family of the deceased wants those who are attending the funeral services to send flowers to the funeral home. Oftentimes, sending flowers to the funeral home is a way to thank the funeral home for their services. Groups of people should send an arrangement of flowers to the funeral home, while a close relative or friend should send flowers directly to the home of the grieving family.
Why are You Sending These Flowers?
What is your relationship to the deceased? Are you a close relative? Were you a close friend? Or have you not been in contact with the deceased for years, but you still want to pay you respects. Funeral flowers should provide comfort to those who are grieving. Pick an arrangement of flowers and provide a note attached to the gift explaining who you are, along with your condolences.
The Difference Between ‘Funeral Flowers’ vs ‘Sympathy Flowers’
One needs to understand the contrast between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers. Funeral flowers are only meant to be sent to the funeral home. Sympathy flowers are the flowers in which you send directly to the home of those who are grieving. Funeral flowers are meant to be formal and are too large to be meant as sympathy flowers. Sympathy flowers are smaller in decoration that are better to decorate as a centerpiece of a table.
What You Should Avoid?
Be aware that this is a difficult time for the family who you are sending the flowers to. Avoid anything like gimmicks, accessories, or anything that could be taken the wrong way. Pay attention to important factors like religion, custom, and the meaning behind some flowers. Avoid any flowers that are yellow because they tend to mean ‘jealousy’.
- Religious Views on Flowers (What to Watch out For)
- Jewish Religion: Flowers are not displayed at a Jewish funeral. Instead, flowers should be sent to the home of the deceased instead of at the church where the funeral is held.
- Hindu Religion: Garlands are more common arrangements rather than a floral arrangement at a funeral
- Greek Orthodox Religion: White flowers are a preferred option
What to Say on Funeral Flowers?
Condolence messages should be written from the heart. Sending flowers without a message is not okay. This is not the time to write out a novel. Simple notes like ‘I’m sorry for your loss’, ‘Rest in Peace’, ‘I’m sending you my love’ are nice little messages. We understand that it is tough to come up with the right message sometimes because you don’t know how those words will affect the people who are grieving. Research some nice messages to sign on the card.
Examples of Funeral Flowers to Send
Flowers have meaning. To understand the meaning behind flower arrangements when you are picking out the right bouquet, here is what you should know.
- Lilies: Restored innocence of the departed
- Gladioli: Strength, moral integrity, sincerity
- Carnations: Love, innocence
- Chrysanthemums: Truth
- White Roses: Reverence, Innocense, and youthfulness
- Red Roses: Respect, love, and courage
- Pink Roses: Love, grace
- Crimson Roses: Grief and Sorrow
- Yellow Roses: Friendship
- Orchids: Eternal love
- Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium Orchids: Sympathy
What Color Sympathy Flower Should be Sent?
The most common sympathy flowers are white, yellow, pink, or lilac. Bright colors are recommended. Funeral flowers tend to be more muted colors. Funerals are never easy, nor is the time to grieve a member of the family. A color that is too cheerful may make the members of the grieving family feel confused about how they are feeling.
How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?
The price of funeral flowers is between $60-$1000. For a complete package that consists of casket spray, interior casket flowers and other arrangements are $1000.
Does the Gender Matter When Sending Flowers?
Now come on, flowers can be sent to any gender, including men. One tip that you should be aware of is the color of the flower in which you are choosing. Avoid any feminine colors. Talk to the florist about what flowers you should send. A florist knows the ins and outs of the world of flowers.
What if I send the Flowers Late?
It’s not your fault if you don’t hear about the death of the deceased until after the funeral has happened. The family may not know every contact of the deceased. You can still send flowers as a way to say how sorry you are for the loss.
Respect the Family Who is Grieving
Aside from sending sympathy flowers, there are other things you can do to be supportive of the family. Be present. Respect the family’s wishes. While attending the funeral, pay attention and be aware of what you need to do. For the sake of sending flowers, you should know what the deceased’s favorite color was, what flowers they liked, and think about a special quote that they held onto.
