When should funeral flowers be delivered?
Ordering funeral flowers may not be the first thing on your mind when you hear the passing of a friend, a business associate or a relative. But if you want the funeral flowers to be used during the wake and the funeral ceremony, it should be on your agenda as soon as you can.
While you may find an expert florist that offers same-day delivery of funeral flowers, it is still better if you can have the flowers delivered a few days before the funeral ceremony. You wouldn’t want to deliver the funeral flowers on the day of the burial unless you intend the flowers to be laid on the graveside.
When should I order funeral flowers?
It is best to order at least the day before the funeral service or as soon as you hear of the passing. Some florists may take 24 to 48 hours before they can deliver the flowers and you wouldn’t want the flowers to be delayed. Learn from the funeral home how long the wake will be. It is better to ask the funeral home than to call the family and ask them when the burial will be.
Where to send the funeral flowers?
Upon hearing the news of a beloved’s passing, often the name of the funeral home and its location will also be passed on for all who want to pay tribute and extend their condolences. It is ideal to send the flowers to the funeral home. If the deceased is being cremated, you can still send the funeral flowers to the crematorium.
Do call the crematorium, funeral home, or church to learn about their policies for receiving funeral flowers. Some religious places of worship do not accept funeral flowers days before the ceremony. However, you may send the flowers to the church if the family intends to have visitation there before the burial.
When should the funeral flowers arrive?
When ordering the funeral flowers, be sure that it arrives before visiting hours. It is ideal to have the flowers on-location before the family of the bereaved arrives. The funeral parlor coordinator will often place the flowers at an ideal location. Do note that only the members of the immediate family will have their flowers placed on, inside and nearest the casket.
Other funeral sprays, sheaths, and wreaths may be used to decorate the entrance of the funeral home door or placed on the sides by the coffin. The flowers may also be placed as centerpieces on tables. If you purchase a bouquet as funeral flowers, be considerate and have the flowers delivered in a vase.
Should I be sending funeral flowers?
Be considerate of the religious beliefs of the deceased as well as the family. Some religions practice same-day burial on the day of the death or as soon as possible. This includes those of Jewish and Islam faith. Also, if the family of the bereaved wishes for no flowers at the funeral, it is best to respect their wishes.
Many funeral flowers get left behind at the funeral home or at the church. The family may be overwhelmed as to where to bring the flowers after the funeral. They may request charity donations in lieu of flowers. Often, they will choose a charity dear to the heart of the deceased.
Who should I send the flowers to?
When addressing the funeral flowers, family and relatives may write their relationship to the deceased such as “My Uncle” or “My Grandmother.” If you have a favorite name for them and you would like to remember them this way, be certain that you are close to the deceased before you have their nicknames written. This can add a personal touch to the funeral flowers you send.
In case of friends and colleagues, you can send funeral flowers as a group. Often the company will send funeral flowers on behalf of all colleagues or employees.
Can I send other gifts besides flowers?
Bereaved families often accept a hamper or a fruit basket from well-meaning relatives and friends. You may also consider sending a meal or a food basket to the family home. Some bereaved family members may not think of eating breakfast or skip meals due to their grief. If you can, take time to have a meal with them.
Funeral Flower Delivery Options
Depending on your relationship to the deceased and your budget, you can choose from a variety of funeral flower arrangements to pay tribute to the deceased. As mentioned, only the immediate family should choose the interior casket flowers or casket sprays.
The family may also choose standing sprays that are placed nearest to the casket as well as to decorate the church. Friends and relatives may send simple sprays, bouquets, or wreaths. If the deceased is a child, consider unconventional arrangements like heart-shaped arrangements or flowers arranged into an angel or other objects symbolic to the love of the child.
What to say on the funeral flower card?
You should consider writing a condolence message which can be placed on a banner or sash on the sprays or wreaths. You may write words of tribute such as “In loving memory,“ “May you rest in peace,” or simply “Our condolences.” You should also add a card to say who the flowers are from.
You may also say your relationship to the deceased on the banner or the company who is sending the flowers if it was from workmates.
