Fresh blooms and houseplants provide comfort & peace in times of loss. When the unexpected happens, they give beauty & joy in the difficult moments when the family needs it most. If you have ever questioned, “how do I send my condolences in the most respectful way possible?” Listed below is a helpful guide on how and when it is appropriate to gift flowers or plants for sympathy occasions and funerals.
Take into consideration…
Relationship:
For the Family: If you are an immediate family or a relative, anything goes in terms of funeral sprays, cremation arrangements, or personal customized pieces. Check with the rest of the family to see what everyone is providing, so you can contribute to what they would like.
For the Friends: If you are a friend of the family, it is still appropriate to send flowers or plants to the funeral home. A simple floral arrangement that represents the deceased’s favorite color palette or in simple and elegant ivories is considered a thoughtful gift. A Peace Lily or Orchid can also provide a lasting memory that the family can bring home.
For the Employer/Coworkers: When sending something to an employee who has lost a loved one, anything goes in terms of floral and plants. The company can send to the service, the home, or to the office. If it’s more of a personal gift or from a coworker, send it directly to the home or office. A desk plant, a floral arrangement, or even a fruit & gourmet basket will provide great comfort and support in a time of need.
Budget:
Think about your budget. Funeral pieces can be large and customized, which will be higher in price but will make a generous impact to honor the deceased. If you have a smaller budget, opt-in to send a Peace Lily, Dish Garden, or houseplant that will last beyond the funeral. No matter your budget, you can customize a simple, elegant floral arrangement that still says, “I am sorry for your loss,” in a simply beautiful way.
Faith:
Always keep in mind the faith and culture of the deceased. In some circumstances, flowers or plants may not be customary for the service itself. If you are unsure, reach out to a family member, the funeral home, or church ahead of time. If it is not recommended to send something to the service, send a houseplant, fruit basket, or a simple, elegant floral arrangement afterward to the family’s home.
What to Send
Flowers:
White floral & colors that represent the deceased are the typical way to think through floral options. Lilies, roses, and carnations are popular, they represent peace and comfort for the family. If the deceased has a favorite flower or something that represents their personality, let us know and we will create something unique, customized, and special to honor them.
Sprays & Cremation Arrangements:
There are many different floral sprays one may get for the service. A casket spray typically goes on top of or inside the casket and is usually purchased by the immediate family. A cremation arrangement would also be decided and purchased by the immediate family. A standing spray is another common floral spray you will see at a funeral. A standing spray is designed on an upright easel. They could be round, heart-shaped, in the shape of a cross, or customized to something that is representative of the deceased. These are typically bought by extended family and relatives. A wreath is another popular memorial piece, it is appropriate for relatives or even close friends to send them to a funeral service or home.
Customizations:
Our design team is dedicated to memorializing your loved ones in the best way possible. We accept any type of custom request for a funeral spray or arrangement. If there is a hobby, interest, or job that best represents the deceased, we will do our best to incorporate it into the design. We can add photos, medals, or other personal objects to a spray, to creating a whole butterfly or surfboard out of flowers! We can create whatever your vision is in order to honor the memories of your loved ones.
Beyond Flowers:
Plants & Gifts: Fresh flowers are not the only way to show someone you care. Plants create a lasting memory of the deceased that the family can bring home. After the funeral, you can send flowers, gift baskets, or other personalized items to provide comfort during a difficult time.
Floral Preservation: After the funeral, there are ways to preserve the floral you receive, to keep a memory of your loved one that will last a lifetime. Preserving floral from the service is a great way to cherish a celebration of life beyond the service. Whether it’s the full arrangement or just pieces of an arrangement, you are able to keep them as a keepsake with other memorabilia and cards in a shadow box or within a resin mold. A resin mold can be made locally by, Rejoice & Blossom or designed in a shadow box with Keepsake Floral, they will professionally preserve the flowers from the service, into a piece you can cherish in your home forever.
Card Message Suggestions
- Thinking of you during this difficult time. May light shine through the darkness.
- I am so sorry for your loss.
- With deepest sympathy.
- Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
- My deepest condolences. Let joyful memories guide you to peace.
- My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of loss.
- Praying for you to get through this tough time and that the Lord guides you to peace.
- Prayers go out to you and your family. My deepest condolences.
- May peace and joyful memories bring you and your family comfort during this difficult time.
Still unsure of what to send your loved ones in a time of loss, or looking for more guidance? Give us a call or visit either of our shops to talk with our designers and sales team. Hours, Phone, Location
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