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| Sympathy flowers have been a part of
funeral and memorial traditions in nearly every culture throughout
history. Flowers add warmth, beauty, and dignity to the service and, for
many, symbolize eternal life. |
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| Changing trends in how we say good-bye
to love ones, however, often leave family and friends uncertain about how
to appropriately express their sympathy. Here are some answers to
the most commonly asked questions about sympathy flowers. |
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| Q: Are there any options
to flowers that are too “funeral looking?” |
| A: Although very traditional
sympathy arrangements are still requested in many parts of the country,
most florists today are happy to create a floral tribute that is original,
creative, and appropriate. These more contemporary arrangements,
using a variety of flowers and containers, provide the family with the
option to take them home, give to close friends, or deliver to hospitals,
nursing homes, or places of worship after the service. At Dr
Delphinium Designs our European Garden Mix arrangements are a popular
option, as are our plant baskets, a mixture of blooming and green plants. |
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| Q: Sometimes I see a
charity mentioned “in lieu of flowers” in the death notice. Is
it still appropriate to send flowers? |
| A: Because flowers help
you say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate
and in good taste. Many people want to express their sympathy and
show respect for the deceased in a variety of ways, including charitable
contributions, food donations, a helping hand, and cards and flowers sent
to the family’s home or to the funeral service. Flowers also play
a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible
emotional support that the bereaved need during this time. Funeral
directors tell us that most people do not want a service completely devoid
of flowers. |
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| Q: Do some flower arrangements
look too “cheery” for a funeral? |
| A: Absolutely not. A
funeral service is a way to honor someone’s life, and bright, colorful
flowers are a meaningful part of this tribute. In addition to adding
beauty to an otherwise somber occasion, flowers provide a comforting
diversion- something to talk about or look at- during the visitation. |
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| Q: What can I do to make
my arrangement special from the rest? |
| A: To make your floral
tribute particularly special, ask your florist to create an arrangement
that fits the deceased’s personality in some way. For example, we
can create rustic basket of wildflowers to honor someone who loved the
outdoors. You could also include his or her favorite flowers or
colors, or a flower that has a special significance in your relationship
with that person. Whatever you do, the family is sure to notice and
appreciate it. |
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| Q: I am part of a group.
What are some suggestions? |
| A: When groups, including
grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, business
associates, and clubs go in together on flowers, the arrangements can be
very special and make a larger showing. Such pieces can include a
contact name and address on the card so the family knows whom to thank. |
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| Q: What is appropriate to
send for a cremation? |
| A: A tastefully done
floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial service, whether it’s
a traditional burial or a cremation. Families may choose a piece
designed for display with the urn, or an arrangement that can be enjoyed
in the home after the service. |
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| Q: I found out about the
death after the funeral is over. What can I do? |
| A: A floral arrangement received
at the home after the activity surrounding the funeral can be a
comforting, welcome reminder that friends haven’t forgotten. In
fact, research shows that bereaved family and friends appreciate being
thought of in the weeks or months after the funeral. A personal note
or “we are thinking of you” message with the flowers would be
especially nice. Any support you can offer during the grieving
process will let them know you care. |
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| Some of the terms used by florists for
sympathy arrangements can be unfamiliar. Here are a few of those
most commonly used: |
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| Wreath: A floral presentation
often used because a circle symbolizes eternal life. |
| Spray: Flowers designed
for viewing from one side only. At Dr Delphinium Designs all of our
sprays are places on an easel. |
| Floral Arrangement: A mix
of fresh flowers in a vase, basket or other container. |
| Plant Basket: A mix of
blooming and green plants in a basket. |
| Casket Spray: Flowers
designed for the top of the casket, usually ordered by family. |
| Inside Piece: A general
term to describe small floral designs placed inside the casket such as
satin hearts, nosegays, or small sprays. |
