Sending flowers for the loss of a friend or relative's loved one is never easy. Generally people are unsure of what would be appropriate to send. To make this already stressful occasion a little easier on you, we have selected various appropriate arrangements which are displayed in our Sympathy/Funeral section.
Common Terms for Sympathy Flowers
Wreath
A floral presentation often used because a circle symbolizes eternal life.
Spray
Sprays are often placed on an easel, they are flowers designed for viewing from one side only.
Floral Arrangement
A mix of fresh flowers displayed in a vase, basket or other container.
Casket Spray
Flowers designed for the top of the casket, usually ordered by the family.
Funerals are an emotional time for all involved. A death effects many people, including family, friends, co-workers, and associates. The presence of flowers during a funeral service is an appropriate and thoughtful way to remind everyone that it should be a celebration of life. We have a collection of beautiful arrangements that would be suitable to send to a funeral home.
The Funeral Service
Funeral Directors help the family decide which type of service would be most appropriate by assessing their needs and situation. The service is generally held at a place of worship or at the funeral home.
Private Service
Usually, relatives and close friends attend the service which is by invitation only. This type of service can be held at a family member's home, the funeral home or at a place of worship. There can also be a public viewing afterwards.
Mermorial Service
This is a service without the body being present or, if the deceased has been cremated. Some families have public visitation followed by a private service.
Visitation
An individual's presence shows the family that there are friends surrounding them. Your presence shows that you genuinely care for them and are there to support them. Attending the visitation lets the family know that while they are suffering a great loss, they are still connected to the living and that life does go on.
The visitation is a time for friends to offer their condolences, rather than awkwardly bringing up the subject over the phone, at work, etc.
It is also customary, when attending the visitation, to sign the register book if one is provided. A full name should be given.
Offering Thanks
Close family members of the deceased should offer thanks for the acts of kindness given by others. You can send out thank you notes, publish an insert in the newspaper, or send an appropriate floral arrangement.
After the Funeral
After the funeral services have ended and all distraction for the grieving family has ceased, realization sets in. Many people experiencing such a loss appreciate being thought of in the weeks and months following the funeral. Sending the family a plant or flowers with a personal note reminding them of your continued support can do wonders to uplift one's spirit.
Some tips and/or ideas for offering support to the grieving individual would be to offer to clean their home or help out with other daily chores. You could invite them over for dinner or for a coffee/tea. Small gestures such as this will remind the person or people in grieving that there are people thinking of them.
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