We have all been touched by death and loss at some point in our lives, whether it be through the loss of a friend, family member, colleague or acquaintance. In these sad times you can rely on NetFlorist to assist you in relieving some of the stress of knowing the etiquette surrounding funerals with these Frequently Asked Questions.
What type of flowers are traditionally known as sympathy/funeral flowers?
Conventionally there are flowers that are considered more appropriate as sympathy/funeral flowers. Most commonly St Joseph lilies or Carnations are sent to the grieving family but arrangements made up of Roses, Chrysanthemums and Gladiolus are also suitable sympathy flowers to send online.
What flowers are very seasonal flowers?
Some flowers are more seasonal than others, this may influence the type of arrangement that you want to send to the family or persons in mourning. Tulips, Irises, Gladiolus, and Daffodils are flowers that are incredibly season dependent, tending to favour the colder months. Flowers that can be found all year round are Roses, Chrysanthemums, Gerbera Daisies and Carnations.
When is it appropriate to send a grieving family sympathy flowers?
Most often flowers are sent before or after the funeral service. Flowers or sympathy gifts may also be sent to commemorate the one year anniversary of the person’s death. This shows the grieving family that they are being thought of on this difficult day.
How do "sympathy flowers" differ from "funeral flowers"?
Sympathy flowers are bouquets or arrangements that are addressed and sent to the home of the bereaved. They are usually smaller and are of a suitable size to fit on a table or to be used as a center piece.
Funeral flowers, on the other hand, are arrangements sent to the funeral home and serve as a tribute to the deceased at the funeral service; funeral flowers, by tradition, should not be sent to the home of family in mourning as they are too formal.
Is it acceptable to send edible gifts for sympathy?
Yes, edible gifts are an appropriate gift to send to express your sympathy. The bereaved family may have little interest in cooking or maintaining household duties and for this reason edible gifts or food hampers make a suitable gift to send.
I was close to the deceased but don’t really know the family. Who do I send the gift to?
According to custom, the condolence flowers or gift should be sent to the closest relative of the person who has died. If you are unfamiliar with the deceased’s relatives, it is best to include in the card how you knew the deceased and express your heartfelt condolences to the family or relatives.
Sympathy Flowers for Home & Office
Condolence Gifts
