Everyone finds funerals to be a tough occasion. The loss of a loved one is hard to fathom, and knowing there is nothing you can do or say to ease their grief makes it even more difficult. It can be tough to know the best way to support someone who is going through such a difficult time. The most that friends of the family can hope for the deceased to be remembered with love and respect by those around them.
Sending flowers to a grieving friend or relative is a touching way to express your sympathy. You may send a bouquet with a meaningful sympathy letter attached, and after the funeral, these flowers provide solace and serve as a remembrance of your love and concern.
If you are planning to send flowers to a funeral home or viewing, consider the following:
In some situations, family members may prefer that you donate to charity in honour of the dead instead of funeral flowers. In these situations, it's best to follow the wishes of the family. You can, however, give a contribution and send sympathy flowers to loved ones at the same time. Use your best judgment if you think this fits the situation.
If you are unable to attend the funeral, sending sympathy flowers is highly encouraged so that the bereaved family and friends know that you are thinking of them. A flower wreath can offer support and peace of mind to the family while they go through a rough time.
Some kinds of funeral flowers are generally reserved only for family members and closest friends. Casket sprays, floral wreaths on stands, and flowers placed directly in the casket with the deceased will be chosen by close relatives.
These arrangements are usually larger than the regular arrangement and may be shown in a formal setting at a viewing, funeral service, or cemetery burial.
Sympathy flowers are floral displays in a vase or basket, typically smaller arrangements. Anyone can send sympathy flowers to soothe grieving family members or pay honour to the deceased. Funeral flowers must never be sent to the home or office. On the other hand, it is normally accepted for sympathy flowers to be delivered to the deceased's house.
Instead of flowers, individuals of all faiths and cultures nowadays ask for a donation to the deceased's preferred charity. In this case, only near and extended family members traditionally send flowers to the funeral, with everyone else asked to donate to the charity. You can still send flowers as a supplementary gift, but remember to follow the instructions given to you, which may be based on the deceased's final wishes.
When sending flowers, choose flowers that are low-maintenance but have enough shelf life to endure the duration of the service. There are various sorts of funeral arrangements to choose from, all of them are made expressly for funerals. They're all appropriate, so it's a matter of personal preference and what best expresses your feelings.
Here are some common types of funeral flower arrangements:
Wreaths and sprays for caskets are normally funeral flowers from the family only.
Funeral wreaths are a popular traditional funeral flower arrangement that is appropriate for family and friends to send. The wreath’s round design symbolizes eternal life.
Standing sprays are a type of arrangement that is often ordered by the deceased's extended family and placed beside the casket.
Floral baskets form a stunning display that may be delivered to the service in a variety of sizes.
To fully honour the departed, it is only appropriate that you send them an arrangement that they would have truly appreciated. Look for funeral flowers that are that reflect their favourite flower or colour. You can also choose one that you think best represents their personality. You may even use the flowers to tell a wonderful story.
This may be the most key aspect of sending flowers. Flowers are frequently accompanied by beautiful small stationeries. Don't leave the card blank. Instead, know what to write when sending flowers to a funeral even a brief note to offer your deepest condolences on the inside. This card is especially useful when purchasing a single arrangement with a group of family or friends. If possible, get your flowers from a local florist so that you can send a handwritten note rather than having the florist write it for you.
While sending flowers is usually a lovely gesture, it isn't always suitable. Not all religions and cultures follow the same rules. Some practices, such as the Jewish and Islamic faiths, do not accept flowers. In Judaism, sending flowers to a funeral is inappropriate, however, sending condolence flowers to the family's home or making a charitable donation is acceptable. White flowers are used to express sadness in Buddhist ceremonies, while red flowers are deemed inappropriate. Before sending any flowers, remember to check what is acceptable.
If you are unsure if flowers are appropriate because of your faith, beliefs, or traditions, do not hesitate to ask the family of the deceased. This way, you'll know exactly what you can and can't do as a compassionate gesture. The family would, at the absolute least, appreciate your sincerity and the fact that you went out of your way to express your sympathy.
It is critical to select appropriate flowers for a funeral. The person you're commemorating, as well as their family, will play a large role in your decision. Here are some elements to consider:
Flower meanings date back to the Victorian era. People communicated mostly through symbols, and flowers often carry important messages. These meanings are now used to provide depth to stunning designs. There are several flowers with meanings that are appropriate for funeral flowers: If you use these flowers in arrangements, include a note in the card explaining their meaning. Your recipient will be grateful for your thoughtfulness and treasure the flowers long after the funeral is over.
Choosing flower arrangements that can fill the air with their fragrance is one approach to let your loved ones know you're thinking of them. When it comes to scents, everyone has preferences, and fortunately, there are many fragrant flowers to choose from. Popular flower scents include rose, lilac, jasmine, gardenia, sweet pea, and iris. Choosing a bouquet with a lovely aroma simply adds to its appeal.
It's no secret that different hues elicit different feelings, and colours have a significant impact on our mood and well-being. Subtle shades of yellow, peach, pink, white, and green evoke a gentle and tender feeling, while light blue, green, and purple tones convey tranquillity and peace.
If you need help looking for flowers appropriate for funerals, visit Flower Story. Check our collection of funeral flowers in Toronto and let your family and friend know you have them in your thoughts and prayers. Give us a call at 416-797-9774 or place your order via our website to arrange delivery.