Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and finding the right way to express sympathy and support can be challenging. While customs surrounding funeral arrangements have evolved, sending flowers remains a timeless and meaningful gesture. Whether in the form of a traditional wreath or a more personalized bouquet, funeral flowers can offer comfort, express emotions, and serve as a tribute to the deceased. Here are five important reasons to send condolence flowers to the bereaved.
Symbolic Meaning
Funeral flowers have long been used to express emotions when words are difficult to find. Each flower carries a unique symbolic meaning, allowing you to convey messages of love, respect, and remembrance. Here are some common flowers and their meanings in sympathy arrangements:
- Lily – Innocence and purity
- White Stargazer Lily – Sympathy
- White Carnation – Pure love and innocence
- Red Carnation – Admiration
- Pink Carnation – Remembrance
- Gladiolus – Sincerity and moral integrity
- Chrysanthemum – In many European countries, represents death and is only used for funerals; in some Asian cultures, symbolizes grief and the afterlife
- Red Rose – Love
- White Rose – Reverence and remembrance
- Pink Rose – Admiration, gratitude, and appreciation
- Orchid – A lasting love and devotion
By choosing flowers with symbolic significance, you can provide comfort and express your condolences in a deeply personal way.
A Source of Comfort
The purpose of funeral flowers extends beyond decoration—they are meant to celebrate the life of the deceased while offering comfort to those in mourning. A floral arrangement, whether simple or elaborate, can remind grieving family members and friends that they are not alone in their sorrow.
To make your gesture even more meaningful, consider including a handwritten note with your floral gift. A brief condolence message, poem, or quote can offer additional comfort. If you are unsure of what to write, a florist can help by including a few words on your behalf. Always ensure your name is attached so that the recipient knows who sent the arrangement, providing them with additional support and connection during a difficult time.
Sentimental Value
Flowers hold deep sentimental value because they require care and attention, much like relationships and cherished memories. Their fleeting beauty serves as a reminder to appreciate the present and honor the past. Additionally, the act of tending to flowers can offer a sense of purpose and comfort, which may be beneficial for those coping with loss.
A Source of Nostalgia
Flowers play an important role in creating an atmosphere of remembrance. Even after they begin to fade, their presence serves as a tribute to the deceased and a reminder of the love and support surrounding their family and friends. When people see the arrangement you’ve sent, it reassures them that they are in your thoughts. Flowers can also serve as a symbolic representation of the lasting impact the departed has left on the lives of others.
A Form of Creative Expression
Floral arrangements are highly customizable, allowing you to create a tribute that is meaningful and personal. Whether you choose a specific color scheme or a combination of flowers that held significance to the deceased, each arrangement can be designed to convey a heartfelt message. A carefully selected bouquet or wreath can reflect your condolences in a way that words sometimes cannot.
Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers
Traditionally, sympathy flowers include lilies, roses, carnations, orchids, gladioli, and chrysanthemums, but you are not limited to these options. If the deceased or their loved ones had a preference for a particular flower, incorporating it into the arrangement can add a personal touch. Some unique alternatives include:
- Freesias – Thoughtfulness and sweetness
- Baby’s Breath – Long-lasting love, purity, and innocence
- Alstroemeria (white or pink) – Devotion and friendship
White is the most common color for sympathy flowers, symbolizing purity and goodness, but other soft shades such as pink, pale blue, yellow, and lilac are also suitable. While bright colors are often avoided at funerals, deep, rich hues may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Be mindful of cultural interpretations—red roses, for example, symbolize love in Western traditions but are associated with happiness in some Asian cultures and may not be appropriate for a funeral setting.
How to Order Funeral Flowers
Ordering sympathy flowers is a simple process, whether online or through a local florist. Here are some steps to ensure a smooth experience:
- Choose an appropriate arrangement based on size, style, and meaning.
- Select a color scheme that aligns with the message you want to convey.
- Include a heartfelt condolence message with the flowers.
- Confirm delivery details, including the recipient’s name, address, and phone number in case they are unavailable during delivery.
- Arrange for the flowers to arrive before the service to ensure they are properly displayed.
Where to Buy Funeral Flowers
Many florists offer sympathy arrangements for delivery to funeral homes, places of worship, or private residences. If you are unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a local florist who specializes in funeral arrangements. They can guide you in selecting the most appropriate flowers and ensuring timely delivery.
Sending funeral flowers is a meaningful way to offer comfort and express condolences. Whether honoring the memory of the deceased or showing support for their loved ones, a thoughtful floral arrangement can provide solace during a time of mourning.
