Welcome! Thank you for visiting our August newsletter, where this month we hope to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about . . .   

       Sympathy Flower Etiquette

Helping someone dear to you deal with the loss of a loved one is never easy.  The gift of flowers during this time is one of the most time-honored and beautiful ways of expressing heartfelt condolences to a grieving friend or loved one.   With a floral expression of sympathy, your love will be felt ... and never forgotten.

Should I send flowers to the home or service?   It depends on how well you know the deceased and/or the family. Some people do both.  Sending flowers to the service as a show of sympathy is always appropriate, and whether you choose to send a separate arrangement to the home of family is a matter of personal choice.

When should I send flowers to a visitation?  Some people prefer to have the sympathy flowers arrive at the funeral home for the visitation (sometimes called the “viewing”), knowing the flowers will usually be transported to the funeral and/or burial.  This depends on choices made by the family.  A “family room” arrangement is designed to stay fresh for several days, and depending on its size, can be placed on a table or the floor.

What about sprays and wreaths?  Easel spray flowers are best suited for the day of the service – funeral, memorial, graveside and services for cremations.  A wreath or other shape is another way to share a personal expression of sympathy.  The circular wreath represents eternal life.  Crosses, hearts and other shapes – such as a musical instrument or Masonic emblem – are  appropriate designs to show condolences.  Military symbols are often used as well, including red, white and blue flowers and ribbons.

I would like to send flowers to the service but I wish the family could take them home to enjoy.  What is the procedure.    Very often, family members do take fresh arrangements home.  In this case, we suggest you send a fresh vase of flowers or live green plant instead of a spray or family room arrangement.

Can I send flowers to a memorial service?  Definitely, unless the family has requested otherwise.   Memorial services are common following cremations and private burials, and all types of floral expressions of sympathy are acceptable.

What should I send for an infant or child?   Flowers for children are similar to adult floral expressions, but pastels seem preferable – often in pink or blue – but not always. 

What if I missed the visitation and the funeral; is it too late to send an expression of sympathy?  It is always preferable to acknowledge a loss, even if it is late.  Depending on your level of friendship with the deceased’s family, an acceptable gift would be fresh flowers, a live plant or a card expressing your condolences.

 Can fruit or gourmet baskets be sent to the visitation?  Usually not.  Gifts containing food items should be delivered to family’s home.

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