Sympathy Flowers

Sympathy Flowers vs. Funeral Flowers

Yes. While often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference:

• Floral Tributes for the Service are sent to the funeral home or service itself.

• Floral Gifts of Comfort are usually delivered to the bereaved family’s home.

Sympathy flowers tend to be more modest, comforting, and suitable for everyday display. Funeral flowers are often larger and more formal.

When and Where to Send Flowers

It’s important to know when and where to send flowers.

• To the Funeral Home: Send before the service—ideally 1 day in advance.

• To the Church or Service Venue: Coordinate with the funeral director or service planner.

• To the Family’s Home: Send sympathy flowers a few days after the funeral as an ongoing gesture of support.

Avoid sending flowers to gravesites unless the cemetery has a specific policy or area for them.

Adding a Thoughtful Touch

Want to make your floral tribute even more meaningful?

• Add a card with a heartfelt message.

• Incorporate favorite blooms or colors.

• Customize the banner for added sentiment.

For example, “Beloved Mother,” “Forever in Our Hearts,” or the person’s name and birth/death years.

Alternatives to Traditional Funeral Flowers

If you’re looking for something different:

• Potted Plants: Longer-lasting and symbolic of life.

• Donation in Lieu of Flowers: Some families prefer charitable contributions.

• Memory Gardens or Tree Plantings: Living tributes that grow over time.

Still want to send flowers? Choose something low-maintenance or seasonal that fits their lifestyle.

Floral tributes are a meaningful way to show compassion and care. They honor the departed and remind us of enduring love.

Whether you’re choosing an elegant casket spray, a thoughtful sympathy bouquet, or a simple white lily arrangement, your gesture will be remembered.

What Are Funeral Flowers?

These flowers are used to honor the memory of the deceased and offer comfort to grieving families.

They can be designed in many different ways, including:

• Coffin Covers

• Standing Sprays

• Floral Wreaths

• Hearts and Crosses

• Bouquets for the family

Each arrangement is chosen based on its sentiment and symbolism.

Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers

When picking a funeral flower arrangement, you should keep in mind:

1. Relationship to the Deceased

• Close relatives typically choose larger tributes like casket covers.

• Friends and extended family may opt for wreaths or sympathy baskets.

2. Religious and Cultural Traditions

• Christian funerals often include lilies and white roses.

• In Jewish traditions, it’s more appropriate to send food or make a donation.

• Eastern religions like Buddhism or Hinduism may prefer simpler or symbolic flowers.

3. Color Meanings

• White represents peace, reverence, and innocence.

• Deep red roses convey deep love and mourning.

• Purple stands for dignity, sorrow, and respect.

Which Flowers to Choose for a Funeral

Understanding the symbolism behind each flower can help you choose the most fitting tribute.

• Calla Lilies – Peaceful afterlife

• Funeral Roses – Different colors convey different emotions

• Spray Carnations – Symbolize deep love

• Funeral Mums – Death and mourning in many cultures

• White Orchids – Rare and elegant

Common Sympathy Floral Designs

1. Easel Sprays

These tall, often elaborate arrangements are displayed on easels next to the casket or at the altar. They are ideal for public services and typically ordered by family or close friends.

2. Casket Sprays

Placed directly on the casket, these are typically chosen by immediate family. They can be half-couch (for open caskets) or full-couch (for closed caskets).

3. Symbolic Designs

Wreaths symbolize eternity, while hearts represent love. These are meaningful and versatile, suitable for both burial and cremation services.

4. Vase Bouquets

Ideal for sending to the family’s home or funeral venue, these are easy to transport and suitable for friends or coworkers.

Grieving the loss of someone close is a difficult time. During such times, choosing the most thoughtful funeral flowers can convey your sympathy with grace and sensitivity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of funeral floral tributes—from types of arrangements to tips for personalization.