Sympathy Flowers

Understanding Sympathy Flower Arrangements: A Meaningful Guide

Losing a loved one is never easy. In these emotional moments, giving the right funeral flowers can convey your condolences with grace and sensitivity.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose and send sympathy floral arrangements—from the symbolism of different flowers to etiquette guidelines.

Understanding Funeral Flower Arrangements

Funeral flowers are floral arrangements specifically designed for memorial services, wakes, and funerals.

They are available in multiple styles, including:

• Casket Covers

• Funeral Easel Displays

• Floral Wreaths

• Shaped Arrangements

• Vase arrangements

Each arrangement has a unique purpose.

Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers

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

1. Who You Are Sending Them For

• 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.

• Jewish funerals typically do not involve flowers.

• Some cultures favor marigolds or lotuses in their rites.

3. Color Meanings

• White is universally accepted for funerals.

• Red symbolizes love and grief.

• Purple stands for dignity, sorrow, and respect.

Popular Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings

Understanding the message behind each flower can guide your choice.

• White Lilies – Spirituality and renewal

• Roses – Classic choice for any arrangement

• Sympathy Carnations – Devotion and remembrance

• Mums – Common in Europe and Asia

• White Orchids – Enduring love

Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements

1. Standing 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. Lid Covers

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. Tabletop Tributes

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

Is There a Difference?

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

• Funeral Flowers are sent to the funeral home or service itself.

• Sympathy Flowers 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

Timing and delivery location matter.

• 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.

A Gentle Farewell

Floral tributes are a meaningful way to show compassion and care. They celebrate a life and comfort the living.

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