We often have customers come in to order Funeral Flowers and many times it is the first time they have had to do so and they are unsure of the etiquette of doing so.
When someone passes away, especially when it is a family member or close friend, colleague or acquaintance there always seems so much to organise and then on top of that you may need to organise Funeral Flowers or send flowers to the funeral and for a lot of people it may be the first time having to do so we thought we would write a gentle guide to doing so.
Flowers have played an important role in funeral customs all over the world and for 100’s of years because of their fragrant beauty and comforting qualities. In ancient times, tradition called for loved ones to use flowers and herbs.
They add decoration, beauty, fragrance and life to a somber event. They are symbolic not only of love and sympathy, but also of eternity and immortality.
The purpose of flowers at a funeral is to celebrate life and a gift that lets people know you are thinking about them, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences.
Funeral Flowers come in many arrangement styles but traditionally casket sprays or floral casket dressing, personal tributes such as Mum or Dad are chosen by the members of the Immediate Family including husbands, wives, children, sisters, brothers, parents, and grandparents.
Close friends and business associates of the family of the deceased may want to send flowers to show that they are thinking of them during their time of grief. Some of the best options for friends include standing sprays, basket arrangements, posy pads, and wreaths.
Bespoke Tribute arrangements are sometimes ordered to commemorate a favourite hobby, football team or even a pet of the deceased and can sometimes add a touch of humour – if you do feel you would like to have one created it is a good idea to give the florist some notice as these take a while to put together.
The floral arrangement should include a short personal (where appropriate) hand written note in remembrance if you are ordering over the phone or are unsure or stuck for words always ask us and we are happy to help with these words and write the cards for you.
As your florist when you place your order with us it is important to know the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral, the time of the funeral, where the flowers are to be delivered.
We often get asked what the difference between Funeral Flowers and Sympathy Flowers, we feel that Funeral Flowers are the more traditional formal arrangements such as Wreaths, Posy Pads, that would be delivered on the day of the Funeral for the service and the messages are normally addressed to the deceased. Whereas Sympathy Flowers are usually smaller arrangements such a hand tied bouquet, an orchid or a garden plant which would be delivered to the family of the deceased with a message of sympathy either before the day of the funeral or after.
Often these days the request is for a charitable donation rather than flowers, but if you are like me and feel that you would like to do flowers as well you could opt for a small tied sheaf or posy pad or even a token single stemmed large headed rose
Although there are no hard and fast rules about sending flowers anymore, you should keep in mind the family’s wishes for the flowers – it may be that they want no lily’s or all one colour. They may wish for all the flowers to go to the Funeral Home or to the deceased’s home address but never the day before the funeral.
You will also want to take the faith and culture of the deceased into consideration before sending flowers. What may be appropriate for one culture may be inappropriate for another. If you aren’t sure, ask the closest family member you know.
Common practices according to faith:
- Catholic – – Most flowers and arrangements are welcome at both the memorial service and the funeral.
- Protestant Christian – Most flowers and arrangements are welcome at both the memorial service and the funeral..
- Eastern or Greek Orthodox – Most flowers are accepted, and white flowers are favored.
- Jewish – Although you may send flowers to the family members’ homes, flowers at the funeral home are not typically displayed. Some of the more contemporary Jewish funerals allow flowers at the entrance of the synagogue. If you are in doubt, you should probably refrain from sending flowers and opt for a fruit basket sent to the home of the family instead.
- Mormon – Most flowers are appropriate. However, avoid arrangements on a crucifix or cross
- Buddhist – Most flowers and arrangements are appropriate.
- Hindu – Although floral arrangements are acceptable, garlands are more common at a Hindu funeral.
- Muslim – The appropriateness of flowers varies in the Islamic religion, so ask family members before sending them. Many people of this religion prefer that you send money to a charity in lieu of flowers. If you choose to order flowers for an Islamic funeral, keep the arrangement simple and elegant.
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- In Loving Memory
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- Frequently Asked Questions
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