Flowers can be a beautiful way to express anything from love to sympathy. When someone passes away, it is customary to send a bouquet or arrangement to express your condolences and show respect to the deceased and their family. But choosing the right blooms for memorial or funeral services can be tricky. Use this guide to select the perfect arrangement. 

How to Choose Sympathy Flowers for a Loved One

1. Make It Personal 

While flowers are a lovely, they are not usually a standalone gesture. If you cannot deliver them personally, consider writing a heartfelt note or card to accompany them to show the grieving family your support.

If you’re not sure what to say, you can choose a pre-printed message and sign your name. However, if you’d like something more personal, consider including the deceased’s name and a quote or prayer. 

2. Understand Funeral vs. Sympathy Flowers 

Funeral and sympathy flowers are not the same, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Funeral flowers are those that are displayed during the ceremony. Typically, these are larger arrangements.

Sympathy flowers, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more personal. You can have these delivered directly to the family rather than the funeral services provider.

3. Select the Right Type 

Different varieties and colors can have particular symbolism and meanings attached. If you are not sure what to choose, consider consulting with a funeral services professional or florist. As a rule of thumb, lilies, roses, gladioli, carnations, and chrysanthemums are safe choices.

You’ll also want to consider different cultural practices before choosing an arrangement. For example, Asian and Greek Orthodox cultures typically prefer white funeral flowers, whereas red may be regarded as inappropriate for the occasion as it is generally associated with joy. However, people of Christian faiths usually do not have a preference regarding color.

4. Consider Timing 

If you are sending funeral flowers, have them delivered to the funeral home or worship place the day before the ceremony. Sympathy flowers, on the other hand, can be delivered as soon as possible after the death.

Do not deliver sympathy flowers weeks or months after the funeral or memorial service, as this may bring back painful memories for the family. 

Mourning the loss of a friend or loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a person can endure. If someone you care for has passed, and you need to arrange a funeral, burial or cremation, turn to Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV. This trusted funeral services provider has offered comprehensive after-death and funeral planning services, including cremation, burials, and obituaries, for nearly 100 years. Call (304) 724-6500 to speak with a caring staff member about how they can help you. Or visit the website for more grief support resources.