When someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one, it’s hard to know exactly what to say. Sending sympathy flowers is the perfect way to show you’re there for anyone going through a rough time.
When you send flowers to a funeral service or a mourner’s home, you show others that you’re thinking of them, even if you’re miles away. If you’re unsure what type of flower to send, don’t worry. We’re going to cover all you need to know about sending flowers to those in mourning.
Flowers for Sympathy: Meaning
Before you send flowers to a grieving friend, you should know that different flowers hold various meanings. Looking at a flower’s symbolism will help you send the perfect message, whether that’s one of peace or hope. Here are some common sympathy flowers as well as
their meanings.
Chrysanthemums
These flowers have different meanings around the world, so you should consider where the funeral will be held as well as the culture and ethnicity of the mourners.
In Asian countries including China and Japan, white mums are seen as a symbol of grief and are often used in funeral arrangements. In European countries such as Austria, France, and Belgium, chrysanthemums are used almost exclusively for funerals and memorial services.
While bright yellow or orange mums are traditionally reserved for joyous moments like birthdays or anniversaries, white chrysanthemums are a great choice to send to a grieving person.
Lilies
Perhaps the most popular flowers for grief, lilies are a great option to send to those dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Lilies have long symbolized peace and hope, so they’re perfect for sending good thoughts to people when grieving. White lilies are especially popular flowers for funerals due to their serene nature.
Gladioli
With tall spikes of blooms, gladioli are a symbol of strength and character. By sending them as a sympathy flower, you can send a double message. First, these flowers help remind mourners of the character of their deceased loved one. Second, they help the grieving find their inner strength.
Roses
A rose’s meaning varies depending on its color, so you’ll want to take note of these symbols before you choose a color.
- White roses are a popular choice for sympathy flowers since they are a sign of a new beginning as well as a goodbye. They also symbolize remembrance, so they are perfect for telling mourners their loved one will never be forgotten.
- Yellow roses have a brightness that is a sign of friendship and warmth. While they may seem bright for a dark time, they will show a friend you are always there for them.
- Peach roses are another appropriate option since they symbolize sincerity. They will let the grieving person know that you are truly there for them during their difficult time.
Carnations
Like roses, carnations come in a wide variety of colors. And each of these hues holds a different meaning. Consider color meaning when ordering a carnation bouquet for sympathy.
- Red carnations show love and devotion, so they let the grieving know that you will always be there for them.
- Pink carnations symbolize the remembrance of a loved one who has passed.
Orchids
With long, graceful stems and long-lasting blooms, orchids represent everlasting love. When you send an orchid to a mourner, you remind them that the deceased will always be in their heart.
You can select from a variety of orchid colors, but you can’t go wrong with traditional choices of white and pink.
Sympathy Flower Colors
If you’re unsure of the best color of flowers for death or grief, we recommend you choose from one of two options. By following this guidance, you’ll be able to select the perfect flowers for someone in mourning.
One option is to choose a color that is traditionally sent to those who are grieving. White is a popular sympathy color since it speaks to hope, peace, and purity. In the west, you can’t go wrong sending white flowers for sympathy. Other soft colors including peach and pink are also appropriate options. If you don’t know the deceased very well, these traditional colors are an excellent choice.
Another option is to honor the deceased with their favorite color. If they loved purple, go ahead and send a funeral arrangement of purple blooms. Similarly, think about the preferences of those who are mourning. If they love orange and red don’t be afraid to send a warm bouquet coupled with a thoughtful note.
Flowers for Funerals
Before you send flowers to a funeral, think about your relationship with the deceased. This relationship should influence the type of memorial flowers you send.
Some funeral flower arrangements are large, such as standing sprays and wreaths. These flowers are traditionally given by people who are close to the deceased, such as a close friend or family member. Other flowers such as casket sprays are typically chosen by a spouse, parent, or child.
If you weren’t super close to the deceased it’s better to send a smaller arrangement or a potted plant. This will show that you care, without causing any stress to the family.
Plants for a Funeral
Although flowers are popular choices for funerals, they’re not the only option. Houseplants are also appropriate options for funerals as well as for showing someone sympathy.
If you are sending a plant to viewing, funeral, or memorial service, the plant will likely be put on display for everyone to see. That means it’s a good idea to send a larger plant that everyone can appreciate from a distance.
Here are some popular options for funeral plants.
- Peace lilies provide the same symbol of peace and hope of cut lilies, but they provide a bit more greenery. Plus, they’ll remind the mourners of their loved one, even after ceremonies are over.
- Orchids offer the color and delicacy of flowers while also offering the steadfastness of a potted plant.
Alternatively, you can send a potted plant directly to someone’s house. If you’re going this route, smaller plants are a better option. They will add some life and thoughtfulness without overwhelming the recipient.
- Succulents are a great choice for a sympathy plant since they are low maintenance. Losing a loved one is difficult, so the last thing you want to do is add on stress with a hard-to-care-for plant.
- ZZ plants are another good option since they can handle low light and periods of neglect. They are also drought-tolerant, so they make a great sustainable addition.
Where to Send Sympathy Flowers
Before you order sympathy flowers, you’ll need to think about where to send them. The destination will depend on your relationship to the grieving as well as their wishes.
Also, make sure to read the funeral announcement since this will often state where to send flowers.
- Home of the grieving: If you’re close with those who have lost a loved one and know they would appreciate flowers at home, it is okay to send flowers directly. However, if you know the deceased but not the family, you may want to avoid sending flowers to their home.
- Funeral director: A funeral director works closely with the family to ensure all arrangements are taken care of. They will know the wishes of the family and can place your flowers in the most appropriate location, whether that’s the funeral home, gravesite, or family’s home.
If you aren’t sure where to send the flowers, contact the funeral director. They will help you decide on the most appropriate location.
When to Send Sympathy Flowers
There’s no one right time to send sympathy flowers. If you wish to send flowers to a viewing or funeral, you’ll need to order the flowers in time for them to arrive at the events. The Bouqs Co. can work with you to have your flowers delivered on your preferred date.
If you’re sending flowers to the home of someone in mourning, the timing is up to you. You can send flowers as soon as you learn about the death to let the mourner know you are there for them throughout the grieving process. However, grief is a long process, so you can also send flowers weeks or months after the death.
Special Considerations
Before you opt for a funeral flowers delivery or send sympathy flowers, you should consider a few things.
- Family requests: Some families request that friends don’t send funeral or sympathy flowers. Rather, they ask people to donate to a charitable cause. If this is the family’s wish, it is best to honor it.
- Religious and cultural traditions: Before you send flowers, think about the deceased and mourners. If you aren’t sure of their faith or culture, reach out to the funeral director. Each religion and culture has different customs, and not all flowers are appropriate.
Send Condolence Flowers
Now that you know a bit more about choosing and sending sympathy flowers and plants, it’s time to pick out an appropriate option. We offer online bouquet delivery for elegant condolence and sympathy flowers. If you need some help choosing or creating the perfect sympathy arrangement, don’t be afraid to contact The Bouqs Co. We’ll be happy to help guide you through this difficult time.
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