Funeral Flowers Flower Etiquette
It is never easy comforting a relative, friend or associate who has lost a loved one. People are often uncertain as to the best way to show their sympathy. Adding to this uncertainty are changing trends in how people commemorate the death of a loved one. Often services are simpler and shorter and viewing periods are now typically limited to one day, if they occur at all. A greater number of cremations have resulted in shorter or no memorial services.
Flowers have traditionally been sent to the funeral home for display during the viewing and service. However, this does not mean that there should be no show of sympathy if no service is held. Funeral flowers are a thoughtful way to convey a message to the family and friends of the deceased. They are also a way to send a last message of caring about the family member, friend, neighbor or colleague. The rituals surrounding death are an aid in the grieving process. In instances where there is no service, it is common to send condolences to the bereaved person or family's home.
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Gladious Basket
Floral Basket
Coffin Spray
Interior Casket Lid Arrangement
Small Arrangement |
Many people are unfamiliar with the terms used by florists for sympathy arrangements. There are many different types of floral arrangements from which to choose to express your feelings. Traditional gladiolus baskets are very common for services. If you wish to have the family take the flowers home after the services, a floral basket is much easier to transport. The arrangement is tastefully prepared and placed in a wicker basket for this purpose. Flowers hand-tied are set in water and more suited to be sent to the mourner’s home or transported to another location. Traditional floral sprays are yet another choice. Sprays are flowers designed for viewing from one side only. Sprays are often placed on an easel. These sprays are beautifully arranged with greenery and tied with a colorful ribbon. Coffin sprays are large arrangements of flowers that are approximately 4 feet long and are elegantly draped on the coffin. They can be ordered in colors befitting a male or female as well as a general floral spray mixed with appropriate greens. Flowers prepared in an oasis base last longer such as floral arrangements in the shape of a heart. Floral crosses in lengths of 2, 3, 4 and 5 feet are also available and very popular. Name tributes are individual flowers forming names or words up to seven letters on a background of greenery. These are usually chosen by close family members. Wreath rings are lovely floral tributes to consider sending. Wreath rings are often used because a circle symbolizes eternal life. They consist of a mixture of flowers loosely set in a green wreath. Pillows or cushions with your choice of flowers can be made up to be placed in the coffin. The name of the deceased can also be added to the pillow for personalization. Some prefer a smaller arrangement for at home or it may be more appropriate for some services. They can also be a nice touch if the mourner is hosting for some friends and family at their home after the services. Stars, small crosses, bears, bunnies or angels are traditional when the deceased is a child. The floral arrangements are done in white with trimming in greenery. If you would like to purchase these flower arrangements, please click on the images. |
 Floral Basket  Floral Spray  Wreath Ring  Small Memorial Arrangement |
Any type of flowers can be used for memorial and funeral tributes. However, there are certain flowers that are more popular and more commonly used in floral arrangements.
In many countries worldwide, chrysanthemums are traditionally used in funeral floral arrangements. White is the most popular color. However, they are also available in a number of other lovely colors.
One of the reasons white is so popular is that it can be sprayed any color that is desired. Another reason is that white denotes truth and honesty. Double chrysanthemums are also popular since they can be used for pillows, names and massed wreaths very easily.
Roses are a very popular funeral flower because of their striking beauty. Red roses are the most traditional flower used and white, yellow and pink are frequently used as well.
Another traditional funeral flower is the lily. Longiflorum lilies come in white only and the flower head has a trumpet shape. Other types of lilies are also often used in floral arrangements. Carnations are also traditional funeral flowers. Massed in red, they have great visual appeal. However, they are more expensive than chrysanthemums and are consequently not used as often.
Since the type of funeral flowers sent comes from the heart, the decision should reflect your personal feelings for the deceased and you should be satisfied that your choice sends a sincere and appropriate message.
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| Sympathy Flowers | Funeral | Recent Death |
