When someone is grieving, finding the right words to console them can be challenging. We instead express sympathy through flowers. For centuries, people express sorrow and offer comfort through flowers. However, it’s mandatory to understand which flowers are appropriate to send and the meanings behind them So here we have compiled a list of five florals, along with their meaning and etiquette tips to keep in mind when sending them.

Lilies

The lily represents the innocence of the soul of the deceased, White lilies are often chosen for funerals because it symbolizes transience of life. Lilies will be beautiful flowers to send to a grieving family as a gentle reminder that their loved ones has found peace and this is a transition to a new chapter in life.

Etiquette tips:

When to send: The timing is important. Sending lilies promptly would be suitable. You can send them to the funeral home before the service or if you are sending them to the family’s residence, sending them few days after the funeral would be appropriate.

Arrangement: A basket of lilies with some roses or chrysanthemums, would be suitable to send to a grieving family. They also pair well with some greenery.

Roses

Roses are versatile flowers. For many years, roses have been a symbol of love and sympathy. Sending roses to memorial services or as sympathy gifts would symbolize deep respect and peace during loss.

Etiquette tips:

When to send: Whether it’s white, red or pink roses, they are fitting for various stages of grieving process. You can sent them immediately after the loss or during death anniversaries.

Arrangement: You can sent them in casket sprays, standing arrangements, or sympathy bouquets. One can also send a single rose signifying love and remembrance.

Carnation

Carnations are often associated with remembrance and sympathy. White and pink carnations are typically used in funeral arrangements representing love and remembrance for the loved souls. Although white carnations would be particularly fitting as they represent grief and sorrow.

Etiquette tips:

When to send: Sending carnations soon after the loss is a thoughtful way to express condolences. If you are attending the funeral you can take a bouquet of carnations as a sign of respect and sorrow.

Arrangement: They are often used in casket sprays, wreaths or as a bouquet mixed with some other flowers

Orchids

Orchids represent everlasting love and sympathy which makes it ideal choice for ceremonies of remembrance. Pink and white orchids are commonly used to express loss and sympathy. Orchids hold a special significance in Asian culture, represent everlasting love and strength.

Etiquette tips:

When to send: Sending orchids during funerals is a thoughtful gesture. You can also send orchids to someone who has recently someone in their life or on the death anniversary reminding the bereaved that you are there for them.

Arrangement: Potted orchids or a bouquet of orchids would be an ideal to give during funerals or memorial services.

Chrysanthemums

In many cultures, mums are often used in memorial services because it symbolizes rebirth and joy. In China, Japan, and Korea, white chrysanthemums are a symbol of grief. Additionally in Europe, they are used in funerals and gravesites. Mums would be ideal to send as they represent grief and loyalty.

Etiquette tips:

When to send: You can send chrysanthemums during funerals or memorial services with condolences message to express respect and sympathy. Bringing chrysanthemums to gravesites is a sign of honoring the deceased.

Arrangement: The best arrangements would be a large standing spray, chrysanthemums wreaths or simply a bouquet.

General Etiquette Tips for Sending Sympathy Flowers

Timing

Timing matters a lot if you are sending flowers to the bereaved families. It’s suggested best to send the flowers as soon as you hear of the loss. It would also be appropriate if you send sympathy flowers after few weeks as a reminder that you are thinking of them.

Personalization

Adding a simple note or message with flowers would be considered very thoughtful. You can share something personal that you shared with the deceased- maybe a distant memory. This can offer the family an additional moment and another aspect of their loved one to cherish.

Respecting Traditions:

Before sending flowers keep in mind their religious and cultural beliefs. In some tradition maybe sending red roses during grief can be considered too romantic. For example in Jewish tradition, lowers are not typically sent to funerals, and it’s more customary to send food or donations instead.

Choosing the Right Arrangement:

It is also significant to consider what kind of floral arrangement you are sending. If you are sending florals to funeral services then larger arrangements like wreaths and sprays would be preferred but if you are sending it to the funeral’s home a less formal arrangement like bouquets or potted plants would be more suitable.
Sending flowers to the bereaved families is not just about selecting a bunch of beautiful blooms. It’s about understanding the meaning and respecting their cultural and religious traditions. Providing meaningful flowers that offer a bit of peace and support is essential.