Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
Find Your Local Florist:
Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
You are here: Home / Archives for Funeral Flowers

I Just Found The Neatest Idea For Funeral Flowers!

December 29, 2008 by 3 Comments

Ok, maybe “cool” is not the word but it’s definitely interesting.

I was reading the blog of Belvedere Flowers, a florist in Havertown Pennsylvania, when I discovered their clever tip for creating an arrangement of funeral flowers using calla lilies and Bells of Ireland. I never really figured calla lilies for sympathy flowers. I always saw calla lilies as a wedding flower or great for Easter and altar flower arrangements.

However, after seeing this grandiose sympathy arrangement from Belvedere Flowers, I’m inspired by the calming appeal of these flowers. They are so peaceful and beautiful. The light green Bells of Ireland just added to the placid nature of the arrangement. It doesn’t overwhelm the senses with bold color. These aren’t forceful flowers which announce their beauty to the world. These are very subtle, gentle and beautiful flowers which, when put together by Belvedere Flowers, are a very respectful showing of condolence.

You may also enjoy viewing this arrangement and reading more of the Belvedere Flowers Blog.

Filed Under: Funeral Flowers Tagged With: , ,

Sympathy Flowers Help The Grieving Process

November 22, 2008 by 1 Comment

Being from the south, the relationship between a funeral and flowers is a strong one. In the south our need to show sympathy for one’s loss is great and flowers are our way of expressing that sentiment. Upon hearing that someone we know has lost a loved one, we immediately call our florist and send flowers to the funeral home. Unfortunately in my lifetime this has been my experience too often. But I know that with each sympathy arrangement sent the compassion and caring I feel for the recipient is expressed. I also know that in some small way those sympathy flowers help the recipient through the grieving process. I can’t keep some one from grieving; but, I can do my part to help them through it and flowers are a nice way to do just that.

But I really didn’t know just how important flowers were to the grieving process. That was until recently. First let me say, we all understand how someone can grieving for a mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife or a friend. We have all grieved for a loved family member. What we forget is that to some of us our family extends beyond humans and often includes the wonderful creatures of this earth. The love for these family members is often as strong as the ones to their human counterparts. In these cases, the grieving process is just as intense requiring the same compassion and support from others.

Six weeks ago I lost my beloved Dudley, our 6 year old beagle/golden retriever mix, to cancer. His death was unexpected and a very emotional time. At the time I was inconsolable and for the first few days after my husband and I cried at the mention of his name. Fortunately for us, we have a great family and friends who showered us with sympathy in the form of cards and phone calls. But one special friend did what all southerners do at a time like this — she sent a beautiful sympathy flower arrangement.

This sympathy arrangement was delivered the day of Dudley’s memorial service (family and friends gathered to spread his ashes in our flower garden).

Orchid Sympathy Arrangement

Orchid Sympathy Arrangement

When they delivered the flowers I cried but at the same time it touched me that someone was acknowledging my sorrow.  Now I know that when you send funeral flowers, you don’t want them to make the recipient cry, but that is part of the process.  For the next few days every time I passed the flower arrangement I thought of Dudley.  At first it made me sad, then the flowers made me remember how much Dudley loved our flower garden.  Although this sympathy arrangement isn’t the only thing that helped me through the grieving process, the message conveyed through the flowers was an influential factor.

Sending funeral flowers is a gracious way to let someone know you care and support them during a difficult time. So, if you have ever been hesitant to send sympathy flowers when someone you know loses a loved one, please remember flowers really do soften the pain.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: , ,

Funeral Flowers Live On Despite Changing Memorial Traditions

July 15, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Funeral services are taking on a very different tone these days while the desire for funeral flowers remains constant. Funeral services today, though not always religious in nature, reflect the long-held traditions of many religious memorial services that celebrate the life of the deceased moreso than mourn a passing.

The family of my sister’s boyfriend recently celebrated ten years in the funeral home industry. My sister’s boyfriend Josh and I stumbled across a recent Ramblin’ Jan blog article that outlined some of the recent changes that help to personalize a loved one’s funeral service—a practice that is gaining popularity largely due to its help in expediting the healing process. Josh confirmed the personalization of funeral services and less rigid practices of mourning.

Josh was also able to offer very valuable news, that is, that funeral flowers are still in high demand and used in a wide variety of ways during the funeral service. According to Ramblin’ Jan, funeral flowers were used to decorate a Steinway and Sons piano during the non-traditional funeral for a concert pianist. Though personalized memorials are becoming the practice of the future, a traditional funeral service still requires traditional memorial gifts, i.e. funeral flowers. Sympathy baskets, casket sprays, funeral arrangements and more will long remain accepted and respectable choices for sympathy gifts or adorning funeral parlors.

Local funeral home directors and florists will be able to guide you in selecting an appropriate sympathy arrangement for the funeral service of a friend or loved one. Whether a traditional funeral service or a personalized memorial service, contact your local florist for information about which funeral flowers or arrangements are appropriate.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, Funeral Flowers Tagged With: , , , ,

In Lieu Of Flowers Doesn’t Mean No Funeral Flowers

January 16, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Back in December, Central Square News (the Central Square Florist blog) addressed the issue of “In Lieu of Flowers” concerning funeral flowers. It seems the question concerning the appropriateness of sending sympathy flowers surfaces over and over again. The 2003 Flower Shop Network newsletter – In Lieu of Flowers addressed the importance of flowers in the bereavement process. In fact, there have been many studies that prove the importance of flowers during times of emotional stress. But, I realized that the reason this question comes up, time and time again, is that people are uncomfortable with funerals and don’t want to make any mistake when it comes to showing their sympathy and support.

Funeral FlowersUnderstanding some of the terminology used in obituaries can help elevate some of the questions people have concerning funerals and what is appropriate. As Central Square Florist explains the term “in lieu of flowers” gives you the option of sending a donation instead of flowers – it is acceptable to give both, flowers and a donation. This phrase, however, does not state that the family does not want flowers. If flowers are not wanted at the service, the term “please omit” will be used.

Flowers are one of the most thought ways to express your sympathy, but ordering funeral flowers can be a frightening experience for some. Not all families deal with funerals the same way. When I was growing up, my parents didn’t believe that children should be exposed to funerals. As a result, I was unprepared the first time I needed to send flowers to a funeral. I was in college and a friend was killed in a car accident. I remember calling the local florist shop; I rambled on about needing flowers, not knowing what was appropriate or what information the florist needed; luckily the florist was very patient – walking me through all the steps and making suggestions. It would have been helpful to have some kind of guide.

As always, Flower Shop Network tries to give it’s reader pertained information about anything concerning flowers. In fact, the FSN Funeral Flower Etiquette newsletter discusses everything from the types of funeral flowers to the appropriateness of sympathy flowers based on culture. Although the newsletter is very helpful, I found that InLieuOfFlowers.info had a couple of really neat tribute guides. The Tribute Preference by State lists five types of floral sympathy categories (baskets – sprays – arrangements – wreaths, hearts & crosses – green and blooming plants) and then lists the categories in order of frequencies for each state. The Tribute Guide by Relationship lists the type of floral piece and which is appropriate to send by relationship.

So although “In Lieu of Flowers” is an option when you need to convey your sympathy remember it doesn’t mean no flowers. Flowers truly touch the heart and give comfort, so don’t be afraid to send flowers. If you are unsure of what kind of funeral flowers to send,

Talk to a local florist, read the FSN newsletters or check out the sympathy guides at InLieuOfFlower.info. If you have funeral flower questions, I’m always here to answer them. Remember, the funeral flowers you send will give convey a message of comfort and support in a difficult and emotional time.

Did you know, you can use FSNfuneralhomes.com to find a funeral home anywhere in the US and Canada.

Filed Under: Funeral Flowers Tagged With: , , ,

Are Fireside Baskets Appropriate For Funerals?

July 24, 2007 by Leave a Comment

Yesterday my neighbor called to ask me what I thought about sending a fireside basket to a funeral. She explained that an old high school friend passed away recently and she and some other friends sent sympathy flowers to the service held in another state. She explained that one of the ladies in her group handled all the arrangements. My neighbor received a thank you card for the fireside basket that was sent. She was concerned because she didn’t know what a fireside basket was and that it might not be appropriate for a funeral service.

Fireside baskets are floral arrangements created in a broad, low-sided, oval handled basket. Many times this type of flower arrangement is used as an appropriate alternative to a standing spray. In fact many families prefer a fireside basket to a standing spray.

While helping my sister-in-law at her flower shop, I have seen many funeral arrangements. I find that the fireside baskets were some of the most appropriate floral tributes. I remember a couple of fireside baskets that really represented the personality of the deceased. One basket was arranged so the flowers looked like they had been picked from someone’s flower garden and placed in the basket. This fireside basket was for an avid gardener. The second basket was for a man who loved fishing and the flowers were arranged in the basket with a fisherman figurine. It looked like the fisherman was walking through a wildflower field to his fishing hole.
So to make a long story short. It is appropriate to send a fireside basket to a funeral

Filed Under: Flower Etiquette Tagged With: , , , ,

Funeral Flowers

January 15, 2004 by 5 Comments

Funeral Arrangement

Funeral Flowers
After the death of a close friend or family member, those in mourning need a support system of people comforting and nurturing them through one of life’s most painful episodes. Most of us are anxious to find some way to help soon after we hear the news of someones passing. Nothing is more appropriate than the age old tradition of sending funeral flowers. Grief therapists agree that the rituals surrounding death, aid the grieving process.

Flowers for non-traditional services

Changing trends in how we commemorate deaths in this country has added some confusion about traditional funeral customs and funeral etiquette. Flowers have traditionally been sent to the funeral home for display during the viewing/visitation and funeral service. However, if no service is held, it does not mean that there should be no show of sympathy. In instances where there is no service, experts recommend sending condolences to the homes of the bereaved.

  • Cremations: Urns and cremation boxes can be accentuated with appropriate floral tributes. A small wreath or garland for these containers is appropriate and can even be incorporated into a larger floral arrangement. An array of coordinating baskets and sprays can also be placed around the container. When ashes are scattered on water, sympathy wreaths, loose flowers and flower petals are often tossed onto the waters surface.
  • Memorials: Places of significance, such as the podium where readings will be performed, a table displaying remembrances such as photos or special mementos and even a cemetery monument, can be adorned with flowers. Depending on the particular focal area, garlands, sympathy arrangements in vases or baskets and sympathy sprays are all appropriate choices. Just as flowers add softness and warmth to the surroundings, live plants displayed around an area can create a peaceful garden setting. Dish gardens and plants can be sent to the homes of family members of the deceased. Chrysanthemums or flowering shrubs such as azaleas are also good choices.
  • Ceremonial placement: A tragic death may be memorialized near the site where it occurred. Trees, markers, fences or other objects in the area can be adorned with floral decorations, such as garlands, wreaths or bouquets. Oftentimes attendees will place individual stems of flowers like roses at the ceremonial location.
Funeral Flowers - View Larger Picture Of In Loving Memory Basket
More Funeral Flowers Here

Too late for the funeral?

At one time or another it will happen to the best of us. The funeral was today at 10 a.m. and you just heard about it. Do not despair. It is considered proper funeral etiquette to send flowers to family members of the deceased at their residences. In fact, it is appropriate to send flowers, plants and sympathy gifts up to a month after the funeral services. Some people actually prefer to send funeral flowers at a later date. Although the initial outpouring of sympathy is a great comfort, eventually the chaos subsides, friends and relatives return home and reality sets in. At this point, many people feel lost and alone. Consider sending flowers or a plant with a personalized sympathy card that reads I’m here if you need me.” The bereaved will know you are still thinking of them and they can count on your support.

Make mine stand out, please.

To make your funeral flowers particularly special, ask your local florist to create an arrangement that reflects an aspect of the deceased’s personality. A rustic basket of wildflowers incorporating branches and natural materials is a perfect choice to honor someone who loved the outdoors. You could request that the florist use the deceased’s favorite flowers or colors or a flower with special significance. Be prepared to give the florist a few hints about the person you want to memorialize. Highly-personalized sympathy tributes might even include a sheaf of wheat in an arrangement for a farmer or a ball of yarn and knitting needles for someone who liked to knit. Toys can be used for adults and children alike. For instance, a semi-truck could be added to flowers for a truckers funeral or a teddy bear for a child’s service. You are limited only by your imagination. Almost anything can be incorporated into a floral arrangement, depending on the ability of your florist to accommodate your request. Whatever you do, the family is sure to notice your effort and appreciate it.

Remember to shop local!

Consult your local florist regarding any specifications at the particular funeral site. Some churches, funeral homes, and other sites may have strict regulations regarding location, size and types of flowers that are used in funeral services. With the guidance of a floral professional, you can make the appropriate choice in flowers that beautifully convey your expressions of sympathy toward the bereaved and serve as a lovely tribute to the memory of the deceased.

Filed Under: Flower Etiquette, Funeral Flowers Tagged With: , ,

In Lieu of Flowers?

January 15, 2003 by 2 Comments

Though death is the natural consequence of living; it’s never easy to endure the loss of a loved one. Still, one of the most appropriate and appreciated ways to express sympathy and compassion, as well as respect for the deceased, is by sending flowers.

Flowers At A Funeral – An Ancient Tradition

Sympathy Wreath On EaselFlowers have a long association with the funerary practices of humans, beginning in pre-history. In fact, the archeological record shows evidence of flowers being buried with the remains of Neanderthal men. Ancient civilizations across Europe and the Middle East also burned, buried or entombed flowers with their dead. With their innate processes of development… from infant seed, to youthful sprout, to fully blossomed adult, to withering petals, and culminating in the ripening pods or fruits which bear within them the promise of life renewed… Flowers are an elegant metaphor for the ongoing cycle of life itself, and a symbol of immortality; something which even cavemen understood.

(History lesson: Read more about the ancient traditions of African funerals)

The Fleeting, Essential Beauty of Sympathy Flowers

Humans and flowers are both products of nature, testaments to the mystery of being. With their essential but fleeting beauty, flowers remind us of our own existence and the temporal quality of our human lives. We cherish them all the more because they are so transient, like the spirits of those who have passed on before us.

  • Flowers bring comfort to the living as they commemorate the lives of the deceased.
  • Flowers provide a beautiful and thoughtful distraction from the grief of survivors.
  • Flowers express gratitude for life and for the privilege of knowing the departed.

Sympathy designs (flowers sent for a funeral) ought to be as special and unique as the life of the person they memorialize. To suggest that flowers are trivial or unimportant to the grieving process is to deny the truth of their message: life always goes on.

In Lieu Of

There has been a trend in recent years to place the words “please omit” or “in lieu of” into an obituary as pertaining to flowers, as if they were worthless or unwanted. The same sentiment would never be expressed with respect to the dead. And while a contribution to charity in the name of the deceased is always a fitting tribute, the value and importance of flowers sent in sympathy can never be understated. Consult your local florist to help you deliver a comforting message of condolence and concern.

Flowers are life exemplified.

Filed Under: Funeral Flowers, Newsletters Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Find Flowers
Learn & Explore
For the Florists
More About Us
We're Social
FSN on Facebook FSN on Youtube FSN on Pinterest FSN RSS Feed
fsn-01.local-aws
Flower Shop Network is your source for finding a real local florist.