While words are not enough to express condolence, the flowers are often the language that speaks from within. These are sympathy flowers — sent to comfort people, give them support, and remind those bereaved that love never ends even when times become very dark. However, there are a few tenets of etiquette one can observe to make a thoughtful choice while choosing the right flowers for the appropriate occasion.
It’s a guide to help you through the process of sending sympathy flowers—right from picking up the right arrangement to understanding the subtlety behind different blooms.
What Are Sympathy Flowers?
According to Thanks a Bunch Florist, “Sympathy flowers are those that are sent to the family of the deceased with the idea of expressing condolence. They are designed to provide solace in times of pain and grief, and as such, they are normally very sombre and sophisticated in appearance. They are modest in appeal, unlike celebratory flower arrangements, with the sole motive of expressing respect, love, and memory.”
Choosing the Right Sympathy Flowers
In subtlety and meaning behind any sympathy flowers, one is making the right choice. Here are some classic, meaningful options.
- White Orchid Vase: Orchids speak of eternal love and beauty, so they are never off-season when it comes to sympathy flowers. A simple white orchid in a vase will bring a nice display of elegance and peace. It will be a perfect option if you wish to convey your condolences and at the same time present a sense of calm to the family that is in mourning.
- Pink & Sage Arrangement: This delicate arrangement brings peace and serenity in a soft and gentle mix of pink and sage green flowers. Soft pink roses express grace and gratitude, while the sage foliage does the talking in its tranquillity. It is an appropriate way to show peaceful condolences most lovingly.
- Everlasting Mini Sheaf: This small bunch, by and large, holds a mix of dried flowers—everlasting love and memories that never die. A beautiful and subtler way of condolence expression, this is one; in particular, when a small but most symbolic present is to be given.
- Iris Rose Sympathy Bouquet: Iris conveys hope and faith while the roses speak of love and respect. Therefore, this makes the Iris Rose Sympathy Bouquet a touching way you can express support and hope during their time of sorrow.
When You Should Send Sympathy Flowers
There is no strict rule on when to send sympathy flowers, but generally, they are sent within the first two weeks of hearing of someone’s passing. The sooner you send it the better, for it lets the mourning family know that you’re thinking about them in such hard times.
However, condolence flowers can also be sent weeks or even months after the funeral to show your continued remembrance and thoughts of support. It is a small gesture that will make them realise they are not walking alone in their process of healing.
Where to Send Sympathy Flowers
You can determine where to send your flowers based on the circumstances and your relationship with the deceased or their family. Here are some common locations:
- To the Family Home: Flowers sent directly to the family home can be personal and warmly comforting during times of sorrow. White Orchid Vases or Pink & Sage Arrangements are perfect arrangements to give, both simple and full of love.
- To the Funeral or Memorial Service: Directly pay your respect to the deceased by having flowers sent to the funeral service. The Everlasting Mini Sheaf or the Iris Rose Sympathy Bouquet is suitable for this purpose. These are serene additions to the ceremony.
- To a Place of Worship: If religious service is part of the activities for the family, you may want to send your arrangement to the family’s place of worship. White lilies, orchids, or irises are traditional flowers usually seen as respectful when sent to a place of religion.
Some Things to Consider
Whenever sending sympathy flowers, be mindful not only of the right flowers to convey but also of the family’s desires and cultural practices. So here are a few things to consider:
- Religious and Cultural Sensitivities: Different religions and cultures have different customs when someone dies and is being mourned. Some simply do not send flowers at all. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask or choose an arrangement that feels relatively neutral—like the White Orchid Vase, elegant and appropriate across many traditions.
- Size and Design of Arrangement Sympathy Flowers: These are more subdued in comparison to celebratory arrangements. Select from more petite, pretty designs that are a sign of the event, not large, flashy bouquets that would be out of place. ; for example, “The Everlasting Mini Sheaf” is a design that is simple and tasteful.
- Add a Kind Note: Your flowers will always be appreciated, but a heartfelt message can provide even more comfort. It doesn’t have to be flowery; something as simple as “Thinking of you during this difficult time” or “With heartfelt sympathy and love” will do. This little touch can mean much to those in mourning.
Flowers to Avoid for Sympathy Arrangements
While most flowers are suitable for condolences, it is very inadvisable to use very bright, overly celebratory blooms, like sunflowers or tropical flowers, unless those are expressly what the family has asked for. Generally, the use of softer colours and arrangements that convey peace and remembrance is more suitable.
Final Thoughts
A bouquet of sympathy flowers expresses a perfect force of support and comfort during one of the hardest times in life. Be it a White Orchid Vase for its elegance and peace, a Pink & Sage Arrangement for its warmth, or an Everlasting Mini for its lasting symbolism, it will let those who matter know you are there with them.
Remember, it’s not the flowers; it’s the thought and caring enough to choose them. Simple etiquette guidelines will make sure your sympathy flowers are a meaningful expression of heartfelt love and support.
