In both times of celebration and of grieving, sending flowers is a time-honored tradition. However, there are some best practices to keep in mind regarding floral arrangements.
DO ask before sending anything
“There are a wide variety of reasons a family might not want to receive floral arrangements. It might be a religious or cultural reason, or maybe they would prefer to receive donations to a charity,” says Brian Calhoun, Funeral Director at Stuhr Funeral Home.
First, check the obituary to see if the family has made any specific requests regarding flowers (i.e., whether or not to send them and where). If you’re still unsure, you can reach out to Stuhr to see what we suggest.
DON’T just send any arrangement
While you may be tempted to choose the largest arrangement to express your deep condolences, that’s not always appropriate. Typically, large arrangements that adorn the casket, like casket wreaths and casket sprays, are reserved for close family to send.
For coworkers and friends, it’s better to stick with standing spray or wreaths, potted plants or floral baskets to sit near the casket.
DO be thoughtful about your flower choices
There’s no ‘best’ type of flower to send to a funeral or memorial, but here are some of the most popular choices:
1. Lilies– These flowers are a traditional choice for funerals, especially white ones because they represent rejuvenation of the soul and rebirth.
2. Carnations– Another common choice for expressing sympathy. Pink carnations symbolize remembrance, white carnations represent pure love and red carnations mean admiration.
3. Gladioli– These tall and stately blooms are a member of the iris family and represent strength of character and moral integrity.
4. Roses– Roses are especially versatile because each shade has a different meaning. White stands for reverence and innocence; red represents respect, love, and courage; pink conveys love and grace; crimson expresses grief and sorrow, and yellow symbolizes friendship.
5. Orchids– Due to their delicate nature, orchids are usually sent as a standalone potted plant and represent everlasting love. Pink and white varieties are generally seen as the most appropriate varieties for a funeral.
6. Chrysanthemums– In many cultures worldwide, chrysanthemums are only used as funeral flowers as they represent death and grief. However, in the U.S., these blooms stand for truth and are seen as a symbol of honor and respect.
7. Forget-Me-Nots– As the name suggests, these little blue blooms symbolize everlasting remembrance. Given their size, though, they are best used as part of a bigger arrangement.
8. Hydrangea– This flower is also most commonly seen at funerals as a potted plant, allowing families to enjoy it for a longer period of time. It represents heartfelt sincerity.
For suggestions on florists in the Charleston area, check outthese recommendations from Stuhr Funeral Home. “Here at Stuhr, we’re able to guide you in making the right decision when it comes to flower arrangements for your loved one’s departure,” Calhoun said.
