Funeral Flower Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

Funeral Flower Etiquette? ›

Funeral flower etiquette dictates that you always address funeral flowers to the funeral parlor, with an instruction informing the funeral home personnel that the flowers are for the funeral of the name of the decedent. You can also take funeral flowers to the grave – especially if you're a family member.

Funeral flower etiquette dictates that you always address funeral flowers to the funeral parlor, with an instruction informing the funeral home personnel that the flowers are for the funeral of the name of the decedent. You can also take funeral flowers to the grave – especially if you're a family member.

They let the bereaved know, visibly, how much their loved one touched the lives of others. Just as we would never choose not to send sympathy cards, offer assistance, or donate food when asked to make a financial contribution, flowers are always appropriate and appreciated.

For a close friend: A bouquet of yellow roses and pink carnations. For a family member: A wreath of red roses and mums of any color. For a spouse/partner: An elegant bouquet of orchids.

While giving flowers for a funeral is a tradition that has been around a long time, it is one that evolved considerably over the years. Since the art of embalming has developed slowly over centuries, flowers were traditionally used to cover the unpleasant odors of a decaying body.

You can order either type as soon as you hear of the death. However, funeral flowers should arrive in time for – and ideally on the day of – the funeral service. On the other hand, you may choose to send sympathy flowers days or even weeks after the service has taken place.

That is ultimately if you're wanting to know how to respond to condolences, saying “thank you” is the best way. A few other ways you can respond are by saying: “Thank you, that means a lot.” “Thank you so much, and thank you for coming.” (Can be used at funeral, viewing or memorial.)

Do express your condolences sincerely and let the person know you are thinking of them. When you're at a loss for words, keeping your response simple and genuine (e.g. “I'm sorry for your loss – please know that I'm here for you.”) is the best approach.

If the condolence was delivered to you face-to-face, the best way to reply is with a simple “thank you” or “I appreciate that”. You may not feel ready to hold a long conversation, which is perfectly fine.

Is it weird to send flowers when someone dies? ›

Friends, coworkers, and relatives may choose to send flowers. Virtually any type of flower or plant is suitable and can be chosen to reflect the personality of the deceased. Flowers can be sent to the bereaved's home, workplace, or to the funeral home.

Sending flowers is a traditional, thoughtful way to show that you are sorry for the family's loss. You can send flowers to the family home or arrange for them to be present at the funeral service.

Sending or bringing funeral flowers is a traditional and appropriate gesture at a funeral. Immediate family members are typically expected to bring or send flowers to the funeral service.

Chrysanthemums. In many European cultures, chrysanthemums are only used as funeral flowers as they are symbolic of death.

The difference between “funeral flowers” and “sympathy flowers” is that funeral flowers will go directly to the funeral home to act as a tribute at the service of the deceased. They add decoration, beauty, and life to what can be an overwhelmingly somber event. Sympathy flowers are typically sent after the service.

Labor and expertise: Skilled florists invest time and expertise in designing and arranging funeral flowers to create meaningful tributes. The labor involved in creating intricate arrangements contributes to the overall cost.

Other floral arrangements for other areas of the funeral home or the church can be provided by distant members of the family and friends and acquaintances. To put it simply, only the immediate family has the right to put any type of flower arrangement on or within the immediate vicinity of the casket.

 The name of the deceased or the person taking receipt of the delivery.  The date and time of the funeral.  A card message to be sent with your tribute.

But if there are a viewing it is rather common to bring a flower, a letter, or a personal belonging. These are put in the coffin next to the deceased. It will a more personal gift/greeting than the flowers you lay on the coffin at the funeral ceremony.

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.