Frequently Asked Questions about Sympathy Tributes
Q: What is appropriate to send to a funeral?
A: Fresh flowers, plants, dish gardens, or arrangements incorporating keepsakes for the family
are all very appropriate sympathy tributes. Different areas of the country have different customs
so consulting the florist you have selected in the area of the country where the tribute is to be
delivered will give you information for an appropriate tribute.
are all very appropriate sympathy tributes. Different areas of the country have different customs
so consulting the florist you have selected in the area of the country where the tribute is to be
delivered will give you information for an appropriate tribute.
| A Classic Funeral Florist Sympathy Tributes |
Q: If I can only afford $25-$35, is there something I can send?
A: One choice would be a decorated plant or small planter. Another alternative is a small table
arrangement - usually a small basket that can easily be taken home by the family after the service.
arrangement - usually a small basket that can easily be taken home by the family after the service.
Q: Sometimes I see a charity mentioned "in lieu of flowers" in the obituary. Is it still
appropriate to send flowers?
appropriate to send flowers?
A: Because flowers say what is difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good
taste. Many people like to express sympathy and show respect for the deceased in a variety of
ways including charitable contributions, food, cards, a helping hand and of course, flowers.
Funeral directors tell us that most people do not want a service completely devoid of flowers. For
more information about research in this area, click on the :In Lieu Of" link at the bottom of the
home page.
taste. Many people like to express sympathy and show respect for the deceased in a variety of
ways including charitable contributions, food, cards, a helping hand and of course, flowers.
Funeral directors tell us that most people do not want a service completely devoid of flowers. For
more information about research in this area, click on the :In Lieu Of" link at the bottom of the
home page.
Q: I only know the son, daughter, etc. - is that some way I can address the card
specifically to them?
specifically to them?
A: You can request that your arrangement be given to a specific person after the service at the
time you place the order. You should always give us your contact information in case we are
contacted by the deceased family when they are writing their thank you notes.
time you place the order. You should always give us your contact information in case we are
contacted by the deceased family when they are writing their thank you notes.
Q: We are having a flag - can we still send flowers?
A: Yes, you order standing sprays or basket arrangements to be placed next to the casket.
Sometimes, the family will order matching arrangements to frame the casket. They may also
request that arrangements be made of red, white and blue flowers.
Sometimes, the family will order matching arrangements to frame the casket. They may also
request that arrangements be made of red, white and blue flowers.
Q: Is it alright to send brightly colored flowers for a funeral? I don't want flowers to look
too "funeral looking".
too "funeral looking".
A: Absolutely. Bright flowers reflect the deceased's personality, energy or love of life. They can
also send a message that you were happy to have known them during their life. Although very
traditional arrangements are still used in many parts of the country, they can be designed to
incorporate a variety of more contemporary flowers and structure.
For ideas, we can provide you with books showing a variety of sympathy tributes to create
contemporary designs or flower combinations.
also send a message that you were happy to have known them during their life. Although very
traditional arrangements are still used in many parts of the country, they can be designed to
incorporate a variety of more contemporary flowers and structure.
For ideas, we can provide you with books showing a variety of sympathy tributes to create
contemporary designs or flower combinations.
Q: Who orders the casket spray?
A: Normally, the closest family member(s) does. In some cases, the funeral director may actually
place the order in compliance with the family's wishes. In cases of prepaid funerals, there is
usually a flower allowance that is part of package. The allowance can be used for the casket
spray or any other flowers the family desires.
place the order in compliance with the family's wishes. In cases of prepaid funerals, there is
usually a flower allowance that is part of package. The allowance can be used for the casket
spray or any other flowers the family desires.
Q: Are ribbon streamers with writing appropriate on my sympathy arrangement?
A: Traditionally, ribbon streamers with messages are included on arrangements sent by close
family members. Messages like "Dearest Aunt", "Loving Father", etc. are examples of these
messages are used.
However, an arrangement sent by an organization or a dear friend might include the name of the
organization or a nickname for the deceased. These messages should always include an enclosure
card with the names of the sending organization or friend.
family members. Messages like "Dearest Aunt", "Loving Father", etc. are examples of these
messages are used.
However, an arrangement sent by an organization or a dear friend might include the name of the
organization or a nickname for the deceased. These messages should always include an enclosure
card with the names of the sending organization or friend.
Q: I am part of a group. What are some suggestions?
A: When groups of family members, friends or neighbors go together on an arrangement, they
are able to select an arrangement that can be very special. Themed arrangements, including
sprays, wreaths and plants have become very popular. Your florist can incorporate items of
interest to the deceased, hobbies, keepsakes, etc. that will personalize the arrangement. These
items will make the arrangement memorable to the family as well as your group. Be sure that
your florist has a contact name and address so the family knows whom to thank.
are able to select an arrangement that can be very special. Themed arrangements, including
sprays, wreaths and plants have become very popular. Your florist can incorporate items of
interest to the deceased, hobbies, keepsakes, etc. that will personalize the arrangement. These
items will make the arrangement memorable to the family as well as your group. Be sure that
your florist has a contact name and address so the family knows whom to thank.
Q: What is appropriate to send for a cremation?
A: Because this practice is increasingly common, florists are developing new designs appropriate
for memorial services where the urn may or may not be displayed. Families can select from
arrangements to highlight the urn or to display pictures of the deceased for the memorial service.
If there is a visitation before the service, palms, green plants and larger traditional tributes can
create a beautiful setting for the service.
for memorial services where the urn may or may not be displayed. Families can select from
arrangements to highlight the urn or to display pictures of the deceased for the memorial service.
If there is a visitation before the service, palms, green plants and larger traditional tributes can
create a beautiful setting for the service.
Q: I found out about the death after the funeral (or cremation) was over. What can I do?
A: A floral arrangement or food basket received at home after the funeral can be a welcome
reminder that friends haven't forgotten. A recent university study show the bereaved appreciate
being thought of in the weeks and months after the funeral.A table arrangement or vase
appropriate to the home would be a good selection, when accompanied by a "thinking of you"
message.
reminder that friends haven't forgotten. A recent university study show the bereaved appreciate
being thought of in the weeks and months after the funeral.A table arrangement or vase
appropriate to the home would be a good selection, when accompanied by a "thinking of you"
message.
Q: How will I know if my delivery was made to a funeral home?
A: Many funeral homes maintain a log of the arrangements they receive. If the delivery is close to
the visitation hours, then the delivery person lets the funeral director know that there has been a
late delivery. You can request a delivery confirmation for your florist at the time you place your
order. You will be contacted by telephone or email to acknowledge the arrangement was delivered.
the visitation hours, then the delivery person lets the funeral director know that there has been a
late delivery. You can request a delivery confirmation for your florist at the time you place your
order. You will be contacted by telephone or email to acknowledge the arrangement was delivered.
Q: The visitation and service are at church - not a funeral home. Where do I send the
flowers?
flowers?
A: You can request the delivery be made to church or the funeral home. Since the service will be
supervised by a funeral director, it makes their job easier if the flowers are delivered directly to
church. They will make sure that the arrangement is placed in the appropriate location and then
assure that the family has access to any flowers they with to take home after the funeral.
supervised by a funeral director, it makes their job easier if the flowers are delivered directly to
church. They will make sure that the arrangement is placed in the appropriate location and then
assure that the family has access to any flowers they with to take home after the funeral.
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