fbpx

Sympathy Info & Etiquette

FAQ:

Is it okay to send flowers to the family’s home? If so, when is it appropriate to send them?

Certainly. This is a great way to express your sympathy and it is very common. Some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately while others prefer to wait a week or more. 

 

Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the obituary mentions a charitable donation?

Yes. Flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time.

 

What is appropriate to send for a cremation?

Almost anything that is appropriate for a normal funeral service can also be sent for a cremation service including fresh-cut flowers in a vase, potted plants, and standing easel sprays.

 

Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? If so, will the funeral home send it to the family after the service?

Yes, the funeral director will notify the family members that they may take the plants with them after the service.

 

Is it acceptable to send roses or flowers in a glass vase to the funeral home?

Absolutely. The only time this may not be acceptable is if the service is graveside because most cemeteries do not allow glass containers. In these cases, we recommend standing easel sprays or wreaths.

 

I just heard the sad news… Is it too late to send sympathy flowers?

Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral when the initial chaos has passed. No matter how much time has passed, the gesture of sending flowers reminds the bereaved that you have not forgotten them and you are still thinking of them and their loss.

 

Is it okay to send a fruit or gourmet food basket?

In some cases, a fruit or gourmet basket is greatly appreciated by a family who is receiving out-of-town guests during the mourning period. This type of gift does double-duty, delivering your condolences while helping to care for and nurture family and friends.

Understanding Sympathy Terms:

In the sympathy business, there are many terms used to describe various components of funeral service, including the flowers. Overlapping terminology used by florists in different regions of the country in reference to funeral arrangement styles sometimes be confusing. The following section provides a definition of sympathy designs.

 

Basket Arrangement – An arrangement in a container of wicker, plastic, or metal with or without a handle. The width of the container is equal to or greater than the height. It can be displayed on the floor or on a stand. In the South, plastic containers are often used. If a basket arrangement in a wicker container is preferred, it should be specified.

 

Blooming Plant – A flowering potted indoor plant such as an azalea, chrysanthemum, or spring bulb.

 

Casket Spray – A spray designed to cover a major portion of the top of a casket. A full couch casket spray is designed to be placed on a casket that is fully closed.

 

Cross – A structure consisting of an upright or standard with a transverse beam called an arm. 

 

Easel – A frame, usually three-legged, made of wood, metal, or branches that display and supports sprays and set pieces

 

Green Plant – A non-blooming indoor plant.

 

Heart (Set Piece) – A set piece in the shape of a heart, usually featuring one flower variety and trimmed with a small flower spray. Other variants include the following.

 

Spray – A one-sided flower design, flat on the backside, which can be displayed in various ways, for example, casket spray, easel spray, or flat spray.

Easel Spray – A spray designed to be displayed on an easel. It is also referred to as a standing spray.

Flat Spray – A triangular spray of greenery with flowers and a satin bow that is often designed in styrofoam. The sprays are often grouped by funeral directors to foam arches, crosses, or other shapes.

 

Vase Arrangement – A design placed in a container of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal. The container’s height is twice its width and does not have a handle.

 

Wreath – A ring or circle of flowers and/or foliage symbolizing eternity. A variation is a ribbon or foliage-wrapped wreath with a flower cluster.

Delayed Opening

All locations open at 11am today due to winter weather.

Shopping cart close