Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging, and finding the right way to express condolences is essential. Funeral flowers have long symbolised sympathy and support, comforting grieving families. They visually represent love, sympathy, and respect for the deceased and their family. But while the bereaved will deeply appreciate your condolence flowers, it’s also essential that you observe proper etiquette when doing so.
Proper etiquette when sending flowers is crucial as it shows your sentiments to the family and the deceased and is a sign of respect.
With this, we’re here to let you know everything about the proper etiquette of sending condolence flowers:
1. Consider the Culture and Religion of the Deceased and Their Families
If the deceased loved one or colleague is devoutly religious or comes from a different culture, you should learn about their funeral customs or ask their families about it. That way, you can offer your sympathy gift in a way that’s appropriate and respectful to their religious beliefs and culture.
For example, you can offer funeral wreaths or condolence flowers if they are Christian or Catholic. However, in some cultures, like Buddhists and those in the Islamic faith, money in an envelope as an offering to the family is typically the custom.
2. Choose the Right Flowers
Once you’ve confirmed whether flowers are the appropriate offering for their funeral, you must also select flowers for your arrangement. Lilies, roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums are the most common funeral flowers offered. Each flower carries its symbolic meaning, so choose according to your intentions.
- Lilies – Lilies are among the most common flowers used in funeral arrangements, renowned for their simple, elegant beauty and pleasing fragrance. They symbolise the restoration of innocence to the departed soul.
- Roses – Another traditional choice for funerals is roses, with each colour having its own meaning; red roses signify innocence, while white roses denote purity, innocence and spirituality.
- Carnations – You can typically find carnations in funeral wreaths and flower stands. Like roses, their meaning also depends on their colour. For example, white carnations suggest pure love and innocence, and pink carnations stand for remembrance of the deceased.
- Chrysanthemums – Known commonly as “mums,” these flowers are more prevalent in funerals in Asian cultures. Particularly, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and/or grief, making them appropriate flowers for expressing condolences.
3. Address the Funeral Flowers to the Right Person
Addressing funeral flowers to the right person is a crucial aspect of funeral etiquette, as it ensures that your gesture reaches the intended recipients respectfully and respectfully. Typically, funeral flowers are sent to the immediate family members of the deceased. This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and children. Expressing your sympathy to those who have been closest to them during their time on earth can be a poignant gesture during these difficult times.
4. Determine the Right Timing to Send the Funeral Flowers
Timing is crucial when sending funeral flowers. It’s essential to ensure that your gesture arrives at an appropriate time to provide comfort to the grieving family. Funeral schedules can vary, and it’s important to respect the family’s chosen timing for the service and visitations. Therefore, it’s a courtesy to notify the immediate family members first when you plan to send your flowers. That way, you can coordinate the appropriate time to meet or deliver the flowers to the funeral home or service.
5. Craft a Heartfelt Message
While condolence flowers are a visual expression of your sentiments, including a heartfelt message can make your tribute even more meaningful, especially if the person is someone close to you. Words have the power to bring comfort, acknowledge pain, and share in sorrow. The impact of your written words is an essential aspect of the whole gesture, as they can provide a tangible form of emotional support.
Send Your Floral Sympathies the Right Way
Funeral flowers serve as a final tribute to the deceased and offer comfort to their family. Sending flowers with attention to detail and proper etiquette is more than just a formality; it’s an extension of your love, respect, and sympathy. By following proper etiquette when sending funeral gifts, like flowers, you can rest assured that they can provide meaningful support to the bereaved in their time of need.
