Nothing can entirely dull the pain of losing someone special. However, when people show you that they care, it can help make those first few days of agonizing loss just a little more bearable. Funeral flowers are a beautifully poignant reminder to those grieving the loss of a loved one that you are there for them and have them in your thoughts.
It's not always clear where you stand with flower etiquette when using flowers to express condolences and sympathies. We've put together a quick guide on how to order funeral flowers and where to send funeral flowers. We can help you show you care and are with the grieving family and friends in thought and spirit.
Where to Send Funeral Flowers
Knowing where to send funeral flowers will depend on your relationship with the deceased, whether you knew them, how close you were to them, or how important they were to the person receiving the flowers.
A bouquet to the family home is a more intimate gesture if you are close to the family. If you think it is more appropriate for the flowers to arrive at the funeral home, there is no harm in doing that instead. We are sure both gestures will be noticed and appreciated.
Smaller floral arrangements and posies may be more appropriate for the home due to space considerations. If you send flowers to the funeral home, larger arrangements and wreaths will work well.
How Big Should the Funeral Flower Arrangement Be?
A lot of factors will go into your choice of size for the funeral flower arrangement. Small casket covers and funeral wreaths of gerberas, orchids, and roses make a nice gesture. However, you might prefer to go for something larger and grander.
As we said earlier, your relationship with the family or friends, and the person who has passed will determine the type of funeral flower arrangement you feel will be most suitable. Your budget is also a factor. Your florist will be more than happy to give you tips and professional advice, so don't be afraid to ask.
How to Choose Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers aren't just a final gesture of farewell. Yes, they are a beautiful way to say goodbye, but they also convey how much the deceased person meant to you. In some small way, funeral flowers reflect their personality, their life, and their contribution to the world.
When deciding on a funeral arrangement, consider the deceased's personality to help you make the right choice. Roses and gerberas would reflect a bubbly, cheerful personality. A thoughtful and reserved spirit might appreciate a more formal arrangement of majestic orchids or oriental lilies.
When your choice reflects the deceased's personality, you show that you have put a lot of thought into your selection of flowers and that they will live on through cherished memories.
Always choose your funeral flowers when it comes to the family, which may mean you will need to respect their religious beliefs when deciding on an appropriate arrangement.
Suitable Funeral Flowers
There are a variety of flowers that are suitable for a funeral, so here are a few you might like to consider.
Lilies
Lilies are one of the most traditional funeral flowers. They symbolize the soul of the dearly departed and offer hope for renewal. White is also a preferred color for many different religions in times of grief. A white lily basket arrangement may be the perfect way to say a final goodbye.
Carnations
To show sympathy, carnations have always been a popular choice. These fragrant flowers are long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for services that last over several days. Pink carnations represent remembrance and comforting thoughts, while white carnations denote innocence and purity. A rainbow selection provides lots of options to express the full gamut of emotions you are feeling.
Hydrangeas
Funeral flowers don't always have to be cut flower arrangements. A potted hydrangea will be appreciated by families who will continue to rely on your support. Hydrangeas are used all over the world to express deep, heartfelt emotions. While they are often used to express joy, in a funeral sense, they represent a deep and abiding loss.
Gladioli
Gladioli are a tall flower and perfect for larger arrangements. They are often used to reflect the strong character and the unshakeable integrity of the deceased. At the funeral home, gladiolus sends an uplifting message in a time of loss.
Tulips and Daffodils
The bright yellow color of tulips and daffodils symbolize hope, fresh starts, and renewal and are used to send a message of love and encouragement to the bereaved.
Chrysanthemums
In many European countries, Chrysanthemums are used for funerals exclusively because they are symbolic of death. However, in the US, they represent life and are used at funerals to honor the life of someone who was always cheerful and lived life to the fullest.
How to Arrange Funeral Flowers for Mourning
There are many ways to arrange funeral flowers. Your florist can arrange your selection in baskets, sprays, or vases and will be more than happy to guide you on what will be most appropriate. Gladioli stand tall and are an excellent choice for funeral sprays. Baskets and vases perfectly complement an arrangement of lilies, roses, or carnations.
I Missed the Funeral - Should I Still Order Funeral Flowers?
Yes, you can never be too late in showing how much you care and how much the deceased meant to you. If the funeral service has concluded, the family will still appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending a funeral flower arrangement to the family’s home. It's always nice to know that someone, somewhere still cares.
Should I Still Order Funeral Flowers If I Live a Long Distance from the Deceased?
Distance does not diminish your feelings for your loved ones, and it cannot dilute your emotions when you suffer a loss. Even if the deceased lived on the opposite side of the globe, you could still show your thoughts and feelings to the family by sending a funeral arrangement to those you know are suffering through the tragic loss.
You can order funeral flowers online at any time of the day or night, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced florists at Conroy's Flowers Bakersfield serving areas around Bakersfield, CA will then create your arrangement and directly deliver it to the family's home or funeral home.