Flowers sent to the funeral home serve as a tribute at the service of the deceased. They add decoration, beauty, fragrance, and life to a somber event. They are symbolic not only of love and sympathy, but also of eternity and immortality. Today, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences when words fail us.
What's the difference between "funeral flowers" and "sympathy flowers"?
Flowers for the funeral service go directly to the funeral home. These floral arrangements are often large and formal. They provide decoration and serve as a tribute to the deceased. Due to this, they look best in a funeral home and at graveside services. Funeral flowers are usually not addressed to a particular loved one of the deceased but are intended, instead, as a way to pay respect to the deceased themselves.
Sympathy flowers go to the home of the deceased. They should be addressed and sent directly to a loved one of the deceased (family member, friend, acquaintance or business associate) who has suffered a recent loss. They are usually smaller or mid-sized floral arrangements that look good on end tables or used as centerpieces. Plants also make a great sympathy choice because they provide a lasting reminder of your thoughtfulness and serve as a keepsake in memory of the recipient's loved one.
Is it appropriate to send flowers for the casket?
The tradition of adorning the casket with fresh flowers is typically reserved for the closest family members, often the deceased's spouse, children or those making the funeral arrangements. For that reason, it's recommended that you inquire with the family before ordering a gift of flowers for the casket.
I just heard the sad news…is it too late to send funeral flowers?
No matter when you hear the sad news, sending flowers is always appropriate. If you still have time, you can choose to send a flower arrangement to the wake and funeral service, or if you already missed the funeral, then you could send a plant, food basket or sympathy flowers to the home of the surviving family members.
Are there certain types of flowers that are not appropriate for sending to a funeral service?
Every flower, when tastefully arranged, is appropriate for expressing condolences. Designs that are going to a memorial or funeral service usually have larger flowers to create dramatic tributes. Small-scale flowers in mid- to small-size designs are usually used for sending to the home. Only family members who are arranging the funeral should order flowers for the casket.
The obituary says "In lieu of funeral flowers," but I still would like to send flowers – is this appropriate?
As part of making funeral arrangements, family members sometimes request a charitable donation is made "in lieu of flowers". We think you should make the contribution; however, it is also acceptable if you decide you would also like to send flowers to the funeral service. Your donation will honor the family request and the flowers will add beauty, fragrance and life to a somber event.
I am not certain where the service is being held. Can Saville’s help me?
Don't worry, if you have the name of the deceased and the funeral home, We will have the local obituaries on hand to check them. You can trust Saville’s to take good care of your order and get your arrangement to the funeral on time.
I am unsure on what to say and how to sign the card.
Most enclosure cards use messages like "With Deepest Sympathy" or "With love and sympathy." You should use your first and last name to avoid confusion for the family. If there are a group of names, you should spell each one for the person taking the order to make sure he or she has the correct information. Also, take a look at our Suggestions for Writing Sympathy Card Messages page.
I want to provide an arrangement for the service, but I don’t know what the set-up will be that day
Consider a funeral standing spray or wreath designed on a freestanding easel. This allows your funeral flower arrangements to be easily moved around on the day of the service.