sympathy flowers

Getting the perfect flower for funeral wake can be a daunting task. Flowers have always been an essential part of any funeral. It is common practice to give flowers to offer condolences and provide comfort to the bereaved family. Flowers also serve as decoration in a deceased person’s burial plot, urn, or coffin.

Do you need help going through your choice of funeral flowers? Read on to know the different meanings behind each option and how you can make the right choice.

Things to Consider in Choosing Funeral and Sympathy Flowers

Like other aspects in life, giving funeral flowers also has some unspoken rules. Several factors must be considered, including context, relationships, and even the deceased person’s preferences.

1.      Funeral Flowers or Sympathy Flowers

Confused about how sympathy flowers and funeral flowers differ? The difference between them is their size, arrangement, and where they are sent.

Sympathy flowers are small arrangements like bouquets sent to the bereaved. It’s a way to offer condolences and show sympathy.

Family members or close friends usually pick funeral flowers. This is because they know the deceased’s preferences. Funeral flowers are usually in large displays that can easily be spotted from afar. They come in different arrangements, such as:

• Sprays – a huge floral arrangement that serves as a focal point or centerpiece. It’s usually located in front of the chapel, beside the casket.
• Wreaths – a circular floral arrangement that symbolizes eternal life.
• Casket sprays – a big arrangement placed on top of the casket.
• Inside pieces – smaller flowers and arrangements put directly inside the coffin and next to the deceased.

2.      Type of Funeral Service

The type of funeral service dictates the appropriate flowers to be used. Is it the usual religious service or perhaps a modern celebration of life? Peace lilies are normally associated with traditional funerals. On the other hand, brighter and more cheerful blooms are suitable for a celebration of life.

3.      Decide on What Message You Want to Convey

Don’t just ask the florist to prepare a nice flower for funeral wake. Take a few moments to learn the unique meaning of the flowers available. Below are the most popular varieties and their meaning.

• Carnations – love or fascination
• Chrysanthemums – I love you
• Hyacinth – You’re in my prayers
• Hydrangea – heartfelt emotions and gratitude
• Orchids – I will always love you
• Peace lilies – peace
• Roses – love, courage, respect
• Daisies – innocence and purity
• Gladioli – white represents purity and innocence, red gladioli represent love and strength

4.      Consider Culture and Religious Affiliation

The culture and religious beliefs of the deceased and bereaved family greatly influence the choice of flowers for the funeral wake. Each religion and every culture has special traditions related to death, which involve specific flowers or floral arrangements.

Some examples of flowers that different cultures and religions use include:

• White flowers – like orchids, lilies, or roses – popular flower choices in Christian traditions. They symbolize innocence, purity, and the concept of the soul being at peace.
• Chrysanthemum – usually used in Eastern cultures to signify death.
• Orchids – used in Buddhist and Asian funerals to represent sympathy. Pink or purple orchids symbolize affection.

On the other hand, Jewish and Islamic traditions avoid using sympathy flowers. Alternative gifts include donations or simple decorations.

5.      Personal Preference of the Deceased

The flower for funeral wake can also be based on the preference or wishes of the deceased. There is no rule of thumb when it comes to personalizing the flowers you offer. This depends on the depth of the relationship you had with the deceased. You may want to choose a color or a specific type of flower that has certain memories associated to it for a personal touch.

You also need to think about whether to deliver or personally give the flowers to the family. Delivering the flowers is still a genuine way to express your condolences while respecting the boundaries of the family members.

6.      Know Your Budget.

Flowers can be costly, it’s important to know your budget. Make sure that your florist knows your working budget so that he can make the adjustments in the arrangement. You might want to consider the season. In general, summer and spring blooms are cheaper than flowers out of season.

Honor Your Loved Ones With Hot Springs Florist

When it comes to getting the best funeral flowers, it’s important to work with a reliable florist. Planning a funeral is stressful, especially when you’re already overwhelmed by grief.

Look no further if you’re searching for a trusted florist in Arkansas. We have been in the business since 1947 and are the only florist on Central Avenue. We are happy to give advice or address any questions you may have about our products. Give us a call today!