Funeral Flower FAQ
Funeral Flower FAQ
If you intend to send a sympathy gift to a family in mourning, it is a good idea to follow these general funeral flower etiquette guidelines.
When is the best the time to send funeral flowers?
Ideally, you should send the flowers in time for them to be displayed at the memorial service. Too early, and the bouquet will lose its freshness. Too late, and the family won’t get a chance to put them up for guests to see. Most florists will ask you when the service is and time their delivery accordingly.
Where should the funeral flowers go?
While you can send the flowers directly to the family, it is considered standard to have them sent to the funeral home. The funeral director will ensure that they get put on display and that the card is attached, and the family can later decide what to do with the blooms.
Where do the flowers go after the memorial service?
Most of the time, the family either takes them home, sends them with guests, or donates them to the hospital or nursing home that provided care for the deceased. In this way, the flowers continue to bring joy and comfort long after the funeral has ended.
Is it okay to send funeral flowers if there is no funeral?
As long as the family does not specifically request no flowers, it is perfectly acceptable to send a sympathy bouquet at any point during the days and weeks following their loss (or on holidays/anniversaries). The gift does not have to be large or elaborate—a simple message of hope and sympathy, accompanied by flowers, is often all it takes to convey your sentiments.
How big of a funeral flower arrangement should I send?
The only real “rule” of funeral flowers is that the immediate family usually buys the display that goes on the casket or urn. Any other arrangement (bouquet, cross, wreath) is fine, since it can be placed to the side or at the front of the funeral home.
How quickly will funeral flowers die?
Some people are hesitant to send sympathy flowers because of how quickly the blooms fade. If you would rather send a message of continuing life, consider a potted plant or flower. Many of these are available through the same florists who specialize in funeral flowers, so you can get the same delivery service and general aesthetic, but with plants that last.
If you have any further questions about funeral flower etiquette, it is a good idea to talk with a florist or the funeral home in question. Because the grieving family has enough to worry about as they go through the process of planning the funeral, it is best to give them time and space to grieve without burdening them with additional concerns about sympathy arrangements.
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