Funeral flower arrangements delivered to the home of the family grieving over the passing away of a loved one will not significantly assuage their pain, anger and grief. These flowers, however, are a way to express your sympathy and empathy for their loss that, in a humane society, is exactly the kind of gesture expected from a fellowman.
Before you order these sympathy flowers, be sure that you know about the decorum involved with these arrangements. You want to avoid faux pas that may add salt to injury in a time of deep sorrow for the recipients of the flower arrangements. Here are a few tips in this regard.
Funeral Flower Arrangements: Your Relationship with the Deceased
You can give just about any size and shape of funeral flower arrangements because it is always the thought that counts in the end. You can give a simple casket spray or an elaborate standing easel to the bereaved family, either of which will be appreciated.
Still, you should take into account your relationship with the deceased when you are giving sympathy flowers. Certain funeral floral arrangements are reserved for the next of kin to signify that they, indeed, have a close relationship with the deceased. These funeral flower arrangements include the following: • Casket sprays are usually ordered by the closest relative of the deceased since it will be place atop the coffin. Choices include the foot spray and the lid spray. • Inside pieces are placed inside the coffin next to the deceased’s body so it comes as no surprise that only the next of kin can give these kinds of funeral flower arrangements. These pieces include nosegays, hinge sprays, sheaf of wheat and satin pillows, among others. For all other individuals who wish to express their sympathy, the funeral floral arrangements can be in the form of baskets, wreaths and easels as well as flowers in vases.
Funeral Flower Arrangements According to the Venue
And then there is also the case of choosing the sympathy flower arrangement according to the place where it will be delivered and then displayed. This usually pertains to the size and shape of the funeral flower arrangements instead of to their colors, cost and other considerations. The general rules of etiquette in this case are: • Large arrangements like funeral baskets, standing sprays, easels and wreaths must be delivered to either the funeral home or the burial grounds. Common sense reveals that the bereaved family will not want their home to be filled with large funeral floral arrangements. • Small arrangements like flowers in baskets, bouquets and vases are best sent to the house, if and when you forgot to send one to the vigil. These slower arrangements can then be displayed in and around the house in a tasteful, not creepy, manner. You may also send small sympathy flower arrangements to the funeral home.
Nowadays, all sorts of flowers and colors can be included in the funeral flower arrangements because the main aim is to add color to an otherwise somber occasion. You need not worry about the old-fashioned symbolism of flowers unless the recipient is of a certain inclination where symbolism is important, of course.