Funeral Basket- Appropriate to send to a funeral or memorial service. Pricing will vary depending on the type and quantity of flowers. Ask your florist for details and availability of specific flowers.

Funeral Spray- This is a large arrangement designed in floral foam and attached to an easel. It is appropriate to send to a funeral service. Sometimes they are transported to the gravesite. Try to order a spray at least a couple days before the service, as it takes time to create this large arrangement. An alternative to this artistic style is to have your florist use a cross form. Your florist can deliver this spray to the service with an identification card, including your message.

Wreath- A beautiful alternative to a standard funeral spray. Wreaths are also attached to an easel. Wreaths are often placed at the service, and sometimes moved to the gravesite. Some wreaths can be heart shaped. Ribbons with sentiment can also be added for a personal touch.

Casket Cover- One of the most impressive sympathy floral designs is a casket cover. They do come in a variety of sizes. Casket sprays come in Quarter, Half or Full Casket Style which is the whole length of the casket. Because it would be difficult to accomodate more than one of these large designs, you will want to make sure that the family has not already arranged for one of these. This is typically supplied by close family members. These are one of the more expensive sympathy floral designs. These tributes also need to be ordered in advance, as they are large and take time to create.

Inside Casket Piece- A memorial tribute specifically made to be placed in the casket. Whether it be a small clutch of flowers, a garland or a small wreath, this flower design can be placed on the inside lid of the casket, for open casket services. This is also typically supplied by immediate family, and not sent as a sympathy arrangement.

Flower Vase- If you are unable to send something to the service, consider sending a vase of flowers to the family’s residence. This is appropriate before or after the service. It is best not to send it the day of the service, as the family will not be at home to accept delivery. A beautiful vase of flowers can express your sympathy to the entire family during their difficult time. Include a message card with your name(s). Your florist can recommend an appropriate style to send to your recipient.

Peace Lily- An indoor green plant with white blooms, appropriate to send to the family’s residence. Be sure to have the florist add a message card, just as you would include with a flower arrangement. The Peace Lily is popular as a sympathy plant, most likely due to it’s namesake. Your florist may also be able to suggest another blooming plant.

Some final notes:

Pet Loss can be just as tragic to someone as losing a human member of their family. Don’t forget to send flowers to those mourning the loss of a beloved pet. They will appreciate your support and condolences.

Consider sending flowers after the funeral. It is also a thoughtful gesture to send flowers even weeks after the funeral service to show the family that they are in your thoughts. It would be appropriate to include a message card letting them know you are thinking of them.

If you are unsure about what would be appropriate to send, ask your florist. They are the experts, and can recommend the ideal floral design to express your sympathy.

Details are very important when sending flowers, especially sympathy flowers. By calling a real local florist located in the town you are sending to, you will be able to speak directly to the florist designing and delivering your floral gift. You will also get a better value.

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.