Q: |
What is appropriate to send to a funeral? |
A: |
Fresh flowers, plants, dish gardens, or even fresh flowers with green plants
are all a very appropriate sympathy tribute. Different areas have different
customs.
|
Q: |
If I can only afford to spend $25.00 to $35.00, is
there something I can send? |
A: |
One choice would be a decorated plant or possibly a small table arrangement
which will be delivered to the immediate family after the service.
|
Q: |
I only know the son, daughter, etc., is there some way
I can address the card to them? |
A: |
If requested, we can specify that the arrangement/plant can go to a specific
person.
|
Q: |
We are having a flag – can we still send flowers? |
A: |
Yes, you can order a standing spray and/or a basket arrangement to be placed
next to the casket. Also, identical arrangements may be placed on either side
in order to frame the casket. Some families will request flowers to be red,
white and blue and others will select colors.
|
Q: |
Is it alright to send brightly colored flowers for a
funeral? |
A: |
Certainly. Bright flowers can reflect on the energetic personality of the
deceased. Also, colorful flowers may be chosen to send a message about how that
person made you feel happy to have known them
|
Q: |
If the service is at the church where are the flowers
and plants delivered? |
A: |
In most cases they are delivered to the funeral home the day of any visitation
and the funeral home will take the flowers and plants to the church.
|
Q: |
Who orders the casket spray? |
A: |
Most of the time the closest family member(s) does. In some cases
organizations, companies or even the funeral director will place the order
and/or pay for the casket spray with the immediate family’s approval.
|
Q: |
What if the family doesn’t have much money, can I
purchase a casket spray as my gift to the family instead of other styles of
arrangements? |
A: |
It is possible, but you need to ask permission from the family first to make
sure your good intentions don’t step on someone’s feelings. The may have made
other financial arrangements.
|
Q: |
Are there any options to the flowers that
are too “funeral looking?” |
A: |
Yes. Although very traditional arrangements are still requested in some parts
of the country, most florists today are happy to create an arrangement that’s
fresh, original and appropriate. Using a variety of flowers, non-traditional
arrangements are perfect to present to close friends, take home or deliver to
places of worship as a remembrance after the service. Non-traditional
containers are also gaining in popularity.
For ideas, many florists have books that show a variety of sympathy flower
tributes including regional designs. Long-lasting green plants are becoming
increasingly popular and are often combined with flowers.
|
Q: |
Are ribbon streamers with writing on sympathy
arrangements appropriate? |
A: |
Yes, they are appropriate on some pieces. Traditionally they should be used to
stat the relationship you had with the deceased. Examples would be Loving
Mother, Beloved Aunt, Special Friend, etc. Other words appropriate would be
putting on the ribbons the name of your organization, club, or company. An
example would be City High School Football Team. The enclosure card is where
the sender’s individual names are signed.
|
Q: |
I am part of a group. What are some suggestions? |
A: |
When groups, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews or friends and
neighbors go together on flowers, the arrangement can be very special and make
a larger showing.
These pieces, such as standing sprays and larger wreaths, could also be from
clubs, leagues and business associates. One idea: Include a contact name and
address so the family knows whom to thank.
|
Q: |
What can I do to make my arrangement special? |
A: |
A good idea is to consider the life of the deceased. Themed arrangements,
including sprays, wreaths and plants, are becoming very popular. These focus on
the interests of the deceased and may include a golf club, fishing pole, pair
of garden gloves, etc. There are many items such as bibles, angels and crosses
that may also be incorporated.
|
Q: |
What is appropriate to send for a cremation? |
A: |
Because this practice is increasingly common in some areas, many florists will
have specific ideas. Families may choose a smaller piece designed for display
with the urn. Specially designed pieces may be more in keeping with a brief
memorial service.
If there is to be a visitation and viewing before the service, palms, green
plants and larger tributes from groups can provide a beautiful setting. A
tastefully done floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial service. Of
course, it is equally nice to send the flowers or plants to the family’s home.
|
Q: |
Sometimes I see a charity mentioned “in lieu of
flowers” in the death notice. Is it still appropriate to send flowers? |
A: |
Because flowers say what is difficult to express, they are always appropriate
and in good taste. Many people like to express sympathy and show respect for
the deceased in a variety of ways including contributions, food donations,
cards, a helping hand and of course, flowers.
Funeral directors tell us that most people do not want a service completely
devoid of flowers. Also, many people choose to send flowers or plants to the
family at home instead of sending them to the funeral home.
|
Q: |
I found out about the death after the funeral (or
cremation) was over. What can I do? |
A: |
A floral arrangement received at home after the activity surrounding the
funeral can be a welcome reminder that friends haven’t forgotten. A recent
university study shows the bereaved appreciate being thought of in the weeks or
even months after the funeral.
In this instance, consider a table or foyer arrangement or perhaps a basket
arrangement with spring or pastel flowers. A personal note or “we are thinking
of you” message would be especially nice.
|
Q: |
How will I know if my delivery was made to a funeral
home? |
A: |
All Funeral Home deliveries are logged in the funeral home’s log book. Some
funeral homes request a receipt left at time of delivery. If the delivery is
being attempted close to the service or visitation time, the drivers will
inform the funeral home staff of the delivery, to assure prompt placement of
the floral piece, by the funeral directors. In most cases the family members of
the deceased will not be able to acknowledge the item sent until after the
service, which can result in a week or two after the service. |