Each year, approximately 2.4 million funerals take place. If you have recently had someone you know pass away, you may be wondering how to send flowers to a funeral. If you are the next of kin, you will likely handle the casket spray and other large centerpiece floral arrangements. If you are a family friend or acquaintance, though, you may have a lot of questions about the type and size of bouquet you should contribute and where you should send it.
To make the process of sending flowers to grieving family members or friends easier, here is a step-by-step guide on how to send flowers to a funeral.
The Tradition of Sending Flowers to Funerals
Sending flowers to funerals is a long-standing tradition. It is a way of showing your love for the family members of the deceased. It is also a way to pay tribute to the deceased person by contributing to a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere at their funeral proceedings.
Don’t let the process of sending flowers to a funeral scare you. It isn’t very complicated once you understand basic funeral flower etiquette.
How To Send Flowers to a Funeral
If you’re ready to learn how to send flowers to a funeral, follow this helpful guide. These step-by-step instructions ensure the process goes smoothly.
Step 1: Choose Acceptable Flowers
Not all flowers are appropriate to send to funerals. It can be offensive to send arrangements that are silly or too cheerful. Avoid any flower arrangements containing balloons or green blooms. Green blooms are a representation of new life and can be hurtful to grieving loved ones.
Acceptable flowers for funerals include:
- Lilies
- Carnations
- Forget-me-nots
- Chrysanthemums
- Roses
- Orchids
- Hyacinths
Most of these flowers have deeper meanings that make them ideal for funeral purposes. For example, lilies symbolize the pure soul, while hyacinths represent deep anguish and prayers. White is one of the most appropriate flower colors for funerals, but there is nothing wrong with adding a splash of color to the bouquet as well. When learning how to send flowers to a funeral, it is also helpful to know the favorite flower of the decedent so you can include that flower in your funeral bouquet.
Step 2: Select an Appropriate Arrangement Size
Unless you have been asked to provide a large floral centerpiece for the funeral, it is best to select a smaller flower arrangement that the family can easily transport to their home. Never attempt to send a casket spray. This arrangement will be chosen by the next of kin (immediate family).
If the family specifically asks you to send a floral centerpiece to the funeral home, then it is appropriate to choose a larger bouquet. Otherwise, a more modest arrangement is usually the best and most manageable option for the family.
Step 3: Send the Flowers to the Funeral Home
When learning how to send flowers to a funeral, never send the flowers directly to the family’s home. Instead, send them to the funeral home. You should also send the flowers at the right time (preferably on the day of the funeral, as early as possible).
Do not bring the flowers to the funeral home with you when you arrive. That is not the appropriate time to hand your floral arrangement to the bereaving family. When you send the flower arrangement to the funeral home, the staff at the funeral home will decide where the flowers should be placed. This is not a matter for the grieving family to handle.
Step 4: Send Flowers to the Family’s Home Only After the Funeral
If you don’t learn about the funeral until it is already over, then it is acceptable to send funeral flowers directly to the family’s home. The family will likely appreciate the gesture and value your thoughtfulness. Instead of sending a traditional funeral arrangement, choose a sympathy arrangement if you are sending flowers to the home after the funeral.
Step 5: Send Sympathy Flowers if There Is No Service
If there is no service for the deceased, it is a kind gesture to send sympathy flowers to the bereaved family. In this case, you would need to send the flowers directly to the family’s home since there is no service being held at a funeral home.
Learn More About How To Send Flowers to a Funeral
Now that you know how to send flowers to a funeral, we invite you to order a thoughtful and respectful funeral bouquet from Beverly Hills Florist. We are honored to help you show your love and sympathy with an elegant bouquet.
https://www.us-funerals.com/the-us-funeral-industry-today/#:~:text=The%20U.S%20funeral%20market%20is,rate%20is%20set%20to%20rise.
https://www.usurnsonline.com/sympathy/funeral-flowers/
https://www.gardeningchannel.com/10-most-appropriate-flowers-for-a-funeral/