Choosing Appropriate Flowers

The below information is taken from: www.cyberflowers.com.

Guide To Common Terms For Sympathy Flowers

Tributes For Funeral Services

Tributes For The Home

Changing Trends In How We Say Good-bye

• Wreath:
  A floral presentation often used because a circle symbolizes eternal life.
• Spray Flowers:
  Designed for viewing from one side only. Often, sprays are placed on an easel.
• Floral Arrangement:
  A mix of fresh flowers in a vase, basket or other container.
• Casket Spray Flowers:
  Designed for the top of the casket, usually ordered by the family.
• Inside Piece:
  A general term to describe small floral designs placed inside the casket such as satin hearts, nosegays or small sprays.

Top

Tributes For Funeral Services
The following tributes are usually sent to the funeral chapel, church or memorial service, and are designed for placement on or near the casket or burial site.

• Pedestal Arrangement:
  This arrangement is placed directly next to the casket, at one or both ends.
  
• Sprays:
  Sprays may be attached to a freestanding easel; displayed on a wall; or placed near the casket. Appropriate tributes from the immediate family.
  
• Wreath on an Easel:
  Symbolic of unending love, wreath interpretations can be designed using a variety of floral materials.
• Bereavement Basket:
  A Fireside Basket is an appropriate expression from friends and business associates.
• Traditional Arrangements:
  These arrangements are designed in a fanned or triangular shape.

For guidance in choosing and coordinating another appropriate funeral or memorial tribute (such as casket sprays, crosses, hearts, and pillows), please contact us.

Top


Tributes For The Home
A floral arrangement received at the home after the activity surrounding the funeral can be a comforting, welcome reminder that friends haven't forgotten. In fact, research shows that bereaved family and friends appreciate being thought of in the weeks or months after the funeral. A personal note or 'we are thinking of you' message with the flowers is especially nice. Any support you can offer will let the family know you care.

Sympathy Tributes from the family include more intimate, traditional arrangements for the home. Sympathy Tributes from friends and associates are designed for display at the home. They include traditional floral baskets as well as fruit and food baskets.

The following arrangements are usually sent to the home of bereaved family members:

• Comfort Baskets:
  Comfort baskets are an appropriate choice from members of the extended family or very close friends.
• Basket Arrangement:
  The basket serves as a keepsake and is a lovely alternative to more traditional arrangements.
• Floral Arrangements:
  These beautiful, delicate arrangements are presented in a vase.
• Fruit & Food Baskets:
  These items are comforting gestures usually sent to the home. They're helpful, thoughtful gifts that are appropriate alternatives to traditional floral tributes.
• Plants/Dish gardens:
  Green or blooming plants and potted flowers are other options you may consider.

Top


Changing Trends In How We Say Good-bye
It has never been easy comforting a relative, friend, or associates who has lost someone close to them. Today, expressing sympathy may present even greater concerns due to changing trends in how Americans commemorate the death of a loved one.

Sympathy flowers have been part of funeral and memorial traditions in nearly every culture throughout history. Changing trends in how we say good-bye to loved one often leave family an friends uncertain about how to express their sympathy and condolences.

• Cremations
  A greater number of cremations has also resulted in shorter or no memorial services. Although more frequent than ever before, cremation is still relatively new in the U.S. and Canada. Therefore, many people are unsure of the sympathy etiquette surrounding a memorialization of this type. Expressing sympathy is a constant, regardless of the type of service. Anything that says 'We care' is appropriate -- whether it be flowers or a home-cooked meal. No matter what type of commemoration is held, it is still important that friends of the bereaved show their support.
  
  A tastefully done floral tribute adds beauty to any type of service, whether it's a traditional burial or a cremation. Families may choose a piece designed for display with the urn or an arrangement that can be enjoyed in the home after the service.
  
  
• Service or Not, Show you Care
  Traditionally, flowers have been sent to the funeral home for display during the viewing and service. The rituals surrounding death are an aid in the grieving process. In instances where there is no service, experts recommend sending condolences to the bereaved person's home.
  
  A funeral service is a way to honor someone's life, and bright, colorful flowers are a meaningful part of this tribute. In addition to adding beauty to an otherwise somber occasion, flowers provide a comforting diversion— something to talk about or look at— during the visitation.
  
  Flowers help you say what is often difficult to express, so they are always appropriate and in good taste. Many people want to express sympathy and show respect for the deceased in a variety of ways, including charitable contributions, food donations, a helping hand, or cards and flowers. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible, emotional support that the bereaved need during this time. Funeral directors agree that most people do not want a service completely devoid of flowers.

When groups, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, business associates, and clubs go in together on flowers, the arrangements can be very special and make a larger showing. Such pieces can include standing sprays and wreaths. When sending flowers as a group, include a contact name and address on the card so the family knows whom to thank.

Top