Sympathy Etiquette FAQ's

What is/are the styles of funeral arrangements that are traditionally sent?

Many people chose to send baskets, sprays and wreaths, with wreaths being the most popular. Wreaths, symbolizing eternity and the circle of life are suitable for the visitation, graveside or cremation service.  Sympathy arrangements such as baskets, bowls and table pieces are a good choice if the family would like to take them home after the funeral or donate them to a local hospital.

Is it proper to send a personalized design, signifying some aspect of the deceased life? Absolutely!  These types of arrangements can be quite comforting to the family and loved one left behind memorializing a certain aspect of the deceased's personality or life. .  For instance, if the person loved football, we can design a football arrangement on a stand symbolizing the deceased's love of the game. These types of arrangements, however, can be more expensive than the traditional.  If the person loved to garden, an arrangement can be made using garden items such as a hand-held shovel, gloves and seeds, not as expensive, and can give a more personalized touch to the arrangement.  Keep in mind when ordering personalized designs, the florist may need more time to gather the requested items.  We suggest they be ordered at least a day or two in advance of the service. 

Is it appropriate to send flowers to the family's home? Yes, sending flowers to the home of the family is a thoughtful way to express your sympathy.  Flowers to the home can be sent immediately upon learning of the loss or up to a week later, after the services are over, a comforting gesture that let's the family know you have not forgotten.

The obituary mentioned sending a charitable donation, is it still appropriate to send flowers? Flowers can help express what is often difficult to say in words. Flowers add warmth to a service and can lift the spirits during what can be the most difficult time in the family's grieving experience. Sending flowers, even when a donation is mentioned is not only appropriate, it symbolizes respect for all those touched by the death of a loved one.

Several of us want to send flowers as a group, what is the best way to sign the card? If there is room on the card, each person can be individually mentioned, if not signing it as a group such as co-workers or a family is appropriate.  Be sure to include a contact name and address on the back of the card so the family can send the proper thank-you.

Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? Yes, green plants and dish gardens are appropriate and can represent a living memorial of the deceased.  Generally, the funeral home will give these to the family members to take home once the services have concluded

What is appropriate to send for a cremation? Floral tributes add beauty to any type of service and memorial and those often requested can include a picture of the deceased surrounded by flowers.  Generally speaking, any type of arrangement that you would send to a service in which the body is present, is also appropriate for a cremation service.

The funeral has passed and I just found out about it.  What can I do? It is perfectly acceptable to send flowers, a plant or dish garden or fruit to the home of the family, a welcome reminder that friends have not forgotten.  In fact, the bereaved family and friends will appreciate being thought of in the weeks and months following the funeral, when most people go about their daily lives.  Showing you care during the grieving process is appropriate and appreciated.

Ethnic Guidelines for Sympathy Flowers

Sympathy Card Suggestions

Sympathy Floral Tributes 

Order Flowers

Contact Us:

If you have any questions or need information on any of our services please feel free to contact us by e-mail at flowers@EdenFlorist.com, or contact us directly at 1-800-966-EDEN, that’s 1-800-966-3336. We are here to serve you and offer you exceptional service.