Funeral Flowers: What's Appropriate

Often the selections for sympathy flowers include larger
pieces for the casket or specialty pieces such as floral
crosses or wreaths that are not appropriate to send if you
are not member of the immediate family. Here is a general
guide on what type of arrangements are suitable, given
your relationship to the deceased and to the family. Please
also review our list of religions to determine if flowers are
an appropriate gesture for the denomination.

For Immediate Family Sending to the Funeral Service:
If the loss is an immediate family member traditional larger
pieces such as a heart shaped wreath, large floral spray on
a stand, a large standing floral cross, or a casket spray (if
you are a spouse or adult child for a parent) is appropriate
to choose. Often family members may send one large piece from several siblings or a combination of pieces.

For Friends Sending to the Funeral Service:
Friends generally send standing sprays, fireside baskets,
standing baskets that are placed on display for the funeral
service.

For Friends Sending a Sympathy Gift to the Home:
If you are unable to attend the services, it is generally
appropriate to send a gesture of sympathy to the surviving
family’s home. Before sending any flowers or gifts, it is
always best to know if there are religious or cultural
concerns. Traditional choices for a sympathy gift to the
home are an elegant vase of flowers, basket arrangement
or blooming plant fruit baskets, food baskets and gourmet
baskets.

For Coworkers Sending to the Funeral Service:
Coworkers will generally send the gift as a group.
Appropriate floral arrangements for the service would be a standing spray, standing basket, fireside basket.

For Coworkers Sending a Sympathy Gift to the Home:
Depending on your relationship, a note or card would be
appropriate extending your sympathy. If you work closely
together, sending a floral basket arrangement, dish garden
or blooming plant is an appropriate gesture. Additional
ideas are fruit baskets, food baskets and gourmet baskets.