Condolence Flowers Etiquette – A Florist Guide You Should Follow

As a florist, we often receive enquiries and questions from customers who would like to send condolence flowers. It is truly understandable that the passing of someone we love does not often happen, but whenever there is, many of us may go into panic buying, and hence, choose the wrong arrangement of condolence flowers. Sending the wrong flowers could be very awful especially to the family of the deceased and also the sender.

Is it appropriate to send condolence flowers?

Yes, it is appropriate to send condolence flowers as a way to express sympathy and comfort the family of the deceased. 

Condolence flowers are widely sent beyond all cultures, countries and continents. Based on our findings, peoples from these countries such as the United States, European countries like the United Kingdom, or the Land Down Under – Australia are commonly sending condolence flowers as a gesture of respect and sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Condolence Flowers Etiquette – What Are They?

When our relatives, friends or business partner’s loved ones pass away, it can be difficult to know what to do or say to offer comfort and support during their grieving period. One way to express our sympathy and condolences is through sending condolence flowers. However, choosing and sending the right flowers can be a tricky task, and there are certain flower etiquette that should be followed to ensure that your gesture of sympathy is well-received and appropriate. Sending the wrong flowers could be an awful experience for both the family of the deceased and also the sender.

In this article, we will be discussing condolence flower etiquette, including the appropriateness of sending condolence flowers, the right timing, choosing the right condolence flowers, personalizing your sympathy with a card and note, religious and cultural customs, and guidelines for funeral homes and memorial services. Whether you’re a friend, family member or relative, business associates or colleagues of the deceased, this is an expert guide by our florist that will provide you with the knowledge and tips about condolence flower etiquette. With this information, you will be able to choose the right flowers, with the right message to show your comfort, support, respect and heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

Timing and Speed is Everything When Sending Condolence Flowers 

Demises of someone could come without notice. When it happens, time and speed are the essence as the wake service could only be carried out for 3 – 5 days.

Condolence flowers should be delivered as quickly as possible after you heard of the news of the passing of someone you loved. This is also a comforting gesture where the family members of the deceased will feel your thoughtfulness during the grieving period. Therefore, you are highly encouraged to swiftly look for a florist and order a condolence flowers.

Looking for a florist to deliver a condolence flower could be a daunting task. Whenever you look for a florist to deliver condolence flowers, especially when you are not well-versed with the town or city where the funeral service is carried out, you should look for a local florist in town. There are many ways to search for local florist, one of the most easiest way is to search and order online with the local florist that serves the particular area. Besides that, buying condolence flowers from a local florist would help you to get it delivered faster and on time.

Also Read: Why You Should Buy From A Local Florist

In summary, timing and speed is a crucial part of condolence flowers etiquette. By delivering it on time and choosing the right florist, it will ensure your heartfelt sympathy will be appreciated and well-received by the family members of the deceased.

Choosing the Right Condolence Flowers

Whenever you are choosing condolence flowers, there are few important criteria you should take note of. They are the type of flowers, the colours and also the types of arrangement. Without considering these three criteria, you might be caught in an awful situation if the flower arrangement brings the wrong meaning to the family members of the deceased.

Sending your heartfelt condolences should start by choosing the right flowers, as every flower has its symbolic meaning. There are few commonly used flowers in condolence flower arrangement, they are chrysanthemum, lilies, carnations, roses, orchids, pom pom and bird of paradise. 

Furthermore, another important consideration is the design of the flower arrangements. There are a few designs available in any florist store, such as a grand stand design on a wooden tripod stand and boxes, a round wreath, a basket flower arrangement that is suitable to place on table or casket, or a more personalized gesture is by sending a condolence flower bouquet.

In a nutshell, choosing the right condolence flowers will help you to express your most heartfelt sympathy. By taking the three important aspects like flowers, the colour and design arrangement, the family of the deceased will definitely feel your love during this tough time.

Personalizing Condolence Flowers with a Heartfelt Message

Sending condolence flowers is a comforting gesture, but adding a condolence message together with the flowers will bring calmness and love to the family who are grieving during bereavement.

One of the important etiquette in writing a condolence message is to be sincere, full of sympathy and heartfelt. The expression through these words is a great way to show your encouragement and support. Remember to keep it personalized in your sympathy note. If you do not have ideas, here are some of the condolence message for flowers:

• You will be deeply missed, and live on forever in our hearts
• Time may pass and fade away but memories of you will always stay
• In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love
• You will be missed but never forgotten. You have captured a place in our hearts. Rest in peace
• A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.

For more ideas, check out our list of condolence messages here.

If you are working in the HR department, or a personal assistant to a director of a company, sending condolence flowers with a personalized message is very crucial in showing your heartfelt sympathy representing the entire organization to the family of the deceased. Besides, you should remember to attach your organization name at the bottom of the message.

Understanding Culture and Customs When Sending Condolence Flowers

No doubt, culture and customs need to be taken into top consideration, as every race and religion has their own taboo when it comes to funeral ceremonies. It is crucial to understand the customs and cultures of the deceased’s family before sending condolence flowers.

For example, in Chinese custom, you should avoid any red colour flower arrangement at all cost. This is because in Chinese custom, red signifies good luck, prosperity and good fortune that are happening in the family. Whereas in European culture, sending a red carnation is a gesture of your respect and admiration towards the deceased.

How to ensure my condolence flowers do not violate any culture and customs?

• Understand the cultural background of the family
• Ask funeral director if there is any certain preference on the condolence flower arrangement
• Ask local florist whether the flower arrangement you choose are the right one

In short, different races and religions have different customs and taboos when it comes to funeral service, and it’s important to understand and respect these customs when sending condolences. As understanding a culture and customs may be challenging, it is highly recommended to ask the family, friends, funeral director or the local florist before ordering condolence flowers.

Conclusion

Sending condolence flowers to someone who just lost their loved ones is a thoughtful way to express heartfelt sympathy to the family members, especially during the time of grieving. This has subsequently made choosing the right flowers tougher as there are many flower etiquettes that should be followed to ensure respect and honour to the family. 

By the end of this article, we believe that we have provided you a thorough and in-depth guide on condolence flowers etiquette, the do and don’t, and expert guideline from the perspective of a professional florist in Penang Malaysia. All we just want you to have is a great condolence flower delivery experience.