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Sympathy Flower Etiquette

Aastha Dogra
When sending sympathy flowers certain etiquette needs to be followed, so that you don't hurt the feelings and sentiments of the family of the deceased. Read to know more.
The loss of someone close can never be made up by anything. Still, with your support and some sympathy words and gestures, you can always make the bereaved family feel a little better. Sending flowers to the close family members of the one who has expired is one of the appropriate ways to offer your sympathies.
Often people get confused when it comes to the etiquette as flowers have always been associated with beauty and romance. So to allay all such confusions, and let's get to know some rules you should adhere to.

Timing

The flowers should be sent to the funeral home or the church before the first visitation hours. In case they have not been sent in time, sending them before any other extra visitation hours or at least the last visitation is considered appropriate. The flowers to be sent to the graveyard when the service is going on as it can disrupt the entire ceremony.

Arrangements

If a person was very close to the deceased, it is all right to send a large and rich-looking arrangement such as a standing cross and a casket spray. Anything from a simple bouquet to a flower basket, or a wreath will do.

Flowers

Just because flowers are being sent to convey sympathy, it does not mean that they have to be dull looking.
If they are to be sent to the family's residence, daisies and lilies are a good choice. If they are being sent to the funeral service, large lively flowers such as chrysanthemums, carnations, and gladioli should be preferred.

Flower Meanings and Colors

Some people choose bouquets which the deceased was very fond of. Some go by their own liking and taste. Very few actually look into the meanings these flowers stand for.
For instance lilies stand for love, statice stands for remembrance. Carnations symbolize pride and beauty, protea symbolizes courage. Red roses represent love, however, when added to a sympathy bouquet, they denote strength and courage. Besides these, any white or blue colored varieties have a very calming and peaceful effect on the family of the deceased.

Sympathy Messages

Writing the sympathy messages appropriately is also important. Keep the message short and concise. Simple words such as "my deepest condolences" are more than enough to convey how you feel. In case you want to offer your help to the family at such a time, you can mention it on the sympathy card. Such gestures will be appreciated by the family in mourning.
Sympathy flowers can be sent to the residence of the deceased any time within a month of the funeral service. So even if the news of death reaches a person late, he can still convey his condolences and support to the family by means of flowers.