When a friend or family member passes, it can be difficult to know what to say or do to help. If you’re attending a funeral or memorial service, choosing to send flowers for sympathy is a thoughtful gesture that lets the deceased person’s friends and family know you’re thinking of them.
Sympathy flowers are a time-honored tradition when someone loses a loved one. The type of flower you bring says a lot about your relationship with the deceased individual.
Sympathy flowers are most commonly given after the death of someone close to another person. They serve as an expression of sorrow from an acquaintance that isn’t able to attend the funeral but wants to show their support in some way.
What to Know Before You Buy Sympathy Flowers
When you want to send flowers for sympathy, the first thing to understand is that not all florists are created equal. It’s important to research florists in your area to make sure they know what kind of arrangements you want and if they can offer sympathy flowers delivered same day.
First and foremost, if you know the deceased’s favorite flowers, make sure to buy them. This will make the most impact and will be a meaningful gesture. If you don’t know the person’s favorite flowers, it can be helpful to find out what types of flowers are associated with death and sorrow.
Traditional Colors for Sympathy
If you’re not sure what type of flowers to buy for sympathy, here are some options that have been proven over time.
- Lilies: Yellow and white lilies are the quintessential flowers for death and mourning. They are also often associated with the Jewish religion and have been used to show respect and support for years.
- Tulips: Tulips are a classic symbol of death and mourning for the Dutch. They are associated with death and love because of their vibrant colors and enduring beauty, even in the absence of light.
- Roses: Pink and red roses are a very popular choice for sympathy flowers. People often associate them with love, romance, and devotion, but they are also strongly connected to sadness and death.
- Carnations: The traditional purple color of carnations is a sign of mourning. They are often given alongside other types of flowers to show that they are meant to be dedicated to the memory of the deceased.
Other Kinds of Flowers
While lilies, tulips, roses, and carnations are the most common sympathy flowers, you can still send other flowers for sympathy. If you know the person who passed away liked bright, unusual flowers, buying something like orchids or sunflowers is perfectly fine.
Another option is buying a mixed bundle of flowers in one container. You could also buy a potted plant that the deceased person can keep around as a living memorial to their loved one.
Conclusion
Sympathy flowers are a meaningful way to pay your respects and let someone know you’re thinking of them. When you want to send flowers for sympathy, you can choose from hundreds of different kinds of flowers, so there’s sure to be something perfect for the occasion.
While choosing the right flowers and colors is important, the most important thing is buying from a trusted and reputable florist—and mostly, one that can guarantee sympathy flowers delivered same day. Keep these tips in mind when choosing flowers for a funeral or memorial service.