Learning funeral flower etiquette enables you to find the best, right way to express sympathy after a death. Nearly everyone wants to find the perfect words and gestures to ease the intense emotions during the grieving process. And while that intention is lovely, achieving it can prove difficult particularly if the individual or family in question has a specific faith or culture that dictates different guidelines than you might normally expect.
First, know that flowers are nearly universally accepted with minor adjustments in color and arrangement. A good florist can help you insure that any cultural or religious influences get added to your choice. Alternatively, you may discretely call the funeral home and either offer to donate money toward an arrangement that fits with family plans or request some information. These professionals are there to give a much guidance and comfort as possible.
Sending flowers provides words where otherwise one might falter. They offer comfort and celebrate the beauty of a person’s life. The flowers can go to the church, the funeral home, the wake hall, or even the family home. Note however that if the family says, “in lieu of flowers” take note of the request. While you can still send flowers if you wish, decrease the amount you spend on them and direct that money to the noted charity.
By the way, flowers need not come at the same time as condolence messages or sympathy cards. Consider sending a living planter a few weeks after the funeral as a gentle reminder that you’re thinking of the person or family. Living basket arrangements also suit a funeral home so that the family can take them after the funeral or donate it to elder care homes and hospitals.
Funeral flower etiquette has a language all its own. The wreath, for example, represents eternity. Casket sprays and lid arrangements often symbolize children and grandchildren of the deceased. At military funerals the lid arrangement are replaced for standing sprays, often in patriotic hues. Live plants reflect hope for the future.
In religious ceremonies, flowers for a Roman Catholic service might come in the shape of a cross. Buddhist floral arrangements always include white flowers to symbolize mourning. Again, you don’t have to be an expert in flowers – rather find someone who knows how to make the ideal arrangement for the person whose memory you’re honoring.
Finally, with funeral etiquette keep the practical etiquette mantra of respect and consideration ever in your mind. Those two attributes will never fail you, even in difficult moments.
This article was contributed by Dan Spaventa of PracticalEtiquette.com ~ The Relaxed and Practical Way to Achieve Great Etiquette™. Practical Etiquette covers Office etiquette, internet etiquette, wedding etiquette, and table manners and much more. Be sure to visit them today at http://www.practicaletiquette.com/