Flowers In A Time Of Bereavement

Selecting floral arrangements for the funeral of friends and loved ones may be difficult. Choosing the most appropriate flowers for the individual who is deceased or their family is a matter of taste and protocol. A pretty, yet understated arrangement of flowers can be a source of comfort in a time of sadness. Often, these are sent directly to the home of family members rather than to a funeral home. In these types of arrangements, a simple spray of phaelanopsis orchids with a few sprigs of green fern in a small stone bowl may speak more of consolation than a huge basket of assorted flowers.

For floral arrangements sent to funeral homes, most of the designs and styles are chosen from catalogs of florists. But, the choice of color and flowers may be an option of the buyer. Family members generally choose roses in blanket or pillow shape for deceased relatives in their immediate family. Floral arrangements for others may consists of mums, delphinium, asters, sweet pea, stephanotis, carnations, delicately colored daisies, indigo iris and baby's breath.

For formal funeral services, however, flower arrangements will necessarily be chosen by the funeral director when the service is to be held in a chapel or church. Flowers sent by mourners are usually added to the floral collection. It's important to remember that the size of a floral arrangement is less important than the statement of grief it should indicate. In today's less formal funeral arrangements, however, it isn't uncommon to send flowers that are personally indicative of a specific detail of the deceased's life. For example, deceased athletes are sent flowers arranged in the form of their chosen sport. This should be checked with family beforehand.

Mourners want their floral arrangements to be elegant and suitable for the occasion. Thus, gaudy, exaggerated floral arrangements should be avoided in order to remain in keeping with the decorum of the funeral service. Also, in some cases, donations to a favorite charity may be requested rather than floral arrangements. This should be checked with family before flowers are sent. In this case, a smaller floral arrangement is sent along to the family residence along with the donation to a favorite charity.

It might also be a sincere gesture to send flowers a few days after the funeral to family members. Such gestures are often more appreciated and consoling in the days after a funeral. The important thing to remember when selecting flowers for a funeral is to determine beforehand what is appropriate in the remembrance of the deceased in a time of bereavement. Choose flowers that show sincerity and inspire grace and elegance.