Featured Collections
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Funeral & Sympathy
When you need to share a comforting thought, Ward's Florist And Greenhouse...
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Any Occasion
Are you looking to brighten someone's day with a stunning flower arrangement?...
Funeral Flowers: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of funeral flowers should I send?
A: The type of arrangement often depends on your relationship to the deceased:
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Immediate Family: Casket sprays or urn arrangements, often with a banner like “Beloved Husband” or “Loving Wife.”
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Children: Standing sprays, wreaths, or pedestal arrangements. If children choose separate arrangements instead of one shared piece, a card can be included.
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Grandchildren: Matching pieces or smaller table arrangements, often with banners like “Grandfather” or a family nickname.
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Extended Family or Close Friends: Standing sprays, pedestal arrangements, wreaths, or smaller table-top baskets and vases.
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Acquaintances or Colleagues: Table baskets, vases, plant baskets, or dish gardens sent to the funeral home or directly to the family’s home.
Q: What flowers are appropriate for a funeral?
A: Traditional funeral flowers include:
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Lilies – symbolize restored innocence of the soul.
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Roses – red for love, white for purity, yellow for friendship.
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Carnations – long-lasting, ideal for sprays and wreaths.
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Chrysanthemums – associated with mourning.
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Orchids – represent eternal love and sympathy.
Cultural and religious traditions can also influence flower choices:
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Christian: White flowers are traditional; cross-shaped arrangements are common.
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Jewish: Flowers are less common; donations, fruit baskets, or food trays are preferred.
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Hindu: Garlands in white, yellow, or bright colors are often used.
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Buddhist: White flowers are preferred; red is generally avoided.
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Chinese: White and yellow chrysanthemums are traditional; red is avoided.
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Latin American: Family preferences guide the choice of chrysanthemums, roses, and other colorful flowers.
💡 Tip: White or soft pastel flowers are generally a safe and respectful choice.
Q: What colors are best for a funeral?
A: Flower colors can convey meaning and sympathy:
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White: Purity, peace, innocence.
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Red: Love, respect, courage.
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Pink: Grace, admiration, gentleness.
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Yellow: Friendship, warmth, remembrance.
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Blue: Serenity, comfort, calm.
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Purple: Dignity, respect, sorrow.
Q: What should I write on a funeral card?
A: Cards accompanying flowers are a way to express sympathy and support. Consider your relationship to the deceased:
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Spouse or Immediate Family: Usually, a card is not needed if a funeral banner is included.
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Children: If separate arrangements are chosen, card messages can include: “You will always be in my heart”, “In Loving Memory”, “I will miss you.”
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Grandchildren: “With Love from Your Grandchildren.”
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Extended Family or Close Friends: “With Deepest Sympathy”, “In Loving Memory”, “Thinking of You During This Difficult Time.”
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Acquaintances or Colleagues: “With Heartfelt Condolences”, “Sharing in Your Sadness”, “Our Thoughts Are With You.”
💡 Tip: Keep messages simple, sincere, and respectful. Avoid overly personal anecdotes unless you are very close to the family.
Delivery Questions
Q: Can you deliver flowers directly to the funeral home or church?
A: Yes. We coordinate with the funeral parlor or church to ensure the flowers arrive with plenty of time before the service so they can be properly set up.
Q: Do you deliver same-day for funeral services?
A: While we can accommodate last-minute requests, we recommend placing your funeral flower order at least one day before the service whenever possible.
Q: What happens if the service is early in the morning?
A: If a service is early, we contact the funeral director to ask if they prefer delivery the night before. If not, we schedule a morning delivery so the flowers arrive well in advance of the service.
Q: Can I schedule delivery for a specific time?
A: We can usually provide a delivery window or schedule before or after a certain time. However, we cannot guarantee an exact delivery time.
Q: Do you deliver to cemeteries or gravesites?
A: Yes, we can deliver flowers to a cemetery or gravesite for a funeral service. We coordinate with the funeral parlor to confirm the appropriate time and location. Please note that we generally do not deliver to gravestones for pre-deceased individuals unless there is an office or staff onsite.
Etiquette Questions
Q: Is it appropriate to send flowers if I can’t attend the service?
A: It is very thoughtful and appropriate to send flowers if you are not able to attend. It is a great way to show your support for the family.
Q: Should I send flowers if the obituary requests donations instead?
A: If the family has requested donations in lieu of flowers, it’s best to follow their wishes. You may still send flowers if you feel it is appropriate.
Q: Are there certain flowers that are not appropriate for funerals?
A: Avoid overly bright or celebratory flowers unless specifically requested by the family. Cultural and religious traditions may also dictate which flowers are suitable. When in doubt, white or soft pastel arrangements are a safe choice.
Q: What is the right size of arrangement to send?
A: The size depends on your relationship to the deceased and the type of arrangement. Immediate family often sends larger arrangements, while friends, colleagues, or acquaintances may choose smaller table arrangements, baskets, or vases.
Q: Can I send flowers to the family’s home instead of the funeral?
A: Yes. Sending flowers to the family’s home is appropriate if you are unable to attend the service or wish to offer a more personal gesture of sympathy.
Cost & Customization Questions
Q: How much should I spend on funeral flowers?
A: The amount varies depending on your relationship to the deceased and your budget. Larger, elaborate arrangements are usually chosen by close family members, while smaller arrangements or table-top pieces are appropriate for friends or acquaintances.
Q: Can I customize the arrangement with specific flowers or colors?
A: Yes. Most florists, including ours, can create arrangements using specific flowers, colors, or styles to match your wishes or honor the deceased’s preferences.
Q: Do you offer religious or cultural designs (crosses, hearts, Jewish traditions, etc.)?
A: Yes. We provide a variety of arrangements that respect religious and cultural traditions, including crosses, hearts, garlands, and other meaningful symbols.
Q: Can I add personal touches, like ribbons with a name or message?
A: Absolutely. Personal touches like custom ribbons, banners, or cards with names and messages are a thoughtful way to honor the deceased.