There’s a fabulous series of encoded signs and symbols in everyday gestures. in moments of quiet, it’s easy to retreat from the obvious and start looking for additional meaning.
The purpose of sending sympathy flowers is to provide comfort and support to someone dealing with loss. That’s why knowing the meaning within each selection, each bouquet, and each flower is important.
You want to send the right message while also keeping it personal and heartfelt.
The following elaborates on these deeper meanings and how to make your feelings known.
Color Meaning
Color comes with a host of cultural and psychological power. Angry colors, peaceful colors, and creative colors are well documented in studies of perception and influence over time.
Florists have long been cognizant of this power and it shows in the recommendations for funeral flowers and sympathy flowers.
Here’s a list of colors you find most often in flowers for sale and their associated meanings.
- White – Purity, Hope
- Pink – Love, Compassion, Kindness
- Lilac – Inspiration, Compassion
- Yellow – Optimism, Warmth
- Pale Blue – Calmness, Empathy
Flower Types and Meaning
The species of flower chosen continues your message.
While shopping at a florist such as https://richmarflorist.com/ you’ll see recommendations grouped by intended effect. That said, adding a flower (in an appropriate color) with personal significance to the recipient is never a bad idea.
Here’s a list of common species and their meanings.
- Carnation – A blank slate used often as filler, carnations are about showing off your color message
- Gladioli – Gladioli lend a sense of integrity and moral sincerity
- Lily – Lilies have long been associated with purity and innocence, they’re offered in birth bouquets as well
- Chrysanthemums – A flower that mostly shows up in grief and death rituals across the world
- Orchid – Orchids grow long but blossom rarely, a symbol of the fragility of love and life
- Rose – The opposite of carnations, roses add a splash of color meaning against the backdrop of a bouquet
Arrangement Size
Smaller bouquets lend a more intimate feeling than larger ones. It is common to send a personal bouquet to the immediate family. Larger bouquets may be sent to extended family or for display purposes at gatherings.
When to Send
Unlike funeral flowers, which fulfill a role in the service itself, sympathy flowers have longevity. Months after service it is still appropriate or on the anniversary of passing. Of course, it’s best to take into account the family’s feelings on remembrance rituals.
For a family having a headstone emplaced or scattering ashes after a delay, the second set of flowers reinforces your message.
Cards and Additional Offerings
Cards are best kept to a few words. It is a tough time and messages of support are best kept simple.
If you send additional items such as baskets and tokens, make certain they arrive independently to avoid skewing your intent.
Sending Sympathy Flowers
There’s a lot of latitude in customs when sending sympathy flowers. While there aren’t so much ‘wrong’ ways to send flowers, you want to be mindful of your impact.
Check out our other health and lifestyle articles for further information on dealing with loss and showing you care to those in your life.
