Q: What is the best style for a funeral arrangement? How do I order a "special"
design?
A: Highly personalized sympathy tributes depicting an aspect of a person’s life
are very popular. If he loved the outdoors, perhaps a funeral piece including
branches and natural materials would be best. If she was a gardener, maybe a
tribute with a collection of garden flowers would be best. The key to ordering a
unique design is to give the florist a few hints about the deceased or about
yourself.
Q: If the death notice mentions a charitable donation is it still appropriate to
send flowers?
A: Flowers help say what is often difficult to express. This is why it is always
appropriate and in good taste to send an arrangement. It adds warmth to the
service and provides the emotional support so important to the family at this
time.
Q: Is it appropriate to send flowers to the family’s home?
A: Sending flowers to the home is a thoughtful way to express your condolences.
While some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately, others prefer
to wait a week or longer. In the weeks after the service, sending flowers can be
a comforting gesture that you haven’t forgotten.
Q: If several of us want to send flowers together, how do we sign our names so
that the family knows how to thank us?
A: There should room on the enclosure card for several names; however, if there
are more than a few, it is best to sign the card as a group, such as "Your
Friends in Shipping" or "The Jones Family". It is also wise to include a contact
name and address on the card so the family can properly thank you.
Q: What is appropriate to send for a cremation?
A: A tastefully designed floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial.
Families usually have a piece made especially for display next to the urn.
Florists in many areas may have specific suggestions for arrangements.
Source: Society of American Florists
