Losing a loved is really hard and nothing can make up for it. However, support and sympathy from various people makes the family members of the deceased feel a little better. Sending flowers is a suitable option for showing one's sympathy for the close family members of the deceased. That is why people all over the world send sympathy flowers to bereaved family members whenever they hear about the death of someone they knew. However, people also often get confused when sending sympathy flowers as they do not know the etiquette regarding sympathy flowers. As a result, they sometimes make mistakes when sending flowers on this occasion. Following are some tips that should be followed when sending sympathy flowers.
Firstly, the appropriate flowers and colors should be selected. In most of the world, there is no hard and fast rule regarding suitability of different flowers and colors for expressing sympathy. Most of the flowers can be used for the purpose. One can select the deceased's favorite flowers for expressing sympathy or go by the meaning of different flowers. However, different cultures deem different flowers and colors appropriate for expressing sympathy. For example, only white flowers are appropriate for this occasion in Japan. Religion also plays a major role regarding the selection of sympathy and funeral flowers. Thus, it's best to ask the florist if one is confused.
Secondly, the appropriate size and type of the flower arrangement should be chosen. Florists have wreaths, bouquets, casket sprays and inside pieces for funerals. The choice of the size and type of the flower arrangements depends on the sender's closeness with the recipient. If the deceased was close to the sender then big and rich looking arrangements like casket sprays should be given. Otherwise, a small bouquet or flower basket will be sufficient.
Thirdly, a card with a sympathy message should be sent along with the flowers. The message should be written appropriately. Many people find it difficult to put their feelings in writing at times like these. However, all that is needed is a short message expressing sympathy and offering comfort. Such messages are greatly appreciated by the family of deceased in these hard times. If there is still a problem in writing such a message, then a card with a message already printed should be chosen.
Fourthly, the place to send the flowers should be decided. The flowers can be either sent to the funeral homes or to the residence of the person, who has died. Some cultures prohibit sending sympathy flowers to homes of the deceased people since it is seen as a bad omen. Thus, one should take the culture of the deceased into account when deciding where the flowers are to be sent. Closeness to the deceased also matters when determining where to send the flowers. Close people often send flowers to the residence of the deceased.
Finally, sending the flowers at an appropriate time is important. Sympathy flowers should be ideally sent at funeral homes before the first visitation hours. If they cannot be sent at that time then they should be sent before any additional visitation hours. Rushing the flowers to the graveyard or funeral home when the funeral services are taking place is considered inappropriate as it can disturb the ceremony. If the flowers cannot be sent on the day of the funeral then should be sent within one week.
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