Losing someone is never an easy thing to accept – it can be hard to know how to cope or what to do after they have passed. Sometimes we may find ourselves so overwhelmed with emotion that we forget about everyone else around us until someone sends flowers. Flowers are a great gift to not only give someone grieving but also to receive. It is a gesture that is not only appreciated but one that can make coping much more bearable. For some who have never experienced having to sympathize or share condolences, it can be hard to know when to send flowers or what to say.
In this post, we discuss:
* When to send flowers
* Recommended flowers to give
* How to send flowers
When to Send Flowers
Traditionally, flowers are sent immediately after the passing of someone. This is not to say that you can’t send them later on during the grieving process. When it comes to sending flowers, a few things to keep in mind are:
* Relationship to the individual or family – If you have a close relationship with the person grieving, you can send flowers as soon as word gets to you. There is no set rule or expectation on when to send your sympathy. For example, if you learn that a colleague has lost someone, you can choose to wait and then send them flowers when they return to the office to give your condolences.
* Flowers for a funeral home or support – When you are sending flowers, are you sending flowers for the funeral service? Or are you sending them to show your compassion and sympathy? If you are sending flowers for a funeral service, make sure you know when the service is happening and where. The last thing you want to do is send the flowers, and they arrive later or after the fact.
* Religious beliefs or cultural practices – Some religions and cultures may have specific practices when it comes to the passing of someone. This is why it is essential to consider these when sending flowers. If you aren’t sure about the standard practices for a particular religion or culture, don’t be afraid to ask. It is better to ask than to possibly offend them in the process of sending condolences.
Recommended Flowers to Send
Not sure what flowers to send? Here is a list of the most commonly purchase and sent flowers to show sympathy and condolences:
* Lily – The lily is a flower that symbolizes purity and innocence. This would be an ideal flower to give someone who has lost a child, as well as someone with who you have a close relationship.
* White Stargazer Lily – Show your sympathy through a floral arrangement featuring the White Stargazer Lily.
* White Carnation – Want to show your sympathy towards someone who has lost a parent or a loved one? A white carnation symbolizes pure love and innocence. This can be given to anyone – regardless of the relationship.
* Red Carnation – Similar to the red rose, the red carnation symbolizes admiration and a way to show one’s love for the deceased. It can be a powerful flower, as red is a bold color.
* Pink Carnation – Send a flower that is going to help keep the memory of the deceased alive through a pink carnation bouquet.
* Gladioli – The gladiolus is a flower that represents sincerity. This flower can be an ideal floral choice for someone who may be an acquaintance or whom one does not have an overly close relationship with.
* Chrysanthemums – This unique flower is symbolic of grief and sadness, making it a popular floral choice for those of Eastern European descent. These are just a few of the most commonly sent flowers that one sends to show sympathy.
There are more to choose from, and if you aren’t sure what to send, visit your local florist, and they can assist with a sympathy bouquet.
How to Send Flowers
Once you have established what kind of flower you want to send, now is the time to determine how to get the flower to the grieving person. Here are a few common ways to have your flowers sent to the grieving person.
Delivery – Maybe you aren’t in the same city as the person who has passed, or maybe you are out of town and can’t make it to the funeral service? Whatever the reason, many floral companies now offer international floral delivery services. Their services can accommodate any last-minute and next day deliveries as well as pre-planned deliveries.
In-Person – Whether you were invited to the funeral or not, you can personally deliver the flowers to the person or family who is grieving. If you are close to the person grieving, why not surprise them with flowers? If you don’t have a close relationship with the person grieving, you can still show compassion through flowers but arranging a time to drop by and show your support.
Sending flowers is a great way to show compassion but also sympathy. It is also a nice way to give someone who is grieving the support they need. Whether you give an elaborate floral bouquet or a single flower, whatever it is you choose to send to show your sympathy. Know that what matters to the person grieving is you are taking the time to be there when they need it. Sometimes the simple gestures and acts of kindness can mean a lot to someone who feels as though their world has been turned upside down with the loss of a family member. Whether you are having the flowers delivered, or delivering it yourself, it isn’t always about the price but more about the act. The act of showing someone you have their back, that despite their loss, they are loved and cared for – it is these little gestures that can help them not only move-on but can help with the grieving process. Think about what you would like have done should you be in a position who has lost a family or friend, what would you like? What do you want? What you respond to these questions, is a good chance that the person grieving is also going to want.