How to Choose Sympathy/Funeral Flowers

Flowers can be comforting for those suffering a loss. They are appreciated by most. But knowing what type of flower or plant to get for funerals and how to care for them is usually left up to a florist's knowledge. Barbara Jackson is a world renowned, highly equalified professional florist in Oldham, Manchester, UK, and has dealt with many who have had needed flowers for both happy and sad occasions. She realizes most need help in chosing what is right to give. She relates in this article that appeared on Ezine Magazine on the internet, what many need to know about one aspect: purchasing funeral flowers. Thanks, Barbara.
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A funeral is a very, very sad time for most families and as such care should be taken in purchasing any funeral flowers. Funeral flowers are the perfect way to share your grief with the bereaved.

There are many different types of funeral arrangements, and you must bear in mind that different cultures sometimes may view funeral flowers in a different light to yourself. It would be a good idea to talk to the bereaved or someone close who understands their needs or culture to make sure you get it just right or you could talk to a professional funeral florist who know how to deal with this very sensitive issue.

Sympathy Flowers
There is a wide variety of sympathy flowers you could send, you would send these as a friend or colleague to the family as a token of your shared grief and the flowers are usually kept at the home after the funeral to provide comfort for quite a few days after. These can include such things as; small vases simply designed, hand tied bouquets, cello wrapped bouquets or a rose plant perhaps.

Funeral Flowers
Funeral Flowers are different than Sympathy Flowers as they generally go with the funeral to the church or crematorium and again can be delivered to the house or to the funeral directors to place on the grave. You would need to check this with the family or ask a professional funeral florist whom you would like to commission to create the flowers for you.

These can be sent from family members, friends and colleagues and should be in the form of a sheaf (flowers wrapped in celephane and hand-held) at the budget end through to posies, open spray, casket spray, wreaths, tied sheafs, love hearts, pillows, cushions, wording in flowers, designer pieces such as trucks, bikes, or anything that can take your imagination. The latter tend to the most expensive but are usually quite large and stunning!

For both Sympathy and Funeral flowers, if you know what the deceased favorite flowers were, it might be a very touching gesture to send those types of flowers as it will help to comfort the family to no end and help to share their grief which will be much appreciated.

When to Order
You really need to order the flowers, either Sympathy or Funeral as soon as you know the funeral date. This gives the florist lots of time to create your stunning bouquet, arrangement or wreath etc. The flowers should be delivered at least two hours before the time of the funeral. Most professional florists are extremely good at dealing with funerals and will have answers to all your questions and will be able to advise accordingly.

Tip
Don't try to do this yourself as the last thing you want is for things to not be quite right or worse, they arrive at the wrong time at the wrong place. Put your trust in the professionals; they know what they are doing.

AfterCare of the Funeral Flowers
If the flowers are to be kept at home following the funeral here are some tips to help them last... The only flowers really that are taken home or kept at home after the funeral would be the sheaf or potted plant. We will deal with the sheaf first.

AfterCare of The Sheaf
Unpack the flowers from the cello wrapping and cut the stems on an angle about 15mm up from the bottom. This will help the flower to take in water as over time if left, the flower stem will seal itself and prevent the intake of water. Arrange the flowers in a nice vase.

AfterCare of The Potted Plant
These are relatively easy to look after. All you really have to remember is to keep away from any heat and check the water regularly. The best way to see if a plant needs water is to push your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle joint and if this feels moist the plant doesn't need watering. You can overwater plants and some drink more than others, so check regularly.
Again ,if you are not sure about aftercare, consult with your professional florist.