Sympathy Flowers

According to a study conducted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, after family, friends, and eulogy, flowers rank first among those who have lost a family member or friend as the most meaningful aspect of a funeral.  During their time of loss, recipients rank flowers and sympathy cards as the most meaningful of gifts.

Those surveyed said flowers and plants are a critical component during a funeral, providing a necessary diversion, and a bright environment at a time of great loss.  Asked to identify gifts and memorials that helped with grief, the majority surveyed named flowers and plants. Respondents also agreed strongly that looking at the cards to see who sent flowers was a comfort as well. 

Flowers show respect for the deceased, as well as loving support of family and friends, especially when you cannot be there in person. Flowers also make for a more pleasant atmosphere, helping those present feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. With flowers at a service, you help create a lasting and beautiful memory for those who have gathered to mourn the loss of someone dear.

Even when a charity or other organization has been selected to receive financial contributions in memory of the deceased, flowers are an appropriate expression of additional sympathy and support. Flowers can reflect many religious beliefs, including eternal life and rebirth. Your floral consultant is well aware of the differences between faiths and will assist you in this regard.

There are a wide variety of floral tributes for every budget. Among them: bud vases; table arrangements; standing arrangements; sprays; casket drapes; wreaths; planters; and other designs which reflect a more personal aspect of the deceased, such as a favored flower, color or design.  Merritt’s House of Flowers owner Jim Cooper often fields questions from customers as to what is actually appropriate for sympathy.  Cooper says he often recommends vased flowers sent to a funeral be designated to go home with family after the service.

In the final analysis, there is simply no substitute for the expression of sympathy and support flowers deliver for grieving family and friends.