Sending funeral flowers and sympathy flowers to the family of the deceased is of course a way to send one’s sincere condolences. In most traditions and customs, the sending of funeral flowers is a symbol of giving comfort and sharing the grief with the family and relatives of the dearly departed. If you need a crash course in the proper etiquette of the what’s, whys and how’s of the proper etiquette of funeral flowers, then this is for you.

Firstly, many people confuse sympathy flowers with funeral flowers. Sympathy flowers are typically sent directly to the bereaved upon receiving news of the death. They are usually sent to the home or the workplace. Funeral flowers are sent and displayed at the location of the cremation, memorial or funeral services. Nowadays, it is a more convenient way to contact the company handling the service for cremation or the funeral center which the family has chosen to organize the ceremony to get their recommendation for the kind of funeral flowers to purchase. This is because there are people who follow specific themes which are in relation to their funeral themes and religious traditions. By doing so, you save yourself from the worry of sending inappropriate arrangements and colors for the flowers.

The Jewish tradition does not require flowers to be sent directly to the home during the family’s time of mourning. They prefer a fruit basket or a gift set instead. The younger generation of the Jewish community though, no longer follow this and they often receive and display funeral flowers at the entrance of synagogues.

In the Islam faith, flowers are not part of their funeral programs and customs.  They believe in the traditional way of burying their dead as soon as possible. No funeral flowers are displayed in the homes of the bereaved. Some Muslims may put a modest flower arrangement on top of the grave.

In the Asian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, there are various beliefs to take note of. Buddhists, especially the Chinese Buddhists, offer flowers, fruits and incense to their dead loved ones. Friends and family usually offer condolence money to the immediate family members of the dearly departed. Funerals for Buddhists are solemn ceremonies. Funeral flowers are to be in white or yellow colors only because red is the color associated with happiness, celebration and prosperity. White clothes are also worn by Buddhists as that for them symbolizes their mourning period. Hindu tradition considers fruit baskets as more appropriate than funeral or sympathy flowers. But modern Hindus do not consider funeral flowers as unwelcome gifts. It is better to check with a family member or a relative before sending funeral flowers to a grieving Hindu family.

For Catholics, Christians and Mormons, the sending of funeral flowers are part of sending condolence messages. Sympathy flowers can be transferred from the family home to the memorial service location or church by the cremation or funeral company if needed. Avoid sending funeral flowers shaped into a cross if the deceased and his family are Mormons as that could be deemed as very offensive. Mormons also may not hold their funeral services in the temples. Some Catholic cathedrals may have rules on what specific timing they allow funeral flowers to be delivered inside so check before selecting a time for the delivery to the church.

Funeral flowers can be expensive but there are ways to save on costs. Many funeral and cremation companies now have online stores to order funeral flowers. If you know one which uses local florists as their main suppliers, then you can easily choose an appropriate arrangement with the correct kind of flowers.

There are several kinds of blooms which are used in sympathy and funeral flowers. If you are focused on being detailed and on putting much thought and consideration in choosing the flowers, then it is best to know what the meanings of the commonly used flowers are.

White chrysanthemums represent Truth.

Forget Me Nots represent remembrance and true love just as Ivy leaves and ferns symbolize eternal fidelity and sincerity. Tulips and hybrid tea roses both send “I will always remember you” thoughts and prayers.

Violets are faithfulness and white Hope flowers are for Hope. Funeral flowers for children often include lots of lilacs and hyacinths because they stand for youthful innocence and loveliness.

If there are other flowers being offered in the selection and you are unsure of what to get, you can simply ask the local funeral or cremation service company for the appropriate recommendation.