White flowers are commonly used in sympathy bouquets. Peace lilies, white carnations, white roses, and white daisies are often displayed in these bouquets. These flowers symbolize peace and serenity. They also celebrate the life of the one who passed and serve to honor their memory.
The lily is the flower most commonly associated with bereavement, specifically when it's white in color. White lilies symbolize innocence, the rebirth of the soul, and purity. Additionally, the Oriental lily signifies sympathy, and the stargazer lily symbolizes eternal life.
Chrysanthemums. Mums are frequently included in arrangements for funeral services. In some European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Croatia, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves.
Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral when the initial chaos has passed. However, it can be a nice gesture to send sympathy flowers to the family's home after the funeral to remind the bereaved that you have not forgotten about them or their loss.
Blue flowers represent sadness, sympathy and peace. Orange flowers signify enthusiasm, joy and warmth. Purple flowers represent respect, sorrow, sympathy and admiration. Yellow flowers signify friendship, warmth and hope.
The use of yellow flowers ties into cultural folklore. It's widely believed that placing bouquets of yellow flowers on the graves of loved ones calls their ghosts/spirits to their graves so family members can spend time with them.
They are used to symbolize remembrance, love, and respect for the departed person, and a way of telling others that the departed has gone to heaven. In these emotional times, white roses act as a way to bring a little bit of peace to the grieving family.
Chrysanthemum. White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia. This 'golden flower' is packed with meaning in those countries.
Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle) These are given to show comforting love, at a time when you want to let someone know you are there for them.
Hyacinth: The purple hyacinth is a popular symbol of sorrow and regret. For a funeral setting, this expression is certainly appropriate.
Black Roses: Change and Courage
While the color black has been used to signify death and mourning, making them a common choice for funerals, black roses can have a more positive meaning as well.
3… A bouquet of three roses means “I love You” and is the traditional one-month anniversary gift.
The white rose is used in funeral arrangements to convey innocence and youth. They can also denote reverence for the person who has passed. Although sympathy flowers have meanings that can change from country to country, white roses remain a popular funeral flower.
Suited to reverent occasions, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell. Their pure color conveys respect, pays homage to new starts, and expresses hope for the future.
Flowers have always been a way for us to express our deepest sentiments, whether happy or sad. When we're looking to express our condolences, sending sympathy and funeral flowers is a heartfelt way to deliver some comfort to a grieving loved one.
Orchids. Orchids have come to symbolize eternal love, and are an important part of sharing sympathies after the death of a loved one. Florists typically recommend orchids for those who are hoping to send a floral arrangement as a means of offering condolences.
Purple, a color traditionally tied to notions of royalty and dignity, is less frequently seen but still bears significant meaning in funeral flower arrangements. Purple flowers, like lavender or violets, often stand as a symbol of admiration and honor for a life that was well-lived.
Let your grieving loved one know that you're there to listen. Understand that everyone grieves differently and for different lengths of time. Offer to help in practical ways. Maintain your support after the funeral.
Hearty meals like casseroles, slow cooker meals, soups, and stews are ideal. This could include dishes like lasagna, pulled pork, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, chili, or chicken soup. Not everyone is a great cook, but that doesn't mean you can't help a grieving family with sympathy food.
Black. Donning dark colors for mourning has been strongly associated with death and loss for centuries in the west and is a practice believed to date back to the Roman times. In the early 1900s, black jewelry made from polished stone, jet, was particularly popular in the form of mourning brooches and mourning rings.
Black – Western World
Wearing dark colours for mourning has long been a tradition in many parts of the western world, in particular large parts of Europe and North America. The association of the colour black with death and loss is centuries old and is believed to have originated during Roman times.
Carnations are a very popular choice for sympathy flowers. They are fragrant and long-lasting flowers, making them ideal for services that last for several days. A white carnation represents purity and innocence. Pink carnations send thoughts of remembrance.