What to Write on Sympathy Flowers

What to Write on Funeral Flowers

A common tradition once someone has passed is to send sympathy flowers to be presented at the funeral or end-of-life arrangement as an expression of sympathy. Whether you knew the person personally or you are sending them on behalf of a workplace or organization this leaves the question: “What do you write on a funeral flower card?” 

First, the type of funeral flowers must be decided. There are a few options that are appropriate for people who are not immediate family to send. These include wreaths, standing sprays, and flower arrangements. 
sympathy flowers on gravestone
Wreaths can be large or small arrangements that are displayed either by hanging on an easel or placed on the ground leaning on something to keep it upright and are a representation of an eternal life. Standing sprays are similar to wreaths in that they are hung from an easel and can range in size. Funeral flower arrangements typically have a variety of options to choose from like whether they come in a basket or vase, how much greenery is included, and how small or large they are. There are two types of flower arrangements that are usually reserved for immediate family. They are casket sprays and inside pieces; casket sprays can range in size and sit directly on top of the casket whereas inside pieces are small and placed inside the casket. 

Keep in mind there are times when it is not appropriate to send sympathy flowers to an end-of-life arrangement. Although they are sent with good intentions, it is important to be mindful if the family has asked for donations to an organization in lieu of funeral flower arrangements. Another important thing to be mindful of is the culture and religion of the deceased; flowers may not be an accepted part of the funeral rituals. When in doubt, it’s best to refer to the obituary if possible. Often the family will state “Flowers can be accepted at…” or “In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to…” directly in the obituary so it is best practice to check there first. If the information is not available there, then move forward and ask either someone close to the family or someone at the funeral home where the arrangements are taking place. 
Tips for what to write on funeral flowers: 
  • Do: keep it short and sweet. The family will most likely have many cards and flowers to read. Ease the strain on them by keeping it simple and thoughtful. 
  • Don’t: make it a competition about who sent the biggest and/or most expensive flower arrangement. Anything that brings attention away from the deceased is a big no-no at an end-of-life ceremony so it would not be the time to talk about how expensive the arrangement was or how exotic the flowers were. 
  • Do: include a memory to make it personal if it is a short and simple story and will not take too much time to read or follow. 
  • Don’t: write things that will make the grieving feel uncomfortable like “Everything happens for a reason,” “They were so young,” “I know how you feel” 
  • Do: address the flowers to “the family of…” or if you knew the deceased or a member of the family personally, the card can be addressed to that member of the family.
Examples of things that can be written in cards: 
  • Thinking of you and your family during this time 
  •  ___ will always be in my heart
  • Forever in our thoughts 
  • Gone but never forgotten 
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you 
  • With heartfelt condolences 
  • Sent with love and remembrance 
  • We send you thoughts of peace and courage 

Sympathy Flower Meanings

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