Sympathy -- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sympathy Gifts

1. What does a funeral service consist of? Different cultures and religions have different practices. In mainstream US society, a funeral usually (but not always) consists of multiple “steps.” First will come the visitation. Depending on the region, this may be also called a “viewing” or a “wake.” At the visitation, family and friends will gather to pay their last respects for the deceased. Sympathy flowers and plants are usually present. Next comes the funeral service. This is typically held at a church or at the funeral home. The same sympathy flowers and plants that were present at the visitation will be found here. Finally comes the interment at the cemetery. The flowers will be taken to the cemetery and left there. The family usually takes the plants home.

2. What about a memorial service? A memorial service usually is carried out if the deceased was cremated, or if the remains are not available. Since there is no place (i.e. a cemetery) to leave them, flowers and plants should be of appropriate size and design that the family will want to take them home. We recommend you stay away from “funeral-looking” designs like sprays, hearts, wreaths, handled baskets, etc.

3. What gifts are appropriate for the funeral? There is no hard-and-fast rule, but here are some general ideas:

· Immediate Family consisting of Spouse, Children, Parents & Siblings will usually supply the Floral Spray for the casket and more elaborate standing pieces such as Large Sprays, Hearts, Wreaths, etc.

· Extended Family including Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, Nieces & Nephews will usually supply smaller standing pieces as well as handled floral baskets and green or blooming plants.

· Younger Grandchildren will often provide (via their parents, of course) small mementos for inside the casket, such as a rosary, floral heart or cross or other small token of their love.

· Friends, more distant relatives, and business associates will usually provide floral baskets (handled or plain) as well as plants.

4. Is it OK to send a funeral piece to the home? NO! DO NOT SEND “FUNERAL FLOWERS” such as sprays, hearts, wreaths, etc. to the home! The family is under enough distress without having the added burden of having a funeral piece in their living room.

5. What should be sent to the home? Gifts to the deceased family should be designed to help the healing process. Small or medium sized floral bouquets – similar to what you might send to someone that is ill -- are ideal. So are SMALLER green or blooming plants. You may also want to consider sending a fruit or snack basket.

6. What colors and flower types should be used? Again, there are no “rules.” When picking out your floral piece, you may want to think about what the deceased liked best. Did she love roses? Did he hate purple? Remember that some flowers have gender connotations. A bouquet of PINK flowers might not be the best choice for a rough, tough outdoors guy!