What is funeral flower etiquette?

Flowers that are placed on the casket are generally chosen by immediate family. If you're not an immediate family member, it's best to default to another type of arrangement, like a wreath or spray that can stand near — but not atop — the casket.


What is the protocol for funeral flowers?

Floral Sprays And Wreaths

Funeral flower etiquette dictates that members of the family (including the children of the deceased, their siblings, and grandchildren) take care of the spray that covers the coffin. The family may ask the funeral home director to place a small flower arrangement inside the casket.

Is it rude not to send flowers to a funeral?

As we've already noted, older generations might be surprised to find how many funerals are requesting donations—and how few people send flowers these days. It's not rude or inconsiderate.


Do you send flowers to the viewing or the funeral?

If you are a member of the immediate family, it is appropriate to send your flowers to the funeral itself, or you may prefer to take your flowers to the graveside. If you are extended family, you can choose whether or not to send funeral flowers to the place of worship or funeral home.

What is the appropriate color of flowers for a funeral?

White flowers are the most commonly present at funerals. This traditional color choice represents honor, peace, and innocence. Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy. Red flowers symbolize love, as well as beauty and strength.


How to Follow Proper Funeral Etiquette



What color is forbidden at funerals?

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

What flower means goodbye?

White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia.

Is it OK to give money instead of flowers at a funeral?

Money is not an appropriate gift, although exceptions may be made when the family is left in extreme financial difficulty. In that case, friends may wish to pool contributions to make a gift of assistance.


How much should you spend on funeral flowers?

Typically you can expect to pay in the region of $50.00 – $80.00 for a decent size floral arrangement. Specialist requests for name floral tributes or shaped wreaths can cost anything upwards of $100.00 and a large casket spray can cost between $250 – $700.

What is the difference between sympathy and funeral flowers?

The difference between “funeral flowers” and “sympathy flowers” is that funeral flowers will go directly to the funeral home to act as a tribute at the service of the deceased. They add decoration, beauty, and life to what can be an overwhelmingly somber event. Sympathy flowers are typically sent after the service.

Do you put the deceased name on funeral flowers card?

 The name of the deceased or the person taking receipt of the delivery.  The date and time of the funeral.  A card message to be sent with your tribute.


What is inappropriate at a funeral?

Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.

What should you avoid at a funeral?

Things You Should NOT Do at a Funeral
  • Laugh out of turn. ...
  • Wear something revealing or loud. ...
  • Disrespect cues. ...
  • Make unnecessary noise. ...
  • Speak out of turn. ...
  • Applaud out of turn. ...
  • Yawn excessively. ...
  • Move around too much.


When you send flowers to a funeral who is the recipient?

Who Should Receive Funeral Flowers? The deceased's close family members tend to be the recipient of the most flowers. However, it is also appropriate to send flowers to the deceased's relatives — especially those you are close to. Floral arrangements bring comfort, joy, and reassurance.


Who pays for flowers at a funeral?

The Immediate Family Buys the Casket Flowers

This is to give precedence to the honor of being draped in the national flag. Other floral arrangements for other areas of the funeral home or the church can be provided by distant members of the family and friends and acquaintances.

Is it rude to put money in a sympathy card?

How do you properly give money to a grieving family member? Tucking cash or a check inside a sympathy card is a great way to offer support. Include a check if you mail the card. You may only want to include cash if you present the card to the family at the visitation or funeral.

What is the most commonly purchased funeral flower?

Lilies - An elegant choice, white lilies are the most popular type of funeral flowers, representing peace, grace, and dignity.


Is it appropriate to put money in a sympathy card?

Consider Sending Memorial Money

Many people send flowers, but it's also really easy to put money on the card. When you send the money, let the family know you want them to honor their loved one in whatever way they see fit. They might really appreciate the funds because they needed help with the final service expenses.

What is an appropriate amount to give for a funeral?

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.

What are appropriate funeral gifts?

Household items like decorative rugs, afghans and blankets make appropriate gifts to honor the memory of the loved one. Devotional books, plaques or pictures can be given with meaningful quotes or religious verses to express sympathy and encourage the bereaved.


How much do you give for condolences?

A general rule of thumb is that donations should be in line with the cost of a bouquet of funeral flowers. Even just a nominal donation for people on tight budgets is a welcome gesture. Funeral flowers tend to cost in the range of $50 to $80 for a moderate to well-sized bouquet, and $100 or more for a large wreath.

What flower means missing a loved one?

Carnations: A sweet yet sentimental way to let someone know that you miss them is through carnations. Pink and red are the favoured colours of carnations that you must pick up to express him/her that you are missing them.

What flower represents lost loved ones?

Lilies - Lilies are probably the most common of all flowers used for memorials. They symbolize the innocence returned to the soul of a departed person after their death. White stargazer lilies represent sympathy and any white lily can be used to represent majesty and purity.


What flower color means sympathy?

Blue flowers represent sadness, sympathy and peace. Orange flowers signify enthusiasm, joy and warmth. Purple flowers represent respect, sorrow, sympathy and admiration.

What is the color of grief?

Black is considered the mourning color, although historically it was white. Widows may wear purple when mourning the death of their spouse.