Archive for the ‘Sympathy Flowers’ Category

Picking the Right Funeral Flower Style

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Picking the right style of funeral or sympathy flower can be difficult. There are many different types of these flowers, all with their own unique purpose, and knowing which is the appropriate one for your situation can be tough.

In order to help, we’ve provided a quick run-down of the main styles of funeral flowers and how they are used at services or at home.

For the Service

There are a number of different styles that should be looked at. Box cover arrangements are usually large and expensive funeral flowers. They’re meant to be placed above a closed coffin and are available in either a “full” or “half” style. These are most often purchased by immediate family members.

Inside casket pieces are intended for use in the coffin lid’s interior (at open-casket funerals) and are, most often, provided by someone in the deceased’s family. Funeral sprays are meant to be held in one hand by a member of the funeral party or placed on an easel. They can range in size from small to large arrangements. Coronas, also meant to placed on an easel, are carried to the grave and usually take the shape of a ring — often a solid or framed heart — or a bouquet.

If you’re not part of the immediate family, funeral baskets can be sent to the service. Baskets can be composed of flower arrangements that stand with wire support on the floor or can be any type of visually pleasing arrangement that is put together in a basket or similar container.

For the Home

Picking the right funeral flower style is much easier when it is intended for use in the home. Many different types and styles of flower arrangements are appropriate for sending to (or bringing by) the home of the bereaved. Baskets or vases of flowers are a smart idea as they can be used at both the funeral service and at home. Plants can accompany flowers or stand on their own. The fact that they can be tended to long after they’re received is a plus. Plants allow for long-term enjoyment.

Why Flowers Aren’t Appropriate for Jewish Funerals

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Many of us are aware that sending sympathy flowers to a Jewish funeral (or the family of the deceased) is inappropriate but some of us don’t know why. To best understand the reasons behind this — and to know why it causes offense — it’s important to look at the background of Jewish traditions regarding death.

Historic/Practical Reasons

In Judaism, the burial of the deceased must take place immediately. Most often this means that a body should be committed to the earth within 24 hours or, at most, within three days following death. Because of this, the speed by which a burial takes place has historically allowed Jewish funerals to avoid having to mask the odours of a decaying body. In non-Jewish tradition flowers have become part of funerals in order to avoid this problem but, due to the speedy burial rites of Judaism, the use of blossoms in funerals hasn’t taken the same cultural hold.

Religious Reasons

Aside from the practical considerations of a quickly scheduled burial, Jewish faith also makes note of reasons for avoiding funeral gifts like flowers. The Jewish religion emphasizes the importance of true equality among all people and this is especially important in funeral services where gifts can make one person seem more loved or of a higher stature than another. Sending sympathy flowers to one person, who accumulates more than another, can be seen as a violation of this concept.

When the family or the loved ones of the deceased are sitting shiva (a word that means “seven” and refers to the traditional grieving period) it is also important not to send sympathy flowers. During this period of time specific customs are followed and the sending of flowers is, usually, inappropriate.

Depending on how strictly the deceased and their loved ones follow Jewish law, flowers could, potentially be appreciated. For this reason, it’s a good idea to call those in grief to inquire as to their views. If they would rather not accept flowers then charitable donations are often considered an appropriate replacement for showing respect and sympathy.

General Tips for Sending Sympathy Flowers

Friday, January 28th, 2011

It’s important to follow some guidelines when sending sympathy flowers. At a sensitive time none of us want to cause unintentional distress or offense but, by keeping a few simple tips in mind, making a floral gift to the grieving can be easy.

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind as you choose sympathy or funeral flowers.

Sending Your Sympathy Flowers

Sympathy flowers are almost always an appropriate gift but it’s a good idea to consider the background and personal wishes of the recipient before going forward with your order (for example, if recipients are Jewish and observe shiva, it is improper to send flowers during this time of grief — choose a fruit basket instead). Once you’re sure that the family or loved ones of the departed would appreciate them, ask where flowers are most needed. Recipients may wish to make use of them for viewings or the funeral service itself while others would rather receive flowers at home to liven their house during a time of sadness.

Funeral flowers should be coordinated with the other blossoms being used at the ceremony while those being sent to a home can be picked on knowledge of the recipient’s personal taste.

Sympathy Flower Customs

A few customs are important to keep in mind as well. For instance, if you plan to send sympathy flowers to the recipient’s home, avoid purchasing sprays or wreaths. These are more typically used in funeral services and viewings and will look out of context in a house. There are no strict social rules to follow when sending sympathy flowers to a house, however. Feel free to exercise your own creativity (and knowledge of the deceased or his or her loved ones) in order to make your arrangement special.

Sympathy notes or cards are customary and, even if they’re short, are sure to be appreciated. Take the time to write out your thoughts and send a message along with your flowers.

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