Funeral flowers come in a variety of forms, and one of the most popular is a heart tribute.

The heart tribute represents love and affection, a sentiment intimately expressed by a closer family member or romantic partner. At 416-Florist, the heart tribute is commonly requested for a husband or wife who has passed away. They may be designed to be presented as is or on an easel.

This heart tribute is displayed on an easel. It measures approximately 27″ H x 24″ W and features a bed of dainty white chrysanthemums (representing loyalty) adorned with a dramatic stripe of deep red roses (respresenting love). Salal outlines the heart to finish.

The Heart Standing Spray may be placed at the entrance of the room where the service is to be held or near the coffin. Because of its neutral colours, the spray may be appropriate for both males and females.

The Graceful Tribute Heart is another standing spray presented on an easel. It features an assortment of blooms, including roses, irises and chrysanthemums, in delicate pinks, pastel blues, and purples. The flowers featured represent gratitude, faith and optimism.

Because pastel shades dominate this heart tribute, it may be considered more feminine (although it really depends on the individual). It may also be placed anywhere within the location of the funeral service. The Graceful Heart Tribute measures approximately 20″W x 20″H.

Suitable for men or women, My Heart is Yours heart tribute for funerals is designed to be placed near or on the coffin.  Featuring white daisies, representing innocence and purity, on which a tight cluster of dazzling blooms sits, this pretty tribute measures approximately 20″W x 20″H.

When you order a funeral flower arrangement online or over the phone from your Toronto florist, you can choose to include a message. This message may be printed on a simple piece of paper (free) or a full sized gift/greeting card (for an additional cost of $4.99). Which ever you decide on, it will be included with the funeral flowers.

Losing a loved one is difficult. Expressing your sentiments in a way that touches, rather than offends, the bereaved is imperative. You want to show your support, express your sympathy and provide some sort of comfort. Sensitive words should be used.

Here are some tips:
If you knew the deceased well, general statements can seem cold and insincere. Express your feelings with a personalized statement, such as a memory or specific trait that the deceased had and you admired.

Don’t be judgmental. Your beliefs may not be the same as those of the bereaved. Keep in mind that some people may be hypersensitive at this time, and using statements that include “should” can make the recipient feel angry.

If you want to help the bereaved, include what you can do in the message, and be specific about it. Instead of saying something like, “I’m here if you need me,” say exactly what you can do. For example, say something like this instead: “If you need me to go grocery shopping for you, let me know.”

Express your own feelings and don’t try to express the recipient’s. Even though you may have lost a loved one yourself, you may not be able to adequately describe what the bereaved is feeling.

If you want to include a different card or handwritten note, simply drop by your neighbourhood florist to place your order. Bring your personalized card with you and ask the florist to add it to your order.

While it is common for people to choose funeral flower arrangements based only on how it appeals to the eye, you may want to take a more meaningful approach to choosing flowers. Funeral flowers play a bigger role than just to “look pretty”.  They express your sentiments and symbolize emotions, memories and even the character of the departed.

Some of the most common flowers that are used in funeral arrangements include roses, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums, orchids and daisies. Each bloom symbolizes a specific emotion:

rose = love
carnation = pride and beauty
lily = life
calla lily = beauty
chrysanthemum = fidelity
orchid = love, beauty (especially when referring to women), refinement
daisy = innocence, loyal love and purity

In addition to the type of flower, its colour also symbolizes an emotion or state. Years ago, red and white were the most requested colours for funeral flowers. However today, this is certainly not the case. Any colour can be suitably selected as long as one considers what they represent.

These definitions are generally accepted as based on Western beliefs. Because Canada is a country made of people from so many cultures, ethnicities, religions and beliefs, you may want to include an explanation of what you wish to express with the funeral flowers you’ve chosen – simply write it in the note or card that comes with the arrangement. That way, you’ll avoid any confusion or misunderstanding that could arise from a difference in perspective.