When choosing the right sympathy flowers for those affected by a recent death, we all want to ensure that our sentiments are properly received. Picking the right flower arrangment in these situations can be tricky, considering the complex emotions that surround loss and grief.

Here are a few tips for how to tell right from wrong choices when selecting funeral flowers.

Too Cheery?

One of the most difficult choices when choosing the right funeral flowers is whether or not to pick flowers that are typically considered “cheery”. Light colours and tones are most often associated with being uplifting and happy but is it appropriate to send them to someone in grief? The answer to this question can depend greatly on personal preference (always defer to your own knowledge of the sympathy flower’s recipient) but, most often, light or “cheery” flowers are acceptable. Basing an arrangement around lighter colours can send a message of hope and positivity — something that is always a good idea when a terrible event like the loss of a love one has just occurred.

Bad Styles?

Many of us may be wary about sending certain types of flowers that we believe could be inappropriate for sympathy or funeral purposes. Some flowers carry connotations that people may believe are not to be sent to mark an occasion as solemn as a death. Roses, lillies, sunflowers and others can be seen as inappropriate but deciding on whether or not to send an arrangement based on them depends, in a large part, on personal preference. Combine your knowledge of the deceased (and their mourners) with your own taste to select blossoms that are a good fit for the ceremonies. Seasonal choices should not be entirely disregarded because of a fear that they may seem out of place. Personal judgement and knowledge of the specific situation can go a long way when choosing the right style of flowers.

By keeping these tips in mind (and using your personal knowledge of the deceased and their loved ones) you can be better prepared for an upcoming funeral.