What is an appropriate gesture to send for cremations?
Cremations are becoming an alternative for many religions that previously opted for burials. Many cremations first hold a standard funeral service in a chapel or church and flowers are appropriate. As cremations are becoming more acceptable in many religions, viewings are often held first and later the cremation occurs following the funeral service. Flowers, especially standing sprays, baskets or even an elegant vase arrangement are suitable.

Can you send flowers if there is no funeral service?
Yes, It is appropriate to send floral arrangements to a memorial.

What does "in lieu of flowers" mean?
It means "in place of or instead of flowers." Depending on religious or personal circumstances, customs or the wishes of the deceased, family and friends may be asked to make a contribution to a specific charity instead of sending floral arrangments. Generally this information can be found in the obituary.

How do I know what charity to donate to?
If the bereaved would prefer donations to a charity in lieu of flowers generally the information can be found in the obituary or in literature at the funeral parlor. You may also wish to donate to a specific charitable cause on your own and many will send a notification to the bereaved of your donation in the deceased's name.

When it is considered too late to send an expression of sympathy?
It is always more appropriate to acknowledge a loss than to ignore it, especially if the person experiencing the loss is a coworker or friend. Send an arrangement of flowers with a heartfelt message, a plant or write a card or letter expressing your deepest sympathy.

Funeral Flowers: What's Appropriate

Often the selections for sympathy flowers include larger pieces for the casket or specialty pieces such as floral crosses or wreaths that are not appropriate to send if you are not member of the immediate family. Here is a general guide on what type of arrangements are suitable, given your relationship to the deceased and to the family.

For Immediate Family Sending to the Funeral Service:
If the loss is an immediate family member traditional larger pieces such as a heart shaped wreath, large floral spray on a stand, a large standing floral cross, or a casket spray (if you are a spouse or adult child for a parent) is appropriate to choose. Often family members may send one large piece from several siblings or a combination of pieces.

For Friends Sending to the Funeral Service:
Friends generally send standing sprays, fireside baskets, standing baskets that are placed on display for the funeral service.

For Friends Sending a Sympathy Gift to the Home:
If you are unable to attend the services, it is generally appropriate to send a gesture of sympathy to the surviving family's home. Before sending any flowers or gifts, it is always best to know if there are religious or cultural concerns. Traditional choices for a sympathy gift to the home are an elegant vase of flowers, basket arrangement or blooming plant fruit baskets, food baskets and gourmet baskets.

For Coworkers Sending to the Funeral Service:
Coworkers will generally send the gift as a group. Appropriate floral arrangements for the service would be a standing spray, standing basket, fireside basket.

For Coworkers Sending a Sympathy Gift to the Home:
Depending on your relationship, a note or card would be appropriate extending your sympathy. If you work closely together, sending a floral basket arrangement, dish garden or blooming plant is an appropriate gesture. Additional ideas are fruit baskets, food baskets and gourmet baskets.