At Ah Sam Florist, we have decades of experience in helping you to commemorate all of life’s milestones and events. Sometimes, that means helping you in saying goodbye to a dear friend or loved one. When those times come, we are honored to provide beautiful flowers for the funeral or memorial service. We know it can be a little confusing to figure out exactly what to send, especially to navigate the choices at the time. Therefore, we have put together this brief guide on purchasing funeral flowers and expressing your condolences. Traditional Flowers: Custom points to the gladiolus bloom as a traditional flower for memorial services. These long, elegant stems are also called sword lilies, and their name is derived from the time of the Roman gladiators. Gladioli blooms are said to represent the strength of character, remembrance, faithfulness, and moral integrity and thus are a meaningful flower for funerals. However, they are not the only flower that is considered appropriate, as carnations, roses, and lilies are also commonly used for arrangements.
The flowers you will purchase will depend on your relationship with the deceased. The funeral spray or casket/urn flowers are considered only appropriate for the immediate family to choose and purchase. Standing sprays and crosses are generally purchased by family friends, work colleagues, or relatives more removed; and although the funeral flowers will follow a color scheme or theme, these arrangements do not necessarily have to do so. These displays are most often sent to the funeral home directly, or perhaps to the cemetery f the facility permits. If you wish to send a memorial bouquet to the gravesite, a silk arrangement in a funeral cone is another practical way to decorate the resting place.
If you wish to send a more intimate arrangement, or if you heard the news after the services but still wish to express your sympathies, it is always appropriate to have a bouquet of flowers sent directly to the relative’s home. These can be a memorial arrangement, perhaps with a cross or angel; a bouquet of favorite flowers, or even a green or blooming plant that will be appreciated for many months. It is not considered proper etiquette to send a spray, wreath or cross to someone’s home.
Although this is a solemn time, sending flowers to the memorial service or a loved one’s home will help them to know that they are not alone. At Ah Sam Florist, we work with all local San Mateo area funeral homes and are happy to make all of the necessary arrangements to ensure things will be easy as possible during this difficult time.
