Sympathy Questions &
Answers
Q:
What is the best style for a funeral arrangement? How do I order a "special"
design?
A:
Highly personalized sympathy tributes depicting an aspect
of a person’s life are very popular. If he loved the outdoors, perhaps a funeral piece
including branches and natural materials would be best. If she was a gardener, maybe
a tribute with a collection of garden flowers would be best. The key to ordering a unique
design is to give the florist a few hints about the deceased or about yourself.
Q:
If the death notice mentions a charitable donation
is it still appropriate to send flowers?
A: Flowers help say what is often difficult to express.
This is why it is always appropriate and in good taste to send an arrangement. It adds
warmth to the service and provides the emotional support so important to the family
at this time.
Q: Is
it appropriate to send flowers to the family’s home?
A: Sending flowers to the home is
a thoughtful way to express your condolences. While some people choose to send flowers
to the home immediately, others prefer to wait a week or longer. In the weeks after
the service, sending flowers can be a comforting gesture that you haven’t forgotten.
Q: If several of us want to send flowers together, how do we sign our names
so that the family knows how to thank us?
A:
There should room on the enclosure card
for several names; however, if there are more than a few, it is best to sign the card
as a group, such as "Your Friends in Shipping" or "The Jones Family". It is also wise
to include a contact name and address on the card so the family can properly thank you.
Q: What is appropriate to send for a cremation?
A: A tastefully designed floral tribute
adds beauty to any type of memorial. Families usually have a piece made especially for
display next to the urn. Florists in many areas may have specific suggestions for arrangements.