Funeral Etiquette & What To Send !

1. Funeral Wreath

A circular shape of fresh flowers, foliages, mosses, vines or ribbon accented with a swag of fresh flowers. The circular shape symbolizes eternal life. This type of piece is appropriate for sending to the funeral services, and is often taken to the gravesite. It is most often chosen by family, friends, business associates or organizations.

2. Funeral Cross

A circular shape of fresh flowers, foliages, mosses, vines or ribbon accented with a swag of fresh flowers. The circular shape symbolizes eternal life. This type of piece is appropriate for sending to the funeral services, and is often taken to the gravesite. It is most often chosen by family, friends, business associates or organizations.

3. Funeral Pillow

A shaped rectangular piece with flowers, foliages or moss covering the surface. A swag of fresh flowers often accents the rectangular shape. The design symbolizes the beauty of eternal rest, and is most often sent by family members or close friends

4. Funeral Heart Flowers

A gathering of materials, most often wheat, tied at a central point, and often accented with fresh flowers. It can be placed inside, or on top of the casket, or set on a side table at the visitations. Some families keep these arrangements after the services as memorials to the life of the lost loved one. Dried grains are used to symbolize a fruitful, productive life. This type of piece is most often chosen by family, friends or religious affiliations.

5. Sympath Flowers Sheaf

A gathering of materials, most often wheat, tied at a central point, and often accented with fresh flowers. It can be placed inside, or on top of the casket, or set on a side table at the visitations. Some families keep these arrangements after the services as memorials to the life of the lost loved one. Dried grains are used to symbolize a fruitful, productive life. This type of piece is most often chosen by family, friends or religious affiliations.

6. Funeral Flowers Casket Spray

A floral composition designed to be placed on top of the casket. Two types exist. A lid spray (or full-couch casket spray) extends the length of the casket, and a foot spray (or half-couch casket spray) covers about one half of the casket. Either one can be used on either an open or closed casket (although a foot spray would typically be used on a half-open casket). Only the closest family members will order this piece, usually those members making the funeral arrangements for their loved one.

7. Sympathy Flower Basket

A container with or without a handle filled with fresh flowers and foliages. There are basically two types of basket arrangements. Traditional baskets are typically one sided and very formal in appearance. They are usually taken to the cemetery after the visitations. Family members, business associates and neighbors often will order this type of arrangement. The other type is more of an everyday style (shown here), usually made in a wicker basket, and while suitable for the funeral services it is also appropriate for the family to take home afterwards. Family friends, co-workers and extended family members will often order this type of style.

8. Sympathy Flowers Vase Arrangement

A floral composition created in a container, usually glass or plastic, that holds water to keep flowers fresh. Suitable for the funeral services or for the family's home, these pieces are most often sent by friends, business associates or organizations.

9. Sympathy Plant

Blooming or Green Plants come in a wide variety of offerings, including combinations known as European Gardens or Dish Gardens. All of these choices are common sympathy tributes throughout the year. Blooming varieties will change with the season, while green plants are available year round. Extended family, friends, and co-workers often choose these items, which can be sent to the services or family's home.

10. Fireside Basket

A low handled wicker basket containing a floral composition. This design is usually one sided, and often is placed on the floor near the casket. It is not appropriate to be sent to the family's home, but is most often chosen by businesses, family members or groups ordering flowers together to be sent to the funeral home or church

Funeral Flowers Etiquette & Questions Answered

We are often asked many different questions regarding what to send or what the etiquette is for sending Funeral Flowers in Ireland.

If you don't know how to order funeral flowers, we hope these guides help you; if you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know at info@dublinflorists.com

Q: I just heard the news… Is it too late to send flowers?

A: No matter when you hear the sad news, sending flowers is always appropriate. You can choose to send a flower arrangement to the service or home of the other family members.

Q: What if I don't know what to send to a funeral that is out-of-town?

A: There are many types of services, from traditional funerals to memorial services. It is appropriate to buy and send a flower arrangement to any of these services. Typically in Ireland it is not appropriate to send a wreath directly to the family home, this is generally sent to the Funeral Home or Church. However other forms of flowers would be suitable for delivery to the home such as Sprays, Posies or Sympathy Bouquets.

Q: We collected money among the people in our office to send flowers. How do we sign the card?

A: You can sign it with the name of the business or group or use the individual names on the card. Try to keep the name list as concise as possible. You might want to get a larger greeting card and have everyone sign it as you collect the contributions. Then bring the card to the flower shop and they can attach it to the design you are sending.

Q: The obituary says "In lieu of flowers," but I still would like to send flowers – is this appropriate?

A: Yes, flowers are also appropriate in these situations. Many people choose to send a token of remembrance to the service or family home as well as a donation to the charity indicated.

Q: I am not certain where the service is being held. Can the florist help me?

A: If you have the name of the deceased and the funeral home, we have the obituaries on hand to check them. You can trust us to get the sympathy flowers to the funeral on 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. Click here to view sympathy flowers appropriate for sending to the family's home.

Q: I am not sure how to sign the card. What should I say?

A: Most enclosure cards are pre-printed with messages like "Deepest sympathy" or "With love and sympathy." All you need to do is sign your name. You should use your first and last name to avoid confusion for the family. If there are a group of names, you should spell each one for the person taking the order to make sure he or she has the correct information.

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; others who wish to express their sympathy can send an appropriate tribute.