MY ADVICE FOR ORDERING SYMPATHY FLOWERS & FUNERAL FLOWERS DELIVERED

As a florist, I”m asked all the time for my advice on how to order funeral & sympathy flowers. What should I send my friend/co-worker/family member who just lost a loved one?

When someone you love and care about has lost someone they love, its hard to know how best to reach out and let them know you are thinking about them.

My opinion,of course, is to send flowers!

Here are my top tips for funeral flowers delivered:

TIP #1: ALWAYS ORDER FUNERAL FLOWERS FROM LOCAL FLOWER SHOPS

If you can, ALWAYS order flowers or a plant from a local florist. This is benefical for two reasons:

ADVANTAGE #1 ORDERING SYMPATHY FLOWERS FROM A LOCAL SHOP:

Supporting a local business is always my preference. There are so many adorable flower shops that you can find that are local. Best way to search is via google, check out their websites, and if you like what you see place an order.

It’s so easy these days to place an order online. But my preference is to directly call the flower shop. They can give you additional insight on the phone that you can’t get on a website. What is the prettiest flower in stock today? Or the most fresh? What plants are the most beautiful?

There is something about a real connection with a human over the phone, especially if you have any special flower requests or would like some advice.

My biggest advice when ordering, just order a beautiful arrangement. It doesn’t need to be a “funeral arrangement” to me those aren’t the most beautiful. Just send something that you know the receiver would love.

ADVANTAGE #2 ORDERING FUNERAL FLOWERS FROM A LOCAL FLOWER SHOP:

Delivery process. If you order flowers or plants from an online retailer, you may not have much control or say in when or how the flowers get delivered.

But when you purchase flowers from a local shop, they always call ahead to arrange the delivery. This way if the weather is a bit extreme (really cold or really hot) they can plan the delivery accordingly.

Bottom line: flower shops will make sure that your flowers get delivered, and you can be notified directly of the delivery.

*if you order online you will know when your flowers were delivered, but will you know in what shape they were delivered? Although if you must send flowers online, my number one recommendation is Farm Girl Flowers.

TIP #2: ALWAYS PROVIDE THE RECEIVERS PHONE NUMBER WHEN ORDERING FUNERAL FLOWERS DELIVERED

If ordering from a local flower shop, providing the phone number is key to making sure your recipient gets the flowers.

When I’ve called ahead to ensure a smooth delivery, no one has ever been upset that I am trying to coordinate a flower delivery. They are so grateful and it gives them something to look forward to during a difficult time.

TIP #3: CONSIDER ORDERING A PLANT OR AN ORCHID PLANT

I LOVE sending plants. Why? Because long after the services for their loved ones are over the plant will still be a reminder of their loved one, and of your care and concern reaching out to them during a difficult time.

Orchid plants on average last several months of blooming before the blooms are gone. And they come in beautiful colors and varieties. These are my favorite item to gift to a loved one during a difficult time.

Plants are also an excellent choice for s sympathy gift, and some houseplants are actually quite colorful. These plants will last a long time, and so they make a great gift.

TIP#4: ALWAYS WRITE A THOUGHTFUL NOTE TO ACCOMPANY THE FLOWERS

When in doubt, the phrases “in deepest sympathy” & “our thoughts and prayers are with you” will do. But I know that infusing a little bit of personal connection into a card during a difficult time will go a long way.

Here are some ideas for ways to make your sympathy notes more personal:

• Share stories or experiences with the person who passed if you can, their loved ones will love to read those
• Make it more personal & specific, but it doesn’t have to be long
• For example a simple, “I’m thinking about you during this difficult time” is a bit more personal than “our deepest sympathies”. And even better something more specific would be something like “growing up your dad was the fun dad of the neighborhood and will be deeply missed by all”
• If you didn’t know the person who passed personally, you could say something like, “I remember you talking about how your mom [is always thinking of others], and I see the same characteristic in you.”
• Sometimes we and/or our friends may have a complicated relationship with those who have passed on. Maybe say something like “I know your relationship with {name here} was complex. I’m here anytime you’d like to talk.”

TIP #5: SEND SYMPATHY FLOWERS ANYTIME

Being remembered during a difficult time period doesn’t have a particular expiration,and so if you forgot to send flowers right around the time of the funeral don’t worry. Send them now!

In fact, people close to me have shared that it they never stop thinking of and remembering their loved ones who pass, and so we shouldn’t be shy about bringing them up. It shows that we remember and care about them and their loved ones.

And if you’d like to pick up some flowers at the grocery store, here’s some tips to make them look more chic then the plastic wrap they came in! How to wrap a bouquet of flowers perfect every time.

When in doubt about what to send for funeral flowers delivered, just send beautiful flowers and a note. You honestly can’t go wrong with that combination.

Spread love & flowers!

xx

Emily