From times immemorial, people have expressed their condolences for the death of loved ones by giving sympathy flowers. Sympathy flowers are both tributes to the past and tokens of hope for the future. Flower arrangements are always appropriate at these sad times, whether sent to the funeral home or other place where the funeral service is scheduled to take place or the private home of the deceased’s surviving loved ones.

Different flowers will be showcased depending upon whether they are sent to a private home or the venue where the funeral will take place. Flower arrangements appropriate to a memorial service include wreaths and standing sprays while flower arrangements appropriate for a private home will include bouquets and flower baskets. The flowers themselves will differ too. If the flowers are being delivered to a private home, the florist will use smaller blooms like carnations, roses, daisies and stock; if the flowers are being delivered to a funeral home or church, the florist will use larger blooms like gladioli, lilies and chrysanthemums.

The custom of giving sympathy flowers probably had its origins before embalming became commonplace, arising from the practical necessity of disguising decomposition. Particularly in warm climates, the fragrance of flowers banked upon and around a coffin, could disguise any unpleasant miasmas long enough to allow the funeral to take place.

While funeral customs vary widely among cultures, to this day most place a high value on sympathy flowers. Two places where it may be inappropriate to send flowers however are Jewish synagogues and Catholic churches.

A floral tribute that’s appropriate for a funeral may not be appropriate for a memorial service six months later. You should rely on a florist who operates from the area where the funeral or memorial is being held to guide your decisions here. And even when the obituary states that charitable contributions are encouraged in lieu of flowers, it is always appropriate to give both.

When you want to order flowers, think of serenata flowers.