Choosing what type of sympathy flowers to give to someone who has lost a loved one can be a difficult decision.
What do you choose? Do you want to send your condolences with bright and cheerful flowers, or would it be better to send something more subdued, like white lilies? It’s essential to know the flower’s color before sending them. For example, purple irises signify regret and sympathy for death, while red carnations represent love and respect in times of sorrow. The meaning behind colors will help guide your decision when choosing which flower arrangement to order for someone who has lost a loved one.
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What Are Sympathy Flowers?
Sympathy flowers are frequently offered at funerals to show the grieving that they are not alone in their grief and loss. These flowers are typically used to convey support, with phrases such as “There’s no way I can know how you feel, but if it helps some, this tiny gesture may provide some consolation.”
Mums, carnations, lilies, and even blooming fruit trees are popular for sympathy flowers. They’re generally put on top of or near the departed person after they’ve passed, so those who don’t have time for more elaborate arrangements can still show condolences by giving these sympathy flowers in different colors.
The Meaning of Colors
Sympathy flowers come in various colors, each with its own meaning. Black represents mourning, white symbolizes purity or innocence, yellow represents sympathy with the unexpected death of someone close to you, such as accidental death, lavender represents feelings between friends who care deeply about the sender’s sorrows and pain from their losses. Purple conveys deep respect, which may be out of reverence or regret over someone’s passing away.
This can also represent love lost due to distance, such as when individuals are unable to see loved ones on time owing to geographical distance but still desire peace while thinking of them during this tough time. Finally, blue represents hope, which we all need in these trying times!
Pale colors, such as white and cream (or the cleanest possible version of those sympathy flower colors), imply purity. They also suggest delicate tranquility or peace in response to grief. The hue red is a color that evokes strong emotions like anger, powerlessness, and even love at times. It’s not surprising to see this on many sympathy arrangements for funerals or other somber occasions because mourners often need all they can get from an external source during these difficult periods of mourning. Still, while there are no set rules about which flowers should be used when sending condolences with any given color scheme in mind most florists will have their preferences based on what would best suit your specific needs.
Types of Sympathy Flowers
Many types of sympathy flowers in different colors exist. They can range from traditional funeral arrangements to something as simple and thoughtful as a single rose in remembrance or even an arrangement with daisies, often seen by the deceased’s bedside during their final days on earth. The most popular type, though, seems to be cut flower bouquets for burial services because they represent beauty while also being symbolic reminders of life continuing after death.
Different Flowers and Their Meanings
When choosing sympathy flowers, you may focus on the prettiest ones, but many traditional funeral flowers have significant meanings attached that you should be aware of. Here are some to consider:
Lilies: With their stark, waxy white petals and strong aroma, lilies have long been the go-to funeral flowers with significant meaning. Lilies symbolize the spiritual journey of the departed and that their soul has returned to a state of grace and peace.
Roses: Roses are an excellent choice for sympathy flowers because their scent is lovely, and each color offers a different meaning. For instance, white roses naturally symbolize purity and spirituality, whereas deep red roses symbolize love and grief. Pink roses are typically used to express gratitude, while yellow roses symbolize a special bond of friendship. Consider mixing roses with other flowers when ordering a casket or standing sprays.
Orchids: What a beautiful flower with a gorgeous meaning: “I will always love you.” If you want to send something special to the family’s home after the services, consider sending a whole orchid plant that will last much longer than orchids cut for an arrangement.
Carnations: Have you ever wondered why many sympathy flowers contain pink carnations? It may be because, for Catholics and other Christian religions, pink carnations are believed to be created from Mary’s tears. Whether that is your personal belief or not, carnations are simple, delicate flowers with a lovely, sweet scent that makes people happy.
Hydrangeas: It’s hard to see a Hydrangea and not smile—that is the effect they have on most people and the effect you are trying to elicit with your sympathy flowers. While the meaning of this flower is a bit ambiguous, many believe it symbolizes true and deep, heartfelt emotions. As with orchids, the whole plant versions will always last longer than the cut arrangement.
Express Your Sympathy with Flower Arrangements
Sympathy flower arrangements and bouquets are thoughtful gestures that say how much you care with words. There’s nothing more comforting than the beauty of flowers to lift someone’s spirits, so giving sympathy flowers can be an essential part of showing your condolences during this difficult time for them. Sympathy flower arrangements are made up of pastel colors like pink or lavender, while bouquets may include one type mixed with brighter shades such as yellow or orange to create contrast among the blooms.
It can be difficult to express yourself when nothing seems appropriate to say. Still, sympathy flowers offer an excellent opportunity for people across all walks of life. They can express their discomfort alongside those mourning without fear of being rejected because what else could any person want other than someone willing to help?
By Jenna Bruce, Blog contributor