A Helpful Guide to Choosing Condolence Flowers
Condolence flowers are an age-old tradition to express sympathy and support for one’s loss. Whether you send a three-flowered bouquet or a condolence flower stand, such actions help carry a sincere message of empathy.
Understanding the Meaning of Flowers
What makes each flower special is the specific meanings they symbolise with each type and colour. Furthermore, particular colours and types of flowers differ in meaning according to some cultures. Choose flowers that convey love, remembrance, and sympathy for funeral ceremonies and wakes, with typical choices including chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, found in many Asian funerals, symbolise love, remembrance, and the continual cycle of life. Their vibrant colours, such as white and yellow, also represent purity and mourning, while their long-lasting blooms represent one’s continuing love and memory for the deceased.
Lilies
These flowers traditionally represent innocence, hope, and purity. In some cases, it may even represent new beginnings for the bereaved. White and peace lilies tend to be the more popular choices. White lilies hold the traditional meanings of sympathy and purity, while peace lilies represent solace, tranquillity, and spiritual renewal.
Roses
White roses are associated with farewells. The pure white colour symbolises respect and remembrance and is appropriate to offer the deceased and their family.
Generally, you can gift any type of flower as long as the meaning behind the flowers is appropriate and respectful. Some flowers carry different meanings across cultures, such as white orchids in the United States symbolising purity and heaven, while in China, white blooms represent death and ghosts. In culturally diverse countries like Singapore, it is best to recognise these subtle nuances to ensure you choose the right flowers with the intended messages of respect and sympathy.
You may also gift the bereaved family fresh or preserved condolence flowers. Fresh flowers are ideal to add a natural, calming scent that provides some measure of comfort. Meanwhile, preserved flowers are longer lasting, requiring little maintenance while granting lingering comfort to the bereaved family.
Types of Condolence Flower Arrangements
There are various flower arrangements to choose from, each conveying different meanings. Flower bouquets are a time-honoured tradition to honour the departed and show sympathy, but you could always choose to send a different floral arrangement that best conveys your feelings.
Flower Baskets
A flower basket is a flexible but equally significant offering to the bereaved. It allows you to create a floral tribute that has a personal yet respectful touch. Small baskets are a practical, lightweight choice, while bigger ones can hold more flowers and add calm pleasantry to the proceedings.
Wreaths
An equally popular floral tribute, wreaths are circular or heart-shaped flower arrangements viewed as a sign of respect and eternal life. As versatile as flower bouquets, wreaths are typically found on standing easels or placed on caskets.
Funeral Crosses
Typically seen during Christian funeral services, these cross-shaped floral wreaths represent a religious offering of sympathy and reverence for the deceased.
Flower Stands
Generally sent by close family members of the deceased, flower stands are a default arrangement in Singapore displayed at a funeral or a wake. They are typically six feet tall and placed close to the casket or urn. Short messages or notes expressing condolences and sympathy are also included when sending flower stands.
Floral Sprays
Floral sprays are frequently placed on the coffin as the central floral tribute or arranged on a standing easel. You may typically find them in large, flat bouquets of long-stem plants like carnations, but the choice of flower is generally one that the deceased loved. After the burial, it is customary to leave the spray at the burial site in remembrance.
How to Pick the Right Flowers for the Right People
During such emotional periods, we need to be mindful of the types of floral arrangements and flowers you offer. Below are some guidelines and tips on how to pick the right condolence flowers.
For Family Members
Flower arrangements with personal sentiments or shared memories can reflect the bond between you and your family. More extensive, intricate presentations like casket arrangements or flower stands with customised tributes are also ideal to convey your profound affection for the departed and your support for the bereaved.
For Friends
It may be ideal to gift bouquets and wreaths to friends and acquaintances. These arrangements allow you to subtly express your condolences without being too impersonal. If you are very close friends with the bereaved or deceased, you can offer some compassion with a thoughtfully planned floral arrangement accompanied by a symbol of love and support for them.
For Colleagues
It is best to choose professional and elegant arrangements such as potted orchids and to maintain respect while conveying your condolences and support.
Tips for Personalizing Your Condolence Flowers
How do you customise your arrangement while keeping it respectful?
Add Personal Messages
A personal message goes a long way toward conveying your sympathy, love, and respect for both the bereaved and the departed. Keeping the message short and simple is usually a good idea, focusing only on what you want to convey. It is good advice to write from the heart; deep down, only you know what will be fitting for the occasion.
It may also be worth including small mementoes of cherished memories between you, the departed, and the bereaved. It adds a personal but heartfelt connection, telling the bereaved they are not alone and their grief is shared.
Be Mindful of Your Choices
Flowers hold many symbolic meanings across different cultures and religions. Some cultures consider yellow flowers appropriate as they symbolise hope and compassion, while others view them as a symbol of joy and celebration.
White flowers are the traditional choice for the bereaved to pay their respects, but vibrant colours may be appropriate if the service aims to celebrate the deceased’s life and spirit. It would be a good idea to ask the bereaved if they have particular (personal, cultural, or religious) preferences regarding what flowers you can offer them.
What to Consider When Ordering Condolence Flowers in Singapore
Ordering condolence flowers in Singapore means being mindful of several factors, such as local flower varieties, cultural sensitivities, and available delivery options. Being aware of these essential elements, Jubilant Fields Floral Studio provides an array of exquisite and culturally appropriate arrangements that are respectful of different religions and fitting for funeral settings.
Jubilant Fields’ skilled and knowledgeable florists can assist you in selecting the ideal blooms to convey your love for the departed and support for the bereaved family. Rest assured, we will prepare and deliver your heartfelt messages with the utmost elegance and care. Check out our Condolence Flowers catalogue or contact us today, and we will help you create the loveliest flower arrangement for your condolences.