When words fail, flowers and plants provide a heartfelt way to express condolences. Whether sent to a funeral service or directly to a grieving family, sympathy flowers offer comfort and honor the memory of a loved one. If you're considering sending an arrangement, here are six essential things to know about sympathy flowers—including the significance of plants and dish gardens and traditional ribbon messages.

1. Types of Sympathy Flower Arrangements

There are different types of sympathy arrangements, each with a specific purpose:

• Standing Sprays & Wreaths – Displayed on easels at funeral services, symbolizing eternal remembrance.
• Casket Sprays – Placed on top of the casket, usually chosen by immediate family.
• Floral Baskets & Vase Arrangements – Thoughtful gifts sent to the funeral home, church, or grieving family.
• Potted Plants & Dish Gardens – A long-lasting tribute that continues to grow, offering comfort beyond the funeral.

2. Flower & Plant Meanings

Each flower and plant carries its own special significance:

Flowers

• Lilies – Symbolize purity, innocence, and the restored soul of the departed.
• Roses – White roses represent reverence, red roses express love, and pink roses convey admiration.
• Chrysanthemums – Traditionally associated with grief and mourning.
• Orchids – Represent enduring love and eternal remembrance.
• Carnations – White carnations symbolize pure love, while pink carnations signify eternal remembrance.

Plants & Dish Gardens (A Lasting Tribute)

Unlike cut flowers, plants and dish gardens provide long-term comfort and symbolize life, renewal, and memory. Some popular choices include:

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Plant) – Represents peace, hope, and healing. It thrives indoors with minimal care, making it an excellent sympathy gift. View our Peace Lily here.
• Dish Gardens – A combination of green plants, sometimes accented with fresh flowers, arranged in a decorative container. These are perfect for home deliveries, as they grow and flourish over time.
• Pothos & Ferns – Known for their resilience and longevity, they symbolize everlasting remembrance.
• Snake Plant – Represents strength and endurance, making it a meaningful sympathy gesture.

3. Choosing the Right Colors

Color choices in sympathy arrangements convey different emotions:

• White – Symbolizes peace, purity, and sympathy.
• Blue & Purple – Represent serenity, calmness, and respect.
• Pink – Expresses love and admiration.
• Red – A symbol of deep love and strength.
• Yellow – Used to celebrate a well-lived life and offer comfort.

4. Proper Etiquette for Sending Sympathy Flowers & Plants

When sending flowers or plants, timing and etiquette matter:

• When to Send? – Funeral arrangements should be delivered before the service begins. Home deliveries can be sent immediately or even weeks after the loss as a continued sign of support.
• Who Should Send What? – Immediate family provides casket sprays, while friends, coworkers, and extended family send standing sprays, baskets, or potted plants.
• Religious & Cultural Considerations – Some traditions, like Jewish and Islamic customs, may not include flowers in mourning rituals. In such cases, a dish garden or plant may be a more suitable alternative.

5. What to Write on the Ribbon

Sympathy flower ribbons are often personalized with short, heartfelt messages. Some common choices include:

• "Beloved Husband/Wife"
• "Forever in Our Hearts"
• "With Love and Remembrance"
• "Gone but Never Forgotten"
• "Rest in Peace"
• "Deepest Sympathy"

You can also include the deceased’s name, their role (e.g., "Loving Mother" or "Cherished Friend"), or a personal message that reflects their memory.

6. Alternatives to Traditional Sympathy Flowers

If you’re looking for a unique way to express condolences, consider:

• Dish Gardens & Potted Plants – A meaningful, long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers.
• Charitable Donations – Some families prefer donations to a meaningful cause instead of flowers.
• Customized Memorial Gifts – A framed photo, memory book, or personalized keepsake can be just as heartfelt.
• Food Baskets or Comfort Gifts – Sending a meal or care package can provide practical support during difficult times.

Final Thoughts

Sympathy flowers and plants provide comfort, express love, and honor the life of the departed. Whether you choose a traditional floral arrangement, a Peace Lily, or a Dish Garden, your thoughtful gesture will be deeply appreciated.