Funeral Flowers

Is “In Lieu of Flowers” a Good Idea?

February 28th, 2011

In Lieu Of Flowers A Good Idea?The death of a friend or family member is always a difficult and confusing time. Families often make requests that gifts be given to charity in lieu of flowers.  This is usually the result of advice from well-intentioned friends or organizations. While a family may want to do something special in the name of the deceased, it is not always appreciated by all. There are many implications that go along with an in lieu of flowers request.  An obituary itself is an announcement of the death and an invitation to friends and acquaintances to attend the funeral.  The obituary is not, however, an expectation of flowers, gifts or donations.

In some cases, an in lieu of flowers request can cause discomfort or embarrassment for friends and relatives. Those who do follow the request may be confused and embarrassed by those who ignored the request and sent flowers. Many people prefer more traditional ways of expressing their sympathy and like to make the decision on their own whether to send flowers, make a donation or send a card.

No matter one’s preferences, in most funerals today there is room for both flowers and charity.  The concept of giving to charity during a times of sadness can help lift the spirits of those left behind.  The comfort and tradition of giving flowers can also help to lift the mood of the day, as well as create a lasting memory of the funeral.  Personalized funeral tributes can spark wonderful thoughts of times spent together.

In any case, it is always very important to consider what the deceased person would have wanted when making certain requests.  Regardless of the request, a funeral is a celebration of life that should be honored according to the wishes of the deceased and their family.
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How Flowers and Funerals Got Together

February 24th, 2011

The idea of funeral flowers has had both a practical and a symbolic use for many years.  In the beginning, using flowers and spices were used at a funeral or burial-place as a pleasant way to mask orders. Today, we use funeral flowers as loving tributes to our lost friends.

The History of Flowers & Funerals

Send Funeral Flowers From A Real Local Florist With Flower Shop NetworkIt wasn’t until the 18oo’s that the practice of embalming became a popular practice.  Conservation practices have been done in many cultures for thousands of years, but it is not until the Civil War that embalming become common in the United States. President Lincoln actually became interested in the idea so that Union soldiers could be returned to their loved ones for proper burial.  After the Civil War however, embalming fell out of use, and once again funeral flowers became popular.

In 1914 C. Austin Miles wrote the famous funeral hymn, “In the Garden” which referenced the afterlife being like a garden stroll. This eventually lead funeral homes to develop indoor gardens as the backdrop of the funeral.

Flowers at funerals are also used when it is difficult to know what to say.  People are often at a loss for words in times of grief. Even when the passing is expected, it is sometimes hard to know what to say.

Why Sending Funeral Flowers Is So Important

  • Sending flowers is a wonderful way to express one’s sympathy and compassion for the family, and show respect for the deceased.
  • Funeral flowers often are meant to show one’s  love, and support for the family.
  • Personalized funeral flowers can often spark happy memories of those close to the departed.
  • Flowers also have a symbolic use in that they can create a warm and comforting feeling during the funeral.
  • Flowers can be a great comfort to those close to the deceased and create a special memory for loved ones to recall long after the funeral.

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Funeral Flower Ordering Tips

February 24th, 2010

Standing Spray Funeral Flowers

Many of us are at a loss when it comes to expressing our condolences. Sympathy flowers are a natural and comforting way to express our feeling of loss while comforting others. At some point in our lives, we will be faced with the need to order funeral flowers.

Fortunately Debra Kerr-Hunter of Eden Garden Center & Florist has a few simple steps and tips that will make the process of ordering funeral flowers easier.

How To Order Sympathy Flowers

KNOW THE DETAILS – Before you order flowers for a funeral, you will need to know the name of the deceased and the location and date of the funeral. This information can be obtained from an obituary listing, a friend or family member, or from funeral homes in the area. Have all the information written down and within reach before you call.

SET A BUDGET – This can be difficult if you don’t know how much the florist charges. Here are some things to consider.

  • How many people are going in on the arrangement? If there are 5 people, you might each contribute $10 or $20.
  • How well did you know the deceased? If it was a relative, your floral sentiment might be more generous.
  • What is the minimum order amount? Wire services and most florists have a minimum amount on a phone order. If it’s a local funeral and you walk into the florist, there may not be a minimum, however.
  • Basket and container arrangements usually begin at $30 – $40, and can run as high as $120 – $150 depending on the size of the arrangement and types of flowers used.
  • Standing sprays, wreaths and crosses are much more expensive, starting at around $100 – $130, and running as high as $250 – $400 again, depending on the blooms used.
  • Plant gifts usually start around $30 and run up to around $75 at a high end.

Continue reading “Funeral Flower Ordering Tips” »

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Grave Blankets

January 5th, 2010

Everything You Need To Know About Grave Blankets

Grave blankets, also referred to as cemetery grave blankets, are decorative coverings for the gravesite. In the same way that casket sprays decorate a casket at the funeral, grave blankets decorate the gravesite at the cemetery.

Grave blankets are traditionally made of evergreens (such as pine) and decorated with accents like baby’s breath, ribbons, bows, etc. Grave blankets come in many sizes. The smallest of these, often referred to as grave pillows, are more compact and reside near the headstone.

Areas Where Grave Blankets Are Popular

Grave blankets, though not traditional to any part of the country, are an American tradition that has taken root in northernmost states. Grave blankets are most common in states with colder winters. The most popular locations for grave blankets are Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and New York.

Even in areas that do not suffer harsh winters, grave blankets are a popular winter cemetery decoration because most fresh flowers cannot tolerate the cold. Live evergreens in grave blankets provide a fresh alternative whereas otherwise the only options are silk flowers, artificial flowers, or no decorations at all.

The Proper Time To Use Grave Blankets

Grave blankets are typically used in the late fall and throughout the winter. Though each cemetery is different, most allow grave blankets to be displayed from November through late March or early April. During this season, Christmas grave blankets are popular.

As this season wanes, grave blankets for other holidays are selected. These may include a grave blanket for Mother’s Day, the anniversary of the person’s death, the birthday of the deceased, and other occasions.

Other Helpful Information About Grave Blankets

 

Learn how to make a grave blanket.

 

 

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