One of my relatives recently passed away, and I want to order a floral arrangement. Not really sure what to do, however. I figured out the “call a florist and order them” bit, but is there a message on them? I seem to recall seeing silk ribbons with writing on them at my dad’s funeral, but I was 12, and really wasn’t taking notes for these sorts of things.
Do you get a banner ribbon across it, or a card that comes with it? Both? Neither? What should it read? Is it a message of farewell to the deceased, or condolences to the family?
If you order it delivered, it will come with a card; the florist will fill it out. The card is primarily there to identify the sender. You can say something if you wish, or not. In general, the message is usually, “My condolences” or something personal about the relative (e.g., “I’ll always remember you, Uncle John.”) The point is to show the family that you are with them with their loss and are thinking good thoughts about the deceased.
You can also probably order a banner. The florist will let you know if they have them available.
The banners I’ve seen have had the relation on it - Beloved Uncle, etc. If you’d like to send a message it would go on the card from the florist somewhere else on the arrangement.
I’m sorry for your loss, Antonio.
I’ve become the flower orderer in my family, and the simplest thing to do is to call the funeral home and ask for a referral to a florist. Then you will get a florist who definitely delivers there and definitely has arrangements suitable for a funeral. The florist will give you some options and prices. Also they will make sure not to deliver 5 of the same thing. If you were not very close or if you’re paying for the whole thing yourself (they start at like $50) the just go with something simple. If it’s from a group then you can get something like a banner but it’s way not necessary. The flowers are for the immediate family so make the card out as such. “With my deepest sympathies” or “I will miss uncle George” or “May George rest in peace.”
Agreed. You can order whatever you like. Even if it goes a little against convention, the florist will help you get what you want, and help smooth over any “breaks in convention” that others may see.
Example: When I was in high school and going to Prom, Mom made sure I got my date a corsage. She recommended an orchid, as she had never had an orchid from her date to her own Prom. So I got my date an orchid. The young lady who was my date was very happy.
When Mom died, I asked the florist if he could supply an orchid. Just a single orchid, like in a corsage, as my Mom always wanted one and she never got one. He could, and provided a beautiful one in a globe of water. That was my tribute to Mom at her funeral, and the florist added a nice card. Unconventional, yes; but suitable under the circumstances. And Mom finally got her orchid.
