Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and choosing the right sympathy or funeral flowers can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. Nashville Floral Company works with families and funeral homes throughout Middle Tennessee every week, and we've put together this guide to help you navigate sympathy flower etiquette with confidence.
Types of Sympathy Arrangements
Sympathy flowers come in several traditional forms, each suited to a different role in the service:
- Casket sprays -- Large arrangements designed to rest on top of the casket. These are typically sent only by the immediate family.
- Standing sprays and easels -- Tall arrangements displayed on an easel near the casket or at the entrance of the service. Appropriate for close family, extended family, and close friends.
- Wreaths -- A circular arrangement symbolizing eternal life, often sent by family or organizations the deceased was part of.
- Sympathy baskets and plants -- A lower-cost, lasting option that can be sent to the funeral home or directly to the family's residence.
- Bouquets for the home -- A simple, comforting gesture for the family to enjoy in the weeks following the service.
Who Sends What
There's no strict rule, but a few conventions can help guide your decision. Casket sprays are traditionally reserved for immediate family members, since more than one would be unusual. Standing sprays and wreaths are appropriate for extended family, close friends, and coworkers. Baskets, plants, and smaller bouquets are a thoughtful choice for acquaintances, neighbors, or anyone who wants to express condolences without a large arrangement.
Where to Send Sympathy Flowers
Arrangements meant to be displayed during the service -- casket sprays, standing sprays, and wreaths -- should be delivered to the funeral home before the visitation or service begins. Nashville Floral Company delivers directly to funeral homes across the Nashville area and coordinates timing with the funeral home staff to make sure your arrangement arrives when it's needed. If you'd rather offer support to the family directly, a bouquet, plant, or basket sent to their home is always appropriate, whether before, during, or after the service.
When to Send Sympathy Flowers
Flowers for the service should ideally arrive the day before or the morning of the visitation to allow time for setup. If you miss that window, it's still meaningful to send flowers to the family's home -- sympathy gestures are welcome for weeks after a loss, and a bouquet that arrives after the service can be an especially comforting reminder that the person is still being thought of.
What to Write on a Sympathy Card
Keep the message simple, sincere, and focused on the family rather than elaborate language. A few examples:
- "With deepest sympathy during this difficult time."
- "Thinking of you and your family. [Name] will be deeply missed."
- "Sending comfort and love as you grieve the loss of [Name]."
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Some families request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers, which is usually noted in the obituary -- it's best to honor that request. Certain religious and cultural traditions also have specific customs around flowers, such as preferences for particular colors or, in some cases, no flowers at all. When in doubt, checking the obituary or calling the funeral home directly is the safest way to confirm what's appropriate.
Ordering Sympathy Flowers in Nashville
Nashville Floral Company has delivered sympathy and funeral flowers to funeral homes, churches, and families across Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Hermitage, and the surrounding areas for years. Our design team can help you choose an arrangement that fits the service and your budget, and we coordinate delivery timing directly with the funeral home. Browse our sympathy and funeral flower collection online, or call us at (615) 724-7911 and we'll help you find the right arrangement for this moment.