Sending flowers after a loss is one of the most meaningful gestures you can make, but it's natural to feel unsure about what's appropriate. Here's a simple guide to sympathy flower etiquette.

What to send

White and soft-toned arrangements are the traditional choice for sympathy, conveying peace, purity, and respect. Lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums in white or pale tones are all appropriate and widely used. Our Classic Whites arrangement reflects this style.

What to avoid

Very bright, celebratory colour combinations are generally best avoided for sympathy arrangements, as they can feel mismatched with the tone of the occasion. If in doubt, softer and simpler is usually the safer choice.

Where to send them

Sympathy flowers can be sent to a family home, a funeral service, or directly to a funeral home — just let us know the delivery details and timing when you order, and we'll take care of the rest.

What to write on the card

A short, sincere message is always appropriate. You don't need to say much — something like “Thinking of you and your family” or “With deepest sympathy” conveys the sentiment without needing to find the perfect words.

Timing

There's no strict deadline for sending sympathy flowers. While many people send them in the days immediately following a loss or ahead of a service, flowers are just as meaningful when sent weeks later as a continued gesture of support.

If you're not sure what's appropriate for a specific situation, get in touch with us directly and we'll help you choose.