Sympathy & Funeral Flowers: A Thoughtful Guide by Florist Burnley
Offering support during loss is never easy. This guide from your florist Burnley explains how to choose the right sympathy or funeral flowers with care and respect.

During times of loss, words can often feel inadequate. Sympathy and funeral flowers provide a gentle, respectful way to express condolences and support for those grieving. At Flora Plant on Chapel, your trusted florist Burnley, we understand the significance of these gestures and aim to help you choose arrangements that carry the right message with grace and sincerity.
Heres a thoughtful guide to selecting the most appropriate sympathy or funeral flowers.
1. Understanding the Occasion
Sympathy flowers are typically sent to a grieving familys home or office as a sign of comfort. Funeral flowers, on the other hand, are delivered directly to the service, memorial, or burial site. Each arrangement serves a different purposeone for personal comfort, the other for public tribute.
Knowing where the flowers will be sent can guide your choice of style and size.
2. Flower Types and Meanings
Certain flowers have long been associated with sympathy due to their symbolism:
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Lilies Purity and rebirth
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Roses Love and remembrance (white for reverence, red for deep love)
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Chrysanthemums Respect and honour
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Orchids Eternal love
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Gladiolus Strength and integrity
A neutral or soft colour palettewhites, creams, soft pinks, and pastelsis often preferred for sympathy arrangements.
3. Arrangement Styles
Your florist can help you choose between:
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Bouquets Thoughtful and versatile for sending to homes
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Wreaths Circular to represent eternal life, commonly used at services
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Casket Sprays Large arrangements for the top of the casket (typically ordered by close family)
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Standing Sprays Upright tributes placed around the service area
Simplicity is key. Subtle beauty carries more meaning in these delicate moments than grand statements.
4. Sending Condolences with Sensitivity
Include a heartfelt message with your arrangement. Even a short line such as With heartfelt sympathy or Thinking of you in this time of sorrow can offer immense comfort. Be sure to write the card in a warm and respectful tone.
Florists can also help keep your message appropriately worded and suited for the occasion.
Final Thoughts
Sympathy flowers serve as quiet expressions of love, remembrance, and support. They bring light into dark times and remind the bereaved theyre not alone. Choosing them carefullywith the right flowers, colours, and arrangementsmakes all the difference.
For more lasting gestures of remembrance, consider gifting one of the peaceful indoor plants Melbourne homes often use as living memorials. At Flora Plant on Chapelyour caring florist South Yarrawere here to help you show compassion through elegant, respectful floral tributes delivered with dignity.