Death is the inevitable truth of life, and with time we all have to accept the fact. And as is true for all the occasions in life there are ceremonies and customs attached to this event when life comes to an end. It has been an age old custom to bid farewell to the departed with flowers, and indeed flowers can be the only best tribute to someone on his last journey. When eyes are filled with tears and the tongue slurs flowers can do the talking, they can convey the deepest of the emotions and love for the departed.

A sympathy funeral flower service is normally carried out to show regards and pay homage to somebody’s life. And flowers are the most significant part of this tribute. It’s a gloomy atmosphere and the morale, of all present, is low, with a comforting touch is required. And flowers do exactly the same, providing comfort, and lowering the gloom index by adding colors, freshness and fragrance. And above all the flowers can express those deep heart felt feelings which are difficult to convey using words. Flowers are a symbol of the sympathy feelings and the support one wishes to extend on this sad occasion.

This custom of sending flowers must be carried out with proper etiquettes so as not to end up hurting the bereaved family’s feelings by sending inappropriate flowers or arrangements. If you have always wanted to know “How to Choose Flowers for the Funeral Service” you must read this article in entirety. When sending flowers for the sympathy funeral flower there are lots and lots of things to be considered like what colors, what flowers and more importantly what arrangement would be more appropriate depending on the relationship that existed between the sender and the deceased. As for the colors always go in for the pastel and lighter shades, darker and stronger shades may not look appealing on such an occasion. And the varieties chosen must have soft delicate fragrances, strong fragrance flowers could well be kept aside for some other occasion. The flower varieties generally associated with funeral services are lilies, asters, daffodils, roses, iris, lisianthus and tulips. Here are the guiding rules to decide on what arrangements would be most ideal to be sent as funeral flowers:

1. Pedestal arrangements: these are tall arrangements for the purpose of keeping at the sides of the casket and

they come only from the family of the deceased. These are placed at the ends of the casket

. 2. Sprays: these are medium size bunches which are of two types. The first one being casket sprays which are for the purpose of keeping on top of the casket, this can further have two types, a lid spray type which will extend to the full length of the casket and the other one being foot spray which is intended to cover only half of the casket. The casket sprays are meant only for the closet family members to send. The second type of sprays are called the easel sprays which are meant to be placed on tripod stands, or put on walls or simply kept near the caskets. These can be sent by family members, friends, and even by organizations and professional associates, even by groups of people wanting to give a common tribute.

3. Wreaths: these are flowers arranged in the form of a circular ring the ring being a symbol or eternal life. These wreaths mostly go up to the graveyard. These can ideally be sent by almost anyone who new the deceased be it family, friends or the business associates. They come decorated with various types and sizes of flowers.

4. Cross: a cross is made using some base and it is all covered with thick covering of flowers and a small bunch may be placed at the centre of it. These are meant for either for the family members to choose of for the religious groups.

5. Heart: a small heart shaped base covered with dense flowers and a small bunch of flowers may be placed to the centre or one of the top edges of the heart. This is meant for use only by close relatives of family as an expression of love for the dead.

6. Rosary: this rosary is made with flowers to resemble the original rosary and is meant to be placed inside the casket. This must come strictly from the closest of relatives or essentially from the family members.

7. Sheaf: it’s a gathering of wheat to which fresh flowers are added and the bunch is tied at the centre, these can be kept on the top or sides of the casket and can be given by anyone.

8. Pillow: a rectangular shape to resemble a pillow is covered with flowers, leaves and moss. It signifies eternal rest and is meant to be ordered by immediate family or close friends.

Here are some rules that could help one when sympathy funeral flower are to be sent:

A floral tribute could be just the right choice whether it is a traditional burial or the modern cremation method is being used. If it is a cremation the family and close ones can even choose for some small arrangement that could be used to place on or by the side of the urn containing the ashes. Regardless of whether a service is being held or not you can show your concern by sending flowers. One can try and correlate the flower arrangement to some aspect of the deceased’s life. Be particular what arrangements can be sent home, the ones listed above are more suited and appropriate for sympathy funeral flower services. When sending flowers sign in your names so that the family will come to know as to who has sent what, if you are a group of people try using some single common name- like it could be your company’s name or the families name.