Sympathy customs include the beliefs and practices used by a culture to remember those who have passed and can include, but are not limited to, funerals, memorials, and other rituals undertaken in their honor. These customs vary between religious affiliations within cultures. It is always appropriate to send sympathy flowers to any of these services. Sympathy flowers are the traditional way to express your condolences when words are few and far between. Throughout history, sympathy flowers have played an important role in funeral services because of their unique beauty and comforting qualities. Furthermore, these flowers are also a reminder of the beauty of life.
We realize that funerals never come at a convenient time. They are always last minute, requiring quick decisions. At Leigh Florist, we understand that this is a difficult time and we are here to help you choose floral displays which will celebrate the life and memory of your loved one. We will make this process as simple for you as possible and ensure we will send the style of design that is best suited for your particular service.
At Leigh Florist we offer a wide range of sympathy flowers. For traditional service and mass, we use fresh flower sprays or swags to drape the casket. These floral compositions are designed to be placed on top of the casket. There are two types: a closed spray extends the entire length of the casket and a foot spray covers half of the casket. Sprays can be used during open or closed casket services. Casket sprays are generally ordered by the family of the deceased or those who are making the funeral arrangements.
Easel sprays are often chosen by family members, business associates, and groups of people ordering flowers together, and should only be sent to the service, not the family’s home. This type of sympathy arrangement is designed to be placed on a tripod stand and is usually constructed in a foam base to keep the flowers fresh.
A Basket is a container with or without a handle filled with fresh flowers. There are two types of basket arrangements. Traditional baskets are very formal in appearance with a flat back and flowers displayed in the front of the arrangement. They are usually taken to the cemetery after the visitation. The other type of basket arrangement is more of an everyday style appropriate for the home. Usually arranged in a wicker basket, these flowers are suitable for the funeral service, but are also appropriate for the family to take home with them after the services have ended.
Vase arrangements are a floral composition usually held in a glass vase that holds water to keep the flowers fresh. Arrangements can also be made in specialty containers or ceramic urns. These are suitable for the service or home. 
Cremation displays for memorial services can also be ordered to envelope urns with flowers including garlands, centerpieces, and vases using themes and colors of your choice.
Wreaths, a circular shape of fresh flowers symbolizes eternal life. This type of piece is appropriate for sending to the service and is often taken to the gravesite. We also offer flowers in specific shapes. The most common flower shapes are crosses and hearts. A cross-shaped base is covered with flowers, moss, or ribbon. These are quite formal and should only be sent to the funeral home or church service. A heart-shape base is also covered by flowers, moss, or ribbon and meant to symbolize love. We also offer specialty designed flower arrangements used to express the individual’s hobbies, crafts, talents, and passions. Examples include, soccer ball for a soccer coach, fishing poles or fish for the fisherman, pool sticks, golf clubs, anchors, etc. If you are interested in a specialty design, call Leigh Florist and we will help you make your decision.
Leigh Florist can provide sympathy flowers for same-day delivery. For custom designs, set pieces, or specific color themes we recommend 2-4 days notice.
Cards Are Important
Family members and visitors alike will appreciate being able to easily identify tributes. After the service, the funeral director will remove all of the cards from the floral arrangements to give to the family for their use in writing acknowledgements.
Recommended Card Messages for Sympathy Arrangements:
- Our thoughts and prayers are with you…
- With deepest sympathy…
- With heartfelt condolences…
- You are in our hearts and prayers…
- In loving memory…
- We are deeply sorry for your loss…
- With love and condolences…
- You will be missed…
- We are thinking of you in this difficult time…
