One of the best ways to express your condolences to grieving loved ones is to send a sympathy flower arrangement. Flowers can be sent to the home any time following bereavement, ideally within the first two weeks. However sending flowers weeks later can be a thoughtful way of demonstrating that the family is still in your thoughts.

Flowers are considered an appropriate expression of sympathy even if a charity or other organization has been selected in memory of the deceased.

It is helpful to know if the recipient has a favorite flower, but even if you do not know them very well you can select a classic sympathy bouquet that is suitable to any taste.

Common sympathy flowers are white roses, lilies and orchids. Some sympathy flower arrangements are more cheerful, most are somber and elequent. You really have to browse the vast selection of to see for yourself how many different styles and choices there are available.

Sympathy flowers are also suitable for men. Plants and small trees such as the Ginkgo plant are popular choices for men.

Funeral flowers fall under the category of sympathy flowers, but I think it is important to make a distinction between floral arrangements that are designed to be displayed at a funeral or memorial service and flowers that are sent to a residence. Sending funeral floral arrangements can also be a wonderful expression of sympathy. For a great how to guide to selecting and sending funeral flowers go here.

Flowers sent to the residence are considered sympathy flowers. They tend to be smaller and less colorful. They are perfect to place on table, desk and night stands.

The purpose of sending sympathy flower arrangements is to provide a moment of distraction. Beautiful and fragrant flowers provide a sensory experience that can give a little relief to grieving individuals.

Be sure you have the correct name and address of the recipent. Sympathy flowers should be sent to the closest relative of the deceased. Typically that is the widow or widower. If you knew the deceased, but did not know the family, you can send the flowers to the family of (deceased's name here).

You only need to offer brief words of sympathy when you send flowers. The flowers speak for themselves. The main purpose of your message is to let the recipient know who the arrangement is from. You can just write a thoughtful sentiment and then sign your name.

Here are some examples:

• Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak.
• Gone but not forgotten
• We may not understanding why sad things happen, may it somehow help to know how much we care.
• We wish to express our sympathy in your loss and to let you know that our thoughts are with you.
• At a time such as this, words cannot express my feelings
• Our thoughts are with you.
• May these flowers in some way help to express our heartfelt sympathy.
• Our hearts are filled with sorrow.
• We're sharing your sorrow.
• May you have memories for comfort, friends for support, and flowers to ease your sadness.
• Though words, however gentle, cannot take your loss away, still may these flowers sent in sympathy help comfort you today.

For more sympathy card sentiments go here

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