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Changing Trends: How Flowers Help Us Say Good-Bye
By Anne Avelino
It has never been easy to find comfort when dealing with the loss of family and friends. Sympathy flowers have been part of funeral and memorial traditions in nearly every culture throughout history. Changing trends in how we say goodbye to loved ones, however, often leave family and friends uncertain about how to express their condolences.
There is no right or wrong type of arrangement. Although ‘traditional’ sympathy arrangements are still requested, as a florist I am happy to create a floral tribute that is original and creative. For example, if someone loved the outdoors, you may request a rustic basket of wildflowers. You could include his or her favorite color, or a flower that has special significance in your relationship with that person. I have honored special requests from making a 6-string guitar in remembrance of a musician to a casket blanket which I designed to look like the 9th hole - which is where the deceased got a hole-in-one!
Ever popular as the trend is to fulfill such special requests, it’s important to remember that these designs take time to make and special flowers, containers and supplies often need to be ordered. It’s always a good idea to let your florist know as soon as possible so s/he has time to prepare and honor your requests.
Sometimes in the death notice you may read ‘in lieu of flowers’. With this in mind, you may want to send a fruit/gourmet basket to the home, or send a ‘living tribute arrangement’ of green and flowering plants. Whatever you choose, your expression of sympathy will add a special memory and comfort to the day.
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