Funeral Flowers: How to Select the Perfect Stems

Purple and white chrysanthemum flowers on a white background for funeral or memorial service, chrysanthemum, flowersChoosing the right flowers for a funeral can be a heartfelt way to honor a loved one’s memory. When we’re faced with the loss of someone dear, finding the perfect floral tribute often becomes a priority. Roses, lilies, and other common funeral flowers each carry their own special meaning, helping us express our emotions during this difficult time.

We’ll explore how to select appropriate funeral flowers that truly reflect your relationship with the deceased. From understanding the symbolism behind different blooms to considering popular funeral flower arrangements, we’ll guide you through this delicate process. Our aim is to help you make a thoughtful choice that brings comfort and beauty to the funeral service.

Continue reading Funeral Flowers: How to Select the Perfect Stems

Grief Care Package

Funeral Home Care PackageAcross the country, COVID-19 restrictions limit the number of people who can attend funeral services. This is especially true in Southern California, where Foothill Funeral & Cremation is located. As a result, we need to adapt and learn how to support people who are grieving, even if we can’t show up in person. Of course, you could always send flowers. But if you want to step away from the norm and make someone’s day, why not put together a grief care package?  Here are several ideas for doing just that:

Continue reading Grief Care Package

Choosing Funeral Flowers

Funeral FlowersWhether you are choosing a bouquet to honor the life of someone you lost, or are taking a dozen long stem roses as an expression of condolence, flowers speak more than words could ever express. Various funeral flowers symbolize many things. People around the world use them to express everything from joy to sadness, love, and sorrow. Continue reading Choosing Funeral Flowers

Funeral Etiquette

Somber expressions. Black clothing. Formal ceremonies.

These were the terms used to describe funerals in the not so distant past. In 2017, however, acceptable behavior and dress for memorials, particularly in Southern California, have evolved. Genuine sentiment, flexible apparel and personalized services are the new order of the day. But courtesy is always in style. How do you know what is considered acceptable so you won’t offend anyone at the next funeral you attend?


Dress Code Etiquette

In So Cal, where Foothill Funeral & Cremation is located, practically anything goes. But follow this only when you are certain that casual dress or color is acceptable in the eyes of the people who have planned the event. In some cases, the deceased may have specified that he or she does not want people to wear black for their memorial. If you are unable to pre-determine the wishes of the family, err on the side of caution by dressing conservatively and avoiding bright colors.


Respect the Family

Depending on the beliefs and background of the one who has passed, you may need to observe specific religious, ethnic and personal considerations. The most important thing is to respect the emotions and wishes of close family members and friends. After all, memorials are meant more for survivors than the ones who have died. So, make sure you respect the wishes of the people who have planned the event.


Etiquette about Gifts

Whether you choose to order flowers, give to charity in the deceased’s name, or offer a card or token to help mourners process their pain, it’s the thought that counts. While flowers used to standard procedures, today, you can choose from a host of creative ways to honor the one who has passed while simultaneously encouraging survivors.


Mind the Kids for Funeral Etiquette

If you feel your children may not be able to remain quiet throughout a lengthy ceremony and reception, consider hiring a sitter. However, if the deceased was connected to them, it may be important for you to include them in the experience. Children grieve, too.


Sympathy Etiquette

More than many other cultures, Americans tend to struggle for words after someone has passed. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed about saying “the right thing.” In many cases, the appropriate response is, “I’m sorry for your loss.” Funerals are a great time to listen more than you speak. But, when you are spoken to, offer genuine words of condolence. If what you say comes from the heart, you should be good to go.


 

Make the Right Choices for Funeral Etiquette

If there is an open casket and associated viewing, don’t feel obligated to view the deceased. Act according to your own comfort level.

 


Etiquette for Signing the Registry

Most funeral services include a guest book. Take time to enter your information, with your name as well as your relationship to the deceased. Family will likely take comfort that their loved one’s co-workers, gym buddies, or golf club friends took time to attend.


Funeral Cellphone Etiquette

Before entering the funeral home, turn your mobile phone to “Do Not Disturb,” or, better yet, leave it in the car. Checking your cellphone during a service says that your work and/or social life is more important than respectfully honoring the one who died.


Wake Etiquette

Even if you do not know the family, express your sympathy for their loss, offer your own name and explain how you knew the deceased. And, if you stumble or inadvertently say something inappropriate, apologize, forgive yourself and move on.


Stay in Touch

Grief doesn’t end with the funeral. So, try to reach out following the memorial. Whether you choose to send a note, call or bring a meal, make yourself available to loved ones. If you show up in person, your stay needn’t be lengthy. And while you are there, don’t be afraid to laugh.
Fondly recalling their loved one could translate to shared stories. Just remain sensitive to the tone. If others are sharing, you can, too. There is never a reason to avoid sharing positive, happy memories about the deceased. Let the bereaved know that your support will not end with the funeral.


We are Here to Help

Perhaps you have special concerns about an upcoming funeral or memorial service? We’re here to provide the answers you’re looking for. We are pleased to answer any questions you may have, without obligation. Foothill Funeral & Cremation is one of very few funeral homes that are certified by the Green Burial Council. With a beautiful showroom and offices located at 402 West Baseline in Glendora, we proudly serves the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. With years of experience in the mortuary industry, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. We would be honored to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.

 

Pick Perfect Funeral Flowers

April showers bring May flowers. So, we want to dedicate our April blog post to an important element in any funeral or memorial service: flowers. Although it’s trendy to ask grievers to donate “in lieu of flowers,” that instruction usually applies to flower home delivery instead of floral arrangements for the service, such as bouquets and sprays. These remain an important element in most memorials. So how do you select the perfect blooms to celebrate your loved one’s life?

Funeral Flower Types

  • Altar Flowers
  • Casket Sprays
  • Wreaths
  • Casket Lid Swags
  • Decorative Arrangements
  • Live Plants

Popular Funeral Flowers

We try to encourage mourners to celebrate the deceased the same way he or she lived life. And it only makes sense to choose flowers that have special meaning to you or your loved one. For instance, if the deceased loved the great outdoors, consider ordering baskets of rustic wildflowers. If she always wore yellow, select daisies, sunflowers or daffodils. Was your loved one into gardening? If so, stick with live plants, as potted plants symbolize life. Purchasing these for a funeral subtly suggests that your loved one’s legacy will live on.

Funeral Flowers with Meaning

Before ordering funeral flowers, check out the meaning of a few popular blooms, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. If your florist doesn’t carry herbs, ask if they’ll include the stems that you provide. For example, rosemary, which is available in most home improvement and grocery stores, is not only fragrant and affordable, but symbolizes remembrance –  so it’s appropriate for funerals and memorials.

Carnations:

  • Red: heartache, admiration
  • White: innocence, pure love
  • Pink: I’ll never forget you
  • Chamomile: patience

Hyacinths:

  • Blue: constancy of love
  • Purple: forgiveness
  • White: loveliness, prayers for someone

Roses:

  • Coral: friendship, modesty, sympathy
  • Dark Red: unconscious beauty
  • Hybrid tea variety: I’ll remember you
  • Light Pink: admiration, sympathy
  • Orange: desire and enthusiasm
  • Pink: grace, happiness, gentility, beauty
  • White: purity, innocence, reverence, silence
  • Yellow: joy, friendship, promise of a new beginning

Tulips:

Red: declaration of love

Yellow: sunshine in a smile

Other Varieties:

Apple Blossom: better things to come

Daffodil: high regard

Daisy: innocence, hope

Edelweiss: courage, devotion

Fern: sincerity

Geranium: true friendship

Goldenrod: encouragement

Honeysuckle: bonds of love

Iris: a message

Ivy: eternal fidelity

Jasmine: sweet love

Lavender: devotion, virtue

Lemon Balm: sympathy

Lilac: joy of youth

Lily of the Valley: return of happiness

Lotus Flower: purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, rebirth

Morning Glory: affection

Oak: strength

Pansy: thoughts

Peony: happy life, happy marriage

Rosemary: remembrance

Sage: wisdom, immortality

Sorrel: affection

Thyme: courage, strength

Willow: sadness

Zinnia: thoughts of absent friends

Funeral Flower Colors

Apart from flowers having meaning, your mortuary director may suggest you carefully consider the meaning behind the colors of flowers you choose. For instance, white flowers represent peace and reverence. Choose blue to communicate comfort and calm. Try to avoid green flowers, since these celebrate health and good fortune, which is probably not appropriate for a remembrance.

Additional Color Meaning:

Black: power, elegance, death

Brown: masculinity

Gold: illumination, wisdom and wealth

Orange: joy and sunshine

Purple: nostalgia and royalty

Red: passion and love

Yellow: joy, happiness, intellect, energy

For client convenience, Foothill Funeral & Cremation works directly with the online florist, The Sympathy Store, by Life Tributes. Click here to order through them. Or, better yet, call or stop by the FFC office and order directly through us. We have teamed up with Grand Florist and informally, with Glendora Florist. If you opt to use a different florist, provide them with information about the deceased, including the name and the date, time, and location of the funeral service.

Mortuary Tips

Before placing your order, decide where you want the flowers to be sent. While most floral arrangements can be delivered directly to the funeral home of your choice, you may wish to send flowers to the family home.

Foothill Funeral & Cremation is one of very few funeral homes that are certified by the Green Burial Council. Located at 402 West Baseline in Glendora, Foothill Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. With years of experience in the mortuary industry, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. We would be honored to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.