The world is currently a very strange place, and it seems that all of our normal cultural norms are being upended. Usually, when a person we were close with or a member of our extended family passes away, we’d be figuring out how to attend the funeral. Booking time off of work, looking into flights and travel arrangements, and picking the perfect outfit to say goodbye in.
These days though, we’re more likely than ever to have to miss the funeral of a loved one, even if they were a fairly close family member, due to the ongoing situation in the world. It might be legal for you to travel, but there’s a chance that even your friends and family wouldn’t want you to take unnecessary risks just yet.
Saying Goodbye When You Can’t Be There
Not being able to attend a funeral can be heartbreaking, and it can be difficult to know how to say goodbye.
In many traditions, lighting a candle for a loved one is a nice way to say goodbye personally, and sending a prayer up to your chosen deities for their safe passage can be a very calming activity and bring you closure.
When it comes to the family that is arranging the funeral though, it might be worth sending some flowers to let them know you’re thinking about them.
How to Send Flowers
Sending flowers is a lovely gesture, and many families will be very grateful to see a bunch of flowers, but which ones should you pick?
There are all kinds of etiquette rules around sending flowers and gifts; some people prefer to send them to the funeral directors and others to the venue of the wake. To find out where to send your flowers, it’s best to ask the funeral director. Funeral directors like exithere.com will have a wealth of experience in these areas and will be able to answer any questions you have without having to contact the grieving family.
Which Flowers to Send
One of the first things to find out when you’re considering sending funeral flowers is what faith the person who has passed was, and what faith the family will be holding the funeral in.
Most faiths will be happy to accept any flowers, but some religions are more particular than others. For example, Greek Orthodox followers prefer white flowers, and Hindu followers prefer garlands if any flowers, Jewish funerals will not typically display lots of flowers. If the family is Mormon, then depictions of crosses or crucifixes should be avoided.
Unless you are an immediate family member, casket sprays are not likely to be appropriate. A more distant family member should opt for a standing spray to be polite.
If you are sending flowers for a business associate or an extended member of the family or a close friend, then a more simple spray arrangement or a basket arrangement that can be left at the cemetery or taken home would be more appropriate.
*Don’t forget to download my #FREE Lifestyle APP Live a Well-Designed Life
