Sympathy Flowers: Words Are Hard, Flowers Help
When someone you know has lost a person they love, it can be hard to know what to say or do. A simple bunch of flowers, chosen quietly and sent promptly, tells them they are in your thoughts. This guide covers which flowers fit, where to send them and what to put on the card.
Order sympathy flowers online and choose the delivery day.
Order flowers nowChoosing the flowers
There is no rulebook. In Australia, white and soft cream are the most common colours for sympathy flowers, because they feel calm and respectful, but a family that loved bright colour will often welcome it. If you knew the person, a favourite flower or shade is a lovely, personal choice. If you did not, stay with gentle, uncomplicated arrangements.
White lilies
Lilies have long been used for farewells, and a white arrangement with green foliage looks dignified. Two cautions. The scent is strong, which some people find overwhelming in a small room. And true lilies are highly poisonous to cats, so if you are sending to a home with a cat, choose another flower.
White roses
White roses suit nearly everyone. They are quiet, familiar and easy to arrange, and they work equally well in a bunch for the family home or in a larger tribute.
White tulips
Tulips have a clean, simple shape with little scent. They are generally in the shops through the cooler months, so ask what is available where the delivery is going.
Carnations
Carnations are sturdy and often last for a couple of weeks in a vase. That matters when a household is busy with visitors and nobody has time to fuss with stems. Our guide to sending flowers explains how delivery works.
Send flowers to any address in Australia.
See prices and selectionWhere to send them
Funerals are often arranged within a short time of a death, so check before you order. Sympathy flowers can go to the family’s home, which many people prefer because the bunch can be enjoyed afterwards, or to the funeral director or venue if the family has said so. Notices sometimes ask for donations to a charity in lieu of flowers. If that is the wish, please respect it: give to the cause named and send a card instead.
What to write on the card
Short and sincere is best. A few lines you could borrow or adapt:
- “Thinking of you all at this sad time”
- “So sorry for your loss. With love”
- “We will always remember [name] fondly”
- “Here for you, whenever you need us”
When you live far away
Distance is a big part of life in Australia, and many people cannot get to a funeral in another state. Sending flowers by online delivery is a kind way to show up anyway. For help with the symbolism of individual flowers, see the language of flowers.
