If you have experienced loss during the pandemic, you may know how it has changed the grieving and funeral process widely. To adapt to these challenging circumstances, consider sending an expression of sympathy to the family of the deceased directly instead of the funeral home. Choose something that will honor their loss but that will also be a bright spot and a bit of cheer in their home during a difficult time.

Send sympathy to someone special with these fresh floral gift ideas:

Bouquet of Roses

Surprisingly, a sentimental and meaningful gift to give to someone grieving a loss is a big bouquet of roses. Red roses symbolize love, but they also represent courage and honor when sent in sympathy. You can also select white roses for your gift, indicative of respect for the recipient.

Flowers and Candles

A popular trend is emerging where you pair your sympathy flowers with a sentimental and keepsake candle. This gift idea can also have some religious symbolism, making it more meaningful for some bereaved. Talk to your florist about arrangements and centerpieces that feature pillar or taper candles to illuminate your gift.

Welcoming Wreaths

A conventional funeral wreath may not be suited to sending to the family's home, but you could send something more welcoming, that still pays tribute to the deceased. Talk to your florist about a "living wreath" comprising tiny, living succulents or a live moss wreath that you spritz with water daily.  

Patriotic Arrangements

Put a patriotic spin on your sympathy gift by sending an arrangement that features red and white carnations. Adorn with a big blue bow, and the gift will have American flair that your recipient will be proud to display. Red and white carnations are popular funeral flowers; adding a patriotic twist makes them fresh and unexpected during a sad time.

Lasting Gifts

If you are sending a sympathy gift, you want it to last as long as possible. Consider sending potted flowering plants, which will last and bloom for weeks. A popular choice is kalanchoes, a perennial featuring lovely springtime colors and waxy green foliage.

Peace Plants

When mourners send flowers to funeral homes, it is common to see peace plants, also called peace lilies. These potted plants are living and are typically taken from the funeral to the home of the deceased's family to be replanted. These last a long time and, when brightened with a bow, are the perfect sentiment to send at a time of loss.

Sending flowers is always a thoughtful gesture. Instead of delivering something to the funeral home, send a sympathy floral arrangement to the home or family of the deceased as an expression of sympathy and caring.