Should I send flowers?

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Sending flowers is a traditional and beautiful way to pay tribute to someone’s life. While not mandatory, they are one way people express their love for the deceased and concern for the family.

Flowers convey warmth and caring, and provide a pleasant diversion from the nervous tension that may be present at a visitation or funeral service. Families are grieving, yet they feel they must mingle with well-wishers. Friends stopping in want to pay their respects, but are anxious about what to say. Either way, flowers can be a comforting topic of conversation. Their natural beauty represents growth, new life and movement forward.

Although there are no hard and fast rules about sending flowers, there are some guidelines that can help you decide what to do.

While sending flowers is traditional, the arrangement you provide does not need to feel stuffy or outdated. The type you send depends on where you are sending them and the nature of your relationship to the loved one and/or the family. Here are some of the different types:

Wreaths: circular floral arrangements which represent eternal life. Ideal for funeral homes and gravesites.
Floral arrangements: from cut flowers to basket and container arrangements. Best for funeral homes or when sending directly to the family’s home. You may consider if the loved one had a favorite flower or favorite color and include that in your selection.
Sprays: Large casket sprays are often provided by family members. Standing sprays are appropriate for stands in the funeral home.
Live plants: their symbolic meaning of life and growth helps keep the memory of the loved one alive.

You may send flowers on your own or get together with others for a larger, more elaborate arrangement. Co-workers, club members or groups of close friends may choose to do this.

Members of the immediate family can order any type of arrangement they like. These are typically placed closest to the casket during the visitation. A casket spray or wreath is generally from immediate family.

There are a wide range of options for extended family, including a standing spray. An informal arrangement works well because it can go home with the family or be taken to the cemetery.

The best options for close friends and business associates are standing sprays, wreaths, basket arrangements, bouquets in vases and live plants that can go home with the family.

Be sure to include a card with your first and last name and a simple and sincere message, such as “You’re in our thoughts,” or “With deepest sympathy”.

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home for the visitation or service, the location where the service will take place or to the family’s home. If you choose to send flowers to the funeral home or church, they should arrive prior to the start of the visitation or service.

Some people choose to send flowers to the family’s home a few weeks or even months after the funeral service when the initial chaos has passed. This is a nice gesture that reminds the family you are still thinking of them and their loss. A simple note could say, “We’re thinking of you and hope that these brighten your day”.

There are times when sending flowers is not appropriate. If the family has directly expressed not to receive them or has requested donations in lieu of flowers, it is best to follow their wishes.

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End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Funeral

June 22, 2026

What are the first steps when a loved one passes away? The first step is to notify the proper authorities. If your loved one passes at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the passing occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps. Once this has been done, you can contact a funeral home. Our team is available to help you begin arrangements and coordinate transportation of your loved one into our care. Do I need to plan the funeral right away? While some decisions need to be made relatively quickly, you do not have to finalize every detail immediately. We will help you prioritize what needs to be handled first and give you time to consider the more personal elements of the service. What types of funeral services are available? There are several options available depending on your preferences, beliefs, and budget. These may include: Traditional funeral services with a viewing and burial Memorial services (held after burial or cremation) Graveside services Celebration of life Cremation services with or without a formal ceremony We are here to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s life. How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the services and options selected. Factors that may influence cost include: Burial or cremation choice Casket or urn selection Venue and staffing Transportation Printed materials and flowers We are committed to transparency and will walk you through all options to help you make decisions that align with your needs and budget. Can I personalize the service? Absolutely. Personalization is one of the most meaningful parts of a funeral service. Families often include: Favorite music or readings Photo displays or memory tables Video tributes Special themes or colors Cultural or religious traditions Our goal is to help you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy. What should I bring to the arrangement meeting? It’s helpful to bring: A recent photo of your loved one Clothing for burial or cremation Personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.) Military discharge papers (if applicable) Preplanning documents (if arrangements were made in advance) Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can guide you through what’s needed. What is preplanning and is it necessary? Preplanning allows individuals to make their own funeral arrangements in advance. While it is not required, it can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Many families find comfort in knowing these decisions have already been made. What happens after the service? After the service, we continue to support families by: Assisting with necessary paperwork Providing grief resources Helping coordinate burial or cremation follow-up Offering guidance on memorialization options Our care does not end after the service—we are here for you in the days and months that follow. We’re Here to Help Planning a funeral is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and help you create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. If you have additional questions or would like to begin planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is a Celebration of Life, and How Is It Different?

April 13, 2026

In recent years, the phrase “celebration of life” has become more common when families are planning services for a loved one. While many people have heard the term, there can still be confusion about what it truly means and how it differs from a traditional funeral. At its heart, a celebration of life is not about replacing tradition, but about offering a more flexible, personalized way to honor and remember a life. A celebration of life is a personalized service that focuses on honoring the unique story, personality, and legacy of the individual who has passed. While it can be held in a variety of locations, many families choose to gather in the comfort of a funeral home chapel, where they have both guidance and the ability to customize the experience. These services most often take place after cremation, which allows families more time to plan and create a meaningful tribute. However, every family’s preferences are different, and services can be arranged in whatever way feels most appropriate. No two celebrations of life are exactly the same, because no two lives are the same. One of the most meaningful aspects of a celebration of life is the ability to incorporate personal touches that reflect the life being honored, even within a chapel setting. Families may choose to include themed elements that represent a loved one’s passions, hobbies, or personality. This could be as simple as displaying favorite photos and memorabilia, or as unique as incorporating colors, music, or décor that reflect what they loved most in life. Memory tables, tribute videos, and customized music selections can all be seamlessly incorporated into a chapel service. Some families also invite guests to participate by sharing stories or bringing items that hold special meaning. This blend of personalization within a supportive, structured environment often provides both comfort and creativity during a difficult time. A celebration of life offers families the opportunity to gather in a familiar, supportive setting while creating a service that truly reflects their loved one. By combining the comfort of a chapel with the flexibility of personalization, it becomes a meaningful way to honor a life and share memories with those who matter most. There is no right or wrong way to plan a service. The most important thing is creating a space that feels genuine, supportive, and reflective of the person being remembered.