Roses and carnations are both popular flowers for funerals, memorial services, and other sympathy occasions. Other appropriate selections include lilies (especially calla lilies), gladioli, chrysanthemums, and orchids.

The best color flower for a funeral, memorial service, or expression of condolences, varies between people and between cultures. Traditionally in Western cultures, red roses at a funeral symbolize strength and dignity. White is also a popular color, symbolizing honor and peace. Of course, bright flowers and pastels are also appropriate. Blue flowers represent sadness, and purple flowers represent respect. We recommend you also consider honoring the deceased with arrangements made with their favorite flower varieties and favorite colors. 

It is appropriate to send a vased bouquet of sympathy flowers or a sympathy plant as soon as you hear of the passing of the deceased. We recommend that you wait to send larger arrangements, like standing easel sprays or wreaths, until the funeral service is held. It is also a kind idea to send flowers to the home a week later to remind the bereaved that they are still in your thoughts.

Anyone may send floral baskets, vased arrangements or living plants. Floral wreaths, crosses, and sprays are appropriate when sent by anyone personally acquainted with the deceased or the family of the deceased. Tributes, casket covers, and urn arrangements are traditionally reserved for family members. Should you wish to send an arrangement of this type, be sure to ask the family first. If you would like to learn more about funeral flower etiquette, view our Funeral Etiquette guide.

Yes, it is appropriate to send a green or flowering plant to the funeral home. Many funeral homes will deliver plants or flowers to the home of the bereaved after the memorial services, if specified. Others may request that the family take them home with them.

VanderSalm's is honored to offer delivery to all local cemeteries and funeral homes in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas at your convenience. We can also deliver to local residences and any location hosting a memorial service.

Absolutely. Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral, to remind the bereaved that they are still thinking of them and their loss. Floral honors are always appreciated, no matter when they are received.

Coming up with the words for a sincere and thoughtful sympathy message is probably the most difficult of all. Trying to comfort someone who is in pain and has suffered a loss may leave you confused on where to begin. It is helpful to write words of support and encouragement and, above all else, to be sincere and thoughtful. Often a well-crafted quote works well to capture the sentiment you're feeling.If you are having some difficulty finding the right words, our sympathy guide may be helpful.