When somebody we know loses  a loved one, or when we ourselves encounter the pain of loss, sometimes there  really are no words to express how we feel. We may find ourselves grasping for  just the right thing to say, and sometimes, even when we have the best  intentions at heart, we often still end up saying the wrong thing or we end up  not saying anything at all.

It’s very hard to assuage  the pain brought about by such a loss,  but perhaps that’s where the power of  flowers can best be seen. Sympathy flowers can be one of the most meaningful  aspects of a funeral and they can best express the condolences that we all long  to extend or the comfort and sympathy we long to feel. 

Indeed, a study by the  Virginia Polytechnic Institute shows that after friends, family and a good  eulogy, flowers count as the most important and most meaningful of gifts.  Sympathy flowers also show respect for the dead, as well as show support for the  bereaved family and friends, especially when the sender cannot be present  physically. A well-thought out flower arrangement can be a critical factor of  funerals. It can brighten up a somber mood and provide a respite even for just a  moment.

Sympathy flowers come in  all shapes and sizes. They can also represent various faiths and religious  beliefs, such as the belief in eternal life, or the belief in reincarnation or  rebirth. They can also come in a variety of forms depending on one’s budget.  Sympathy flowers can come in table arrangements, bud vases, wreaths, casket  drapes and standing arrangements. They can also reflect the personality of the  one who has passed away. They can come in his or her favorite colors, flowers  and styles.

The most popular sympathy  flowers now are those that come in garden basket planters and fresh flower  designs. They are gaining in popularity because they can be moved more easily  after the funeral and brought to the houses of the family to help comfort them  further. Aside from sympathy flowers, concerned friends and relatives may also  bring along food or fruit baskets which they can send directly to the home.

Some sympathy floral  arrangements include a wreath, which symbolize eternal life; a spray, which is  really designed to be viewed from one side only and are most often put on top of  an easel. There’s the traditional floral arrangement designed in a vase or  basket. There are also flower arrangements designed specifically to adorn the  casket, either on top or inside, usually chosen and sent by close family  members. During the funeral itself, larger flowers are more preferred. These  include flowers such as chrysanthemums, log-stem roses, carnations, lilies,  snapdragons, gladiolas and larkspur. Smaller flower arrangements including  flowers such as shorter roses, daisies and carnations are more suited for  sending to the house.

It is noble to donate to  charities, churches, and other causes, but family and friends need to have the  instant knowledge that their loved ones made a difference in this world.  The  family might get a postcard in the mail a couple months later stating " a  memorial of $ was given in your Loved One's name....", but this will not convey,  at the most pivotal time of grieving, what a family so desperately needs,  flowers that are touched, smelled, and seen and offer instant peace.

Even during the weeks that  follow a funeral, when friends and family have already paid their respects and  have gone on with their own lives, sympathy flowers are still welcome, most  especially when it  comes with a personal note of condolences and support such  as “I’m here should you need my help. If there’s anything I can do, please let  me know. Thinking of you always.”

When wanting to send your emotional message of support to your friends and loved  ones, nothing translates like the gift of flowers.