Guide

Sympathy flowers vs funeral flowers, what is the difference?

They sound the same, but they go to different places and look a little different. Here is how to choose.

Muskogee Flowers is a free referral line. Your order is taken, arranged and delivered by an independent local florist.

A white peace lily and white orchids in a woven basket with a sage ribbon on a side table beside a lit candle

Where each one goes

Funeral flowers are made for the service. They include casket sprays, standing sprays, wreaths and large arrangements. They are delivered to the funeral home, church or graveside and are designed to be seen across a room.

Sympathy flowers are sent to the family, usually at home. They tend to be smaller and softer, like a low arrangement for the kitchen table or a plant. They can be sent before or after the service, and often mean the most a week or two later when things get quiet.

If you are not sure, think about where you want the flowers to be. At the service, choose a funeral piece. For the family, choose a sympathy arrangement or plant. Many people send both.

In short

How to choose

  • Close family

    Often both.

  • Coworker or friend

    A sympathy arrangement or plant.

  • Missed the service

    Sympathy flowers to the home.

Questions

Good to know before you call

Can I send sympathy flowers to the funeral home?

Yes, and the family can take them home after.

Are plants funeral or sympathy?

They work for both.

Which is more appropriate?

Both are. It depends on where you want the flowers to be.

Still have questions? Ask a florist

Call and talk it through with someone local. There is no charge to ask.

Call a local florist(918) 673-2488
Call a local florist (918) 673-2488