Sending condolences to a loved one or friend who is grieving can offer comfort and support during a difficult time. A traditional way to convey your sympathies is by sending a condolence flower bouquet. These floral arrangements not only offer beauty and elegance as a tribute but also express your heartfelt condolences.
Types of Condolence Flowers
You can choose from various condolence flower bouquets based on your relationship with the deceased and your personal preferences.
- Flower Stands: Tall and elegant arrangements – usually propped up with a box and a stand. Probably one of the most common types of condolence flowers in Malaysia.
- Flower Baskets: Versatile arrangements that can be placed on a stand or table. They come in various sizes and shapes. It can be placed on tables or at the altar (if allowed by the funeral director and/or the family).
- Wreaths: Circular arrangements, often used to adorn the casket or placed on a stand. Floral wreaths are traditional but an evergreen option for funeral wakes. Some of these wreaths comes in cross shapes or other alternative shapes.
- Sprays: Large, cascading arrangements, typically placed on an easel or wall.
- Bouquets: Smaller arrangements, suitable for placing on the casket or presenting to the family.
A generic floral arrangement usually comprise of yellow and white chrysanthemums, calla lilies, carnations, dark red roses, white roses, white orchids, and various other flowers. Unless you specify the types of flowers you want on your custom floral arrangements, the specialist florist would know what is best for the occassion.
Flower Types and What They Represent
Just for your references, below are typical flowers that are used in condolence flower arrangements and the respective meaning:
- White Chrysanthemums: These are the most common funeral flowers in Chinese culture. White symbolizes purity, innocence, and mourning.
- White Lilies: These symbolize purity, innocence, and peace.
- White Roses: White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and reverence.
- Purple Brassica: It is often associated with royalty, wisdom and spirituality – and might resonate with some cultural interpretation of grief and remembrance.
- Neutral-Colored Gerbera: Usually white or cream, it symbolizes purity, innocence and peace. It is often associated with new beginnings and hope.
- Pale Pink Orchid: Symbolizes grace, elegance and admiration – conveys a sense of tenderness and sympathy.
- White Carnation: Symbolizes pure love and innocence.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting the right type of flowers and colors. However to be on the safe side, choose neutral and sombre colors – such as white, yellow, light/pale pink, and purple. You may also find some floral arrangements with dark red, orange, and purple-blue – hence it is an individual preference. Remember to consider the cultural and religion when purchasing funeral flowers – if in doubt, always check with the florist on the appropriateness and suggestions.