Funeral Flower Etiquette in NYC: What to Send, Where and When

When someone passes away, flowers are a way to say what's hard to put into words. But funeral flowers come with their own customs, and it's natural to wonder what's appropriate. This guide answers the questions our Brooklyn florists hear most often.

What Kind of Funeral Flowers Should I Send?

The right arrangement depends on your relationship to the person who died:

• Immediate family usually chooses the casket spray, the arrangement placed on the casket.
• Close friends and extended family often send standing sprays, wreaths or heart-shaped tributes, displayed on easels near the casket.
• Coworkers and groups commonly send one larger arrangement together, signed from everyone.
• Acquaintances, neighbors and friends of the family often send a sympathy bouquet, basket or plant, frequently to the family's home rather than the service.

Should I Send Flowers to the Funeral Home or the Family's Home?

Send large pieces like standing sprays and wreaths to the funeral home or place of worship, since they're designed to be displayed at the service. Send bouquets, baskets and plants to the family's home, where they bring comfort in the days and weeks after the service, when support often fades.

When Should Funeral Flowers Arrive?

For the service, flowers should arrive before it begins, ideally the morning of the service or the day before if there's a viewing. When you order, include:

• The full name of the person who passed away
• The funeral home or church name and address
• The date and time of the service
• Your name as you'd like it on the card

Flowers by SweetPetals offers same-day sympathy delivery across Brooklyn and NYC when you order by 6 PM. For urgent orders, call (718) 255-3477.

Respecting Religious and Cultural Customs

New York is home to many traditions, and flower customs vary:

• Christian services (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox): flowers are common and welcome.
• Jewish funerals and shiva: flowers are generally not traditional. Many people send food, a fruit basket or a donation instead.
• Muslim funerals: customs vary, and many families prefer simplicity. It's best to ask.
• Hindu and Buddhist services: flowers are often welcome, with white flowers commonly preferred.

When you're unsure, it's always respectful to ask the family or the funeral home, or to check the obituary for a note like "in lieu of flowers."

What Do Funeral Flower Colors Mean?

• White: peace, purity and reverence, the most traditional choice
• Red: love and respect
• Pink: admiration and gentle remembrance
• Yellow: friendship

Popular funeral flowers include white lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, carnations and orchids.

How Much Should I Spend?

There's no right amount. Sympathy bouquets and baskets are usually the most affordable option, while standing sprays and casket pieces cost more because of their size and the number of stems. Choose what feels meaningful to you. A heartfelt card matters as much as the arrangement.

What Should I Write on a Sympathy Card?

• "With deepest sympathy."
• "Holding you in our hearts."
• "Forever in our thoughts. With love, [your name]."
• "We're so sorry for your loss. [Name] will be deeply missed."

Always sign your full name, so the family knows who sent the flowers and can thank you.

Funeral Flowers in Brooklyn and NYC

Browse our funeral and sympathy flowers, or see delivery options for Brooklyn and all of New York City. Our florists at 832 Washington Ave are happy to help you choose. Call (718) 255-3477.