• Sending flowers after a death shows you care.thai funeral image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
  
  Flowers are common at funerals in many cultures around the world. The Flower Expert explains that, "Flowers are a thoughtful way to convey a message to the family and friends of the deceased. They are also a way to send a last message of caring about the family member, friend, neighbor or colleague." Almost any flower is appropriate, although some types are more common.
  
  

Funeral Displays

• If you are sending sympathy flowers directly to the funeral, you might ask your florist to use larger flowers to create a bigger display. Remember that flower arrangements can take on many shapes including wreaths, crosses and casket-top displays.
  
  Flowers commonly used for larger displays include:
  
  Gladioli (gladiolas)
  Snapdragons
  Chrysanthemums
  
  

Flowers for Home

• You may choose to send flowers directly to the home of the deceased's loved ones. You can do so immediately after the death or wait a week. Although people may appreciate the gift of flowers, they may prefer smaller flowers in vases, baskets or pots to larger funeral displays.
  
  Consider sending any of the following:
  
  Spray roses
  Alstroemeria
  Daisies
  Liatris
  Delphinium
  
  

Multi-Purpose Flowers

• Some flowers serve both purposes well. They adapt for larger or smaller displays, depending on space limitations. Roses and carnations are appropriate in most funeral settings. The Flower Expert website explains that "[w]hite lilies and asters are also preferred in certain cultures across Europe."
  
  Your florist may also include other non-flowering plants such as ferns in the arrangement.