Sympathy and Memorial Flowers : Info and Etiquette

The Flower Alley is the preferred florist for O'brien Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi Michigan - We offer sympathy flowers for funeral and memorial services through out the Novi, Northville, South Lyon, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, Plymouth, Livonia and surrounding areas. We deliver to: O’Brien Sullivan Funeral Home Novi, Casterline Funeral Home Northville, L J Griffin Locations, Harry J Will, Lynch & Sons, McCabe Funeral Home, Heeney- Sundquist, Thayer Rock, Phillips Funeral Home South Lyon, Schrader Howell Plymouth, Charles Step Walled Lake, RG & GR Harris Livonia, Fred Wood Funeral Home, Vermeulen - Sajewski and many more.

Shop Here For Funeral Flowers for The Service: https://www.thefloweralley.com/shop/c/sympathy-flowers-for-the-service

We offer a private consultation area for our funeral services for family flowers as well as Celebration of Life Memorials - If you wish to sit down for a private memorial consultation, please call the store for a scheduled appointment to meet with our owner, Lee Ann at (248)305-9190 

For sympathy funeral packages for family flowers and luxury flower displays outside of our regular local delivery zone please email us your inquiries at:
Events@thefloweralley.com

Sympathy Info:
 Is it okay to send flowers to the family's home? If so, when is it appropriate to send them?

Certainly. This is a great way to express your sympathy and it is very common. Some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately while others prefer to wait a week or more. There are no rules.

Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the obituary mentions a charitable donation?

Yes. Flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time.

What is appropriate to send for a cremation?

Almost anything that is appropriate for a normal funeral service can also be sent for a cremation service including fresh cut flowers in a vase, potted plants and standing easel sprays.

Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? If so, will the funeral home send it to the family after the service?

Yes, the funeral director will notify the family members that they may take the plants with them after the service.

Is it acceptable to send roses or flowers in a glass vase to the funeral home?

Absolutely. The only time this may not be acceptable is if the service is graveside because most cemeteries do not allow glass containers. In these cases, we recommend standing easel sprays or wreaths.

What is a Shiva Call?

If the deceased was Jewish the immediate family will hold a "Shiva" in their home for seven days after the passing. It is customary for friends and coworkers to come by the home and pay their respects to the family, this is known as paying a Shiva call. Desserts, fruit and Kosher food baskets are traditionally taken to or sent to the home, however, flowers are not appropriate for a Shiva call. We recommend choosing one of our many gourmet gift baskets: (link)

I just heard the sad news… Is it too late to send sympathy flowers?

Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral when the initial chaos has passed. No matter how much time has passed, the gesture of sending flowers reminds the bereaved that you have not forgotten them and you are still thinking of them and their loss.

Is it okay to send a fruit or gourmet food basket?

In some cases, particularly in Jewish cultures, a fruit or gourmet basket is greatly appreciated by a family who is receiving out-of-town guests during the mourning period. This type of gift does double-duty, delivering your condolences while helping to care for and nurture family and friends

Card Message Suggestions:
With Deepest Sympathy
Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.
Only time moves on to the next scene. Memory remains part of the heart forever.
Death is simply the beginning of another, BETTER life.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Thinking of you and praying for you during these difficult times.
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow.
May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us.
Take comfort in knowing those who go before us have not perished, for we will meet them again, in the bliss of eternity.
There is comfort in friendship, hope in prayer, and peace in love. Sharing your sorrow
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.