5 Alternatives To Sympathy Flowers

Flowers are a steady tradition in funerals the United States and all across the world. Friends and family often send sympathy flowers to the people in their lives while they are grieving, or even floral tributes to the funeral director for use in the service.

Be that as it may, flower arrangements may not always be the best way to show you care. Perhaps your grieving friend doesn’t like flowers and you’re worried it would be a waste. Some people may be sensitive to the sight of wilting flowers as they are actually too reminiscent of death. You may also just be looking for a unique way to show you care.

Here are five great alternative sympathy gifts for grieving friends and family to let them know you’re thinking of them:

Potted Plants

Flower arrangements are a beautiful, thoughtful gift, but the issue is that they will inevitably wilt and die. Sometimes throwing away those flowers can feel too final. It’s as if the funeral is now really over and your loved one is gone for good.

A potted plant, meanwhile, is a far more long-lasting alternative! Potted plants brighten up a room long after all the flower arrangements have wilted. Also, keep in mind that those grieving might be too preoccupied to remember to water it.

Be sure to pick a tough plant that doesn’t require too much maintenance. Jade Plants, Crown of Thorns, and most kinds of succulents are a few good examples.

Food

Cooking for those who are in mourning is a practical way to lend a hand and support in the days and weeks after the funeral.

Instead sympathy flowers, send a basket of fresh baked muffins or cookies to the grieving family or loved one. If they like to keep it healthy, a basket of fruit is equally as thoughtful. Always be sure to include a heartfelt message with your condolences.

Consider making some pre-prepared meals that can be kept in the fridge or freezer in the weeks leading up to and after the funeral. Whenever they can’t find the energy to cook for themselves they can heat up what you made them.

This act will ease their burden tremendously, as simple things like cooking can seem impossible following the loss of a loved one. Classic dinners you can make include lasagne, casserole of any kind, and shepherd’s pie. These recipes can easily. be prepared in advance and heated up.

Donating To Charity

Nowadays, instead of spending money on flowers, many people have resorted to making a charitable donation instead of buying or sending flowers. Choose a worthy cause that was close to your family member or friend’s heart. If the person who died was battling a particular illness, then it would be appropriate to donate to charities researching a cure.

Online obituaries will also often provide a donation option. This allow the grieving family to direct donations in their loved one’s memory.

Decorative Candles

Just like flowers, candles are traditionally associated with mourning and are a longer-lasting tribute. For some people, taking the time to reflect while lighting a candle is a positive way to remember a loved one.

There are many candle gift sets available that are specifically designed for those who are grieving. You can send one a thoughtful quote inscribed on them, or one in an angel, star or dove shape. Alternatively, you might choose a calming aromatherapy candle.

Blankets, Pillows or Stuffed Toys

A little bit of comfort can help tremendously during a time of grief. A special blanket, pillow or teddy bear can be held onto for many years, providing physical and emotional comfort. The blankets, pillows and stuffed toys can be embroidered with quotes about grief and comfort on them.

Some people even embroider their own message onto these gifts. This type of gift is especially effective when the one grieving is a child.

5 Alternatives To Sympathy Flowers

Grieving is a difficult process. No two people go through it the same way. With that in mind, why should sympathy flowers be your only option to provide comfort during a deeply painful time? Visit Woodward Funeral Homes for the most affordable funeral services and products.