If a friend or family member is grieving, sending your condolences with flowers is a comforting and compassionate thing to do. Choosing the most appropriate sympathy flowers can feel overwhelming in difficult times so here are a few tips to help with your selection.

Beautiful fresh cut flowers are a popular choice for bereavement flowers. When picking out a flower arrangement for a memorial or funeral, knowing what each species represents will help you to express your condolences in the most meaningful way. 

Any white flowers such as orchids, irises, and lilies are traditionally suitable as bereavement flowers, however colourful, less conventional arrangements are increasingly common as long as you keep the family in mind and the choice is respectful of their wishes.  

Gladioli are another classic choice, often used to convey strength of character and integrity. Pink and white orchids are also associated with mourning while daffodils and tulips symbolise a fresh start in difficult times. Roses are versatile sympathy flowers - white conveys innocence, red means love and respect, dark crimson represents sorrow and yellow symbolises strong ties.

Instead of bouquets of cut flowers, floral gift boxes using vox arrangements are an appropriate alternative gesture of your sympathy. They are not only beautifully presented but arrive essentially 'self sufficient' in their own vase - one less thing for the recipient to have to think about at a distressing time.

If it's not flowers you seek, there is also the option of sympathy gifts by way of gift baskets or gift hampers from one of many gift stores in New Zealand.

Wreaths of flowers are also common bereavement flower arrangements, often chosen to take to the place of burial or memorial. The circular shape of a wreath symbolises eternal life and a florist can arrange decoration with the loved ones favourite colour or flower. If you have any queries about sending sympathy flowers talk to our skilled, friendly Tauranga florists at Arrange Floral Design.