What to say on Funeral Flowers
It is not easy to put pen to paper when you are still reeling from emotion, so deciding what to say on funeral flowers can be a trial. The arrangement is there as an unobtrusive means of showing your love, respect or sympathy, yet one can be at a loss for the proper words for the ribbon or card.
You do not have to write a great deal; in fact the best messages tend to be short. A couple of sincere words that speak to how you were connected with the deceased or his family will suffice. There is no need to elaborate on the loss, the right phrasing will be respectful and personal without any effort to explain it.
So what should you say?
Your note on the flowers ought to convey support for the family in their grief, or offer remembrance and sympathy. Put some thought into your relationship with the deceased and the family and let that determine the level of personal touch in the message.
For something more traditional, any of these will do:
- With deepest sympathy
- Thinking of you and your family
- With heartfelt condolences
- Forever in our thoughts
- In loving memory
- Remembered with love
Or if you were close to the person, a formal phrase may seem insincere. A brief mention of the friendship or kindness you knew, or a memory you have in common, is often more fitting.
Short Messages for Funeral Flowers
The card on a funeral flower does not always afford much room for writing, in which case be direct.
Some possibilities:
- With love and sympathy
- Rest in peace
- Our thoughts are with you
- In cherished memory
- Sending you strength and love
- With sincere condolences
- Always remembered
There is as much meaning in a short note as a longer one; a well considered sentence is all that is required when space is at a premium.
Tailoring the Message to the Relationship
How you were related to the deceased will inform the tone.
A close friend:
“Your friendship will be loved and remembered.”
A member of the family:
“You will be in our hearts and memories always.”
From a coworker:
“Our deepest sympathy to you, remembering a valued colleague.”
To a neighbor:
“Remembering a fine neighbour and thinking of your family.”
When you did not know the person:
“We extend our sincere sympathy to the family at this time.”
Do not make a search for the ideal expression; a message that is genuine is preferable. And you can put your own spin on these examples.
Religious and Nonreligious Options
If you are aware of the family’s faith and that they would be comforted by it, religious language is in order. “May God comfort your family” or “We are keeping you in our prayers” are cases in point.
But where you do not know their beliefs, err on the side of caution with a neutral message. “With deepest sympathy” is a safe and respectful way to go.
For the Ribbon
A ribbon has far less to work with than a card, so brevity is called for. One might see:
- In Loving Memory
- Rest in Peace
- With Deepest Sympathy
- Gone but Never Forgotten
- Forever in Our Hearts
- Always Remembered
It is also the place to put a name, be it a group of friends or the family of the sender, under a pithy message.
Things to Leave Unsaid
One should steer clear of anything that could be taken to diminish the family’s sorrow or put words in their mouth about how they ought to feel. “They are in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason” are not universally comforting.
Lengthy commentaries or humor are to be avoided unless you are on very familiar terms with the family. At the end of the day what to say on funeral flowers is a matter of being considerate of those who are mourning and showing due respect for the one who has died.
A Question of Length
A few sentences are ample for a card. On a ribbon you will want to be much more concise given the constraints. Try to put forward a single sentiment clearly. Should you have more to put down, a separate note or sympathy card provides the opportunity.
Picking Your Words
No one message is right for every memorial service. You will have to weigh the type of arrangement, the family, the nature of the service and your relationship to them.
When in doubt “With deepest sympathy” is hard to fault. Sincerity is what counts over flowery language. A funeral flower message is not meant to be perfect, only to show care and respect in trying circumstances.
FAQ
Q. What makes a good message?
Simple and respectful is the way to go. “In loving memory,” “With deepest sympathy” or “Thinking of you and your family.” If you were near to the deceased a more personal approach is warranted.
Q. And for the ribbon?
Stick to something like “Forever in Our Hearts” or “With Deepest Sympathy.” Space permitting you can add the name of the sending party or organisation.
