Sympathy Services for Family Members

Dealing with the death of a beloved family member is grievous and there are a lot of decisions to be made. The staff of KAY’S Petals & Plants understands your wish to honour your loved one. Flowers are the perfect way to pay tribute and the beauty helps you say everything, without uttering a word. Flowers create a warm atmosphere and help reflect memories that are dear to you. Our professional staff can help you choose a floral tribute to express your love.

Before making a selection the following are terms to help you better understand local funeral traditions and guidelines.

Casket Spray

A traditional casket spray

A traditional family side piece

A very close family member usually purchases the casket spray. The spouse normally does this, however, if there is no surviving spouse, the children commonly purchase it. If there are no children to do this, either parents or another close relative would make the purchase. Generally no card message is included on the casket spray but a ribbon with script message is often added. At KAY’S we can customize the script with a message or special name. A script ribbon shows the relationship of the sender to the deceased. For example, if a person were sending an arrangement to his or her deceased mother, the ribbon would read Mother or Mom or something similar.

Family Side Pieces
Close family members may purchase these pieces that co-ordinate with the casket spray. They can be floral arrangements set near the casket. The children or grandchildren or next closes family embers commonly purchase these. Cards or script ribbons may be used on these pieces.

Specialty or “Set” Pieces
Any family member can purchase these. They are usually placed on either side of the casket. They can be hearts, crosses, standing sprays or wreaths. These pieces can include cards or script ribbon.

Casket Inserts
These are small arrangements placed inside the lid of the casket. They can be clusters of flowers in a small nosegay or on a satin pillow. A garland on the outer edge of the casket is also appropriate. These are usually sent from the grandchildren or great-grandchildren. While these arrangements are traditionally small, a card or script can be added. Also a corsage or boutonniere pinned on the deceased or a single flower in their hand is also acceptable.

Flowers around the casket
There are many beautiful styles of sympathy arrangements for an extended family member to send. Whether traditional or contemporary in style, they can be designed to recall a special memory, a cherished pastime, a favourite colour or flower, etc. These pieces would be placed near the other family pieces. They can also have either card messages or a script ribbon depending on your preference.

While all the pieces we design are expertly crafted you may need to consider their size. If this is important to you, our staff can make suggestions on the appropriate choice.

It is helpful to mention your relationships to the deceased when ordering your flowers to ensure they have the proper placement at the funeral home.

For a personal touch, sentimental items or letters can be incorporated into any family floral tribute