Sending flowers is a common gesture when someone suffers a loss. Flowers are a simple and meaningful expression of sympathy to show a bereaved friend, family member, or coworker that you are thinking about them. While choosing and sending a floral arrangement might be simple, crafting sympathy wording is not always easy. Whether the recipient is a close friend or an acquaintance, the right sympathy message may leave you wondering if this phrase sounds too trite or that word might come off as insensitive. At Studley’s, we are a trusted, local floral vendor, so we have delivered a large number of sympathy floral arrangements and often assist customers to craft the perfect sympathy message. In this article, we’re sharing what we’ve learned about finding the right words to go with your sympathy flowers.
Keep the Message Simple
The death of a loved one is a sensitive subject, so the desire to find just the right words is understandable. However, overthinking the wording will not help you write a sensitive and sympathetic message. The key is to keep the message simple. Phrases like “sorry for your loss,” “thinking of you,” or “sending our love” may feel impersonal or overused, but bear in mind that the message is arriving with a thoughtful floral arrangement. The gift of flowers as a gesture of sympathy and support elevates even a simple message to contain more meaning than just the words on their own.
Focus on The Recipient
A common mistake with sympathy messages is trying to express “I know how you feel.” Even if you have experienced a similar loss and can empathize with the recently bereaved person, avoid bringing yourself into the sympathy message. Your heart may be in the right place, but messages that include references to your losses can be perceived as trying to make someone else’s loss about yourself. A good rule is to avoid starting any sentence with “I” unless you are offering condolences or to do something for the recipient.
Consider the Circumstances
The level of intimacy in your message depends on the circumstances and your relationship with the recipient. If you are sending sympathy flowers to someone you know well, your message should be more personal than a simple “thinking of you.” Include specific references to your relationship, and if you live nearby and are able, an offer of tangible support.
Whether you knew the deceased also should be considered when writing your sympathy message. The addition of “we will always remember him fondly” or “she was always a kind and warm presence” will remind the recipient that they are not grieving alone while still keeping their feelings at the center of your message.
Send Sympathy Flowers from Studley's
When you want to send quality sympathy flowers representative of your condolences, we invite you to order from Studley Flower Gardens. In addition to Studley’s sympathy collection, we also offer arrangements designed especially for memorial services. Browse our floral bouquets and arrangements on our website or contact us for additional suggestions, details about delivery options, and more. All Studley’s arrangements include a small message card, or you can upgrade to a full-size card with your message handwritten by our staff.
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