What to Write on Funeral Flowers

What to write on funeral flowers: where to start

What you write on a funeral flower card does not need to be long. One or two lines is the usual length, and short and simple is always appropriate. Many people worry they won't find the right words, but there are no right words for a funeral, only kind ones. Sending flowers is itself a way to acknowledge the loss: the flowers serve as a heartfelt sign that you care, and the card message tells the family who they are from. If you are struggling with what to write, try these three steps:

• Use their name. "Dear Jean" or "To Grandad" makes the card feel personal straight away.
• Say one true thing. What the person who has passed meant to you, a memory, or simply that you will miss them.
• Sign it clearly. The family might be busy with the funeral arrangements and read the cards days later, so make sure they know who sent the flowers.

Write from the heart and write as you would speak. Plain, sincere words are easier to read at a time of loss than formal ones, and if you are dealing with grief yourself, it is fine to keep it very short. If you knew the person well, add a personal touch: a nickname, a saying they used, or a line about something you did together. A funny memory that brings a smile is fine if you know the family would welcome it.

Short card messages

These classic words for a funeral flower card suit anyone who has died, and any of them makes a simple funeral message on its own. They work well when words fail, or when you did not know the one who has passed closely but want to express your sympathy. Messages like “Forever in our hearts” have lasted because they say a lot in a few words, and these thoughtful messages are easy to personalise with a name.

• With deepest sympathy.
• In loving memory.
• Always loved, never forgotten.
• Rest peacefully.
• With love, and so many happy memories.
• Gone from our sight, never from our hearts.
• Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Messages for Mum and Dad

A card from a son or daughter often sits on the main tribute, so it can say a little more. Our funeral flowers for Mum and funeral flowers for Dad pages show the tributes families often choose.

• Mum, thank you for every cup of tea and every word of advice. We love you always.
• To the best mum we could have wished for. Sleep well, and save us a seat.
• Mum, your kindness lives on in all of us. Forever loved.
• Dad, you taught us how to be strong. We'll carry on making you proud.
• To our dad, our rock. Rest easy now. All our love.
• Dad, thank you for the laughs, the lifts and the patience. Miss you already.

Messages for Nan, Grandad and grandparents

Grandchildren of all ages can write a card, and these messages for funeral flowers from grandchildren show how little you need to say. Older children can write messages of their own, and a message from young children to a grandparent can be written by a parent in the child's own words.

• Nan, thank you for the biscuits, the cuddles and the stories. Love you forever.
• To our wonderful nan. Your garden will always remind us of you.
• Grandad, you made everything better. We'll miss your jokes.
• To the best grandad. Thank you for all the Sunday dinners and the long walks.
• Night night, Grandma. Love from all your grandchildren.

Messages for a partner, brother or sister

A message to a partner or spouse is often the most private card of all. It can be as simple as their name and yours, or one line to express your love. For a brother or sister, a shared memory can express your feelings better than a long list of words.

• My love, my best friend. Until we meet again.
• Forty years were not enough. All my love, always.
• To my husband, thank you for a lifetime of love. Yours forever.
• To my darling wife, you made our house a home. Sleep peacefully.
• To my big brother. Thank you for always looking out for me.
• Sis, you were my first friend and my best one. Love you always.

Messages from colleagues and friends

When flowers come from friends and colleagues, a workplace or a club, keep the message warm but a little more formal, and name the group so the family know who it is from. These are some of the best messages to express your condolences when you knew the person outside the family.

• To a true friend. The world is quieter without you.
• So glad our paths crossed. Rest easy, my friend.
• With sincere condolences from everyone at the office. She will be greatly missed.
• In fond memory of a much-loved colleague and friend.
• From all your friends at the bowls club. Thank you for the happy years.
• Our thoughts are with you all. With love from the team.

Religious and non-religious messages

It is fine to include religious words if you know the person or the family shared that faith, as it can bring comfort at the hardest of times. If you are unsure, a non-religious line is always a kind choice. Whether you choose one or the other, the aim is the same: to offer comfort to those left behind while they mourn.

• May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
• Safe in the arms of the Lord.
• Rest in peace and rise in glory.
• Your light will keep shining in all of us.
• Remembered with love, every single day.
• Thank you for a life so well lived.

How to sign the card

End with a simple closing and your name. “With love”, “Fondly” and “With deepest sympathy” all work. For a family, list the names or write "from the Smith family". For children, add their names after yours. If the flowers are from a close family member, you can just write "Love, your son" or "Your loving wife".

• With love, Sarah, Tom and the girls.
• With heartfelt condolences, from all the family.
• Love always, your granddaughter Emma.

When you order, type your message in the card box. The florist adds the card to the tribute, ready for flower delivery to the funeral director.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a funeral flower message be?

A message on funeral flowers is usually one to three short lines. Keep your message brief: the card is small, the family will read many of them, and a short heartfelt message often says more than a long one.

What is a nice simple condolence message?

“Thinking of you all, with love” followed by your name is simple and kind. So is “So sorry for your loss”. A condolence does not need to explain anything; it just needs to be sincere.

Should I send a sympathy card or funeral flowers?

Many people do both, because sympathy cards and funeral flowers do different jobs. The flowers go to the funeral director and are part of the service itself. If you want to offer more than a line, post a card to the family home. A card leaves room for longer messages and a memory or two, and a sympathy message is often read again in the weeks after. If you are unsure which flowers to send, our funeral flower ideas can help, and sympathy flowers sent to the home can offer support once the service is over.

Can I write a message from my children?

Yes. Write it in their words, or let older children write their own line, and sign with their names.

Is it right to write about faith or remembrance?

Yes, if it fits the person. A religious line is welcome where the family share that faith, and words of love and memory suit anyone.