Sympathy Bouquets: Flowers and a Message for the Family
A hand-tied bouquet sent to the home is a gentle way to let them know you are thinking of them, and to express your condolences after the loss of a loved one. Each one is hand-crafted by a local florist, wrapped and tied, and delivered with your card message.
What makes a good sympathy bouquet
Unlike flowers for a happy occasion, a bouquet for a grieving household should be calm rather than showy. Soft colours, a natural shape and beautiful fresh flowers that open over the following days suit the tone of a home in mourning far better than an elaborate floral display; the natural beauty of a few well-chosen blooms says enough. It should also be easy to look after. Ours arrive ready to go straight into a vase, so nobody has to cut stems or arrange anything at a difficult time. It is a small, heartfelt gesture, and it often means more than the giver expects.
Our hand-tied designs
We keep a small, curated choice, thoughtfully put together. Our rose and lisianthus bouquet brings together pale roses, lisianthus and spray roses with eucalyptus, wrapped in ivory paper with a sage ribbon. It is beautifully simple, with a quiet elegance that suits almost anyone. The lilac bouquet uses lilac roses, purple statice, lilac stock and waxflower in soft grey paper with a lilac ribbon, a colour that feels a little warmer.
If you would rather the flowers arrived already arranged, the pink arrangement in glass sets pink oriental lilies and pink roses in a clear vase, a softer take on the classic funeral lily. All three start from £43.99, and the Preferred and Elegant sizes add more stems of the same flowers for a fuller look. Hand-tied arrangements suit a home well, but if you would like more choice, see all our sympathy flowers, including baskets and plants.
Soft pastels or something brighter?
White flowers are the traditional sympathy choice and carry a sense of peace and remembrance. They are not a rule, though. If the person had a favourite flower or colour, let that lead your choice. Blush, lilac and cream feel tender and personal, and if the person who died loved colour, a brighter bouquet can honour the memory of who they were. Think about the friends or family receiving the flowers too: something they will enjoy having in the house is always suitable. If you are unsure, trust your instinct: flowers chosen with care are never the wrong choice.
What to write in a sympathy card
Every order comes with a card, and it is the simplest way to personalise the flowers. There is no perfect sympathy note, and a few genuine words matter more than finding the right words. "Thinking of you all at this difficult time", "With love and deepest sympathy" or "So sorry for your loss" are entirely appropriate. If you knew the deceased, add a fond memory: a line such as "I'll always remember her laugh" can be a real comfort in grief. Two or three thoughtful lines are plenty to convey what you feel. Our guide to card messages has more ideas for different relationships.
When to send flowers, and where
A bouquet is best sent to the family's home, in the first days after the loss or a week or two after the funeral, when the house has gone quiet. A bereavement doesn't end with the service, and sympathy flowers delivered then are often the ones people remember. It is a personal gift rather than a funeral tribute, so it does not go to the funeral director. If you would like flowers at the service itself, look at our funeral sprays, wreaths and other funeral flowers instead.
Flower delivery across the UK
Every order is local: a florist near the recipient makes it by hand and delivers it on the date you choose, Monday to Saturday, from tomorrow onwards. We deliver to UK addresses except AB10 postcodes, but not on Sundays or bank holidays, and we don't offer same-day delivery. Delivery is one charge of £12.49 per order to one address, added at checkout. Flowers are seasonal, so if one flower is not available, the florist may use another bloom of the same colour and style, of equal or greater value.
Questions before you send flowers
Is it appropriate to send flowers for condolences?
Yes. Flowers sent to the home are a long-standing way to show you care, whether you are close to the family or knew the person who died through work or friends. A short condolence note on the card is all you need to add.
How much does a sympathy bouquet cost?
Our bouquets start from £43.99 in the Standard size. Delivery is £12.49 per order, added at checkout.
How soon can the bouquet arrive?
The earliest we can deliver is the next day, Monday to Saturday. Choose your date at checkout; Sundays and bank holidays are not available.
How long will the flowers stay fresh?
Kept in fresh water away from direct heat, they usually last about a week. To keep them at their freshest, trim the stems a little and change the water every couple of days.
What if the family has a cat?
Avoid the pink arrangement in glass, as lilies are toxic to cats. A phalaenopsis orchid is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, so one of our orchid plants is a safer choice.
Do sympathy flowers have to be white?
No. Lilac, pink and other soft colours are just as fitting, and brighter flowers are fine if they suit the person or the family.
