When someone calls to order sympathy flowers, especially over the phone, they’re often overwhelmed, unsure, or even in shock. In some cases, the flowers are being sent from a company or workplace, and the sender may not know the family personally. In both cases, deciding what to write on the card can feel daunting.
At Specialty Floral Design, we often reassure our customers that simple and heartfelt messages are always appropriate. The grieving family may not remember the exact words on the card, but they will remember that you sent flowers—that you showed up in their time of loss.
1. Keep it Short and Sincere
We always suggest keeping messages short. Grieving families are often on autopilot—organizing the service, caring for one another, and just trying to get through the day. A brief, loving note goes a long way.
Here are a few messages that are always appropriate:
With deepest sympathy
Thinking of you and wishing you peace
In loving memory of a beautiful soul
Forever in our hearts
With heartfelt condolences
May your memories bring you comfort
These simple phrases convey care, love, and presence.
2. When You Know the Person
If you had a relationship with the person who passed or know the family well, adding a personal detail can bring warmth and meaning to your message.
For example:
We’ll always remember [Name]’s warmth and kindness.
So grateful to have known [Name]. They brought so much joy into our lives.
Sending love and comfort as you honor a life so beautifully lived.
This is completely up to you and how comfortable you feel writing something more personal. Even a few words can mean the world.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake? Writing too much. We’ve seen people try to include long paragraphs, thinking their message might ease the pain. But during a time of loss, no words can truly make things better. Grieving is a process—and flowers are meant to quietly say, "I'm here, I care, and I'm thinking of you."
Also, consider sending flowers to the home rather than the service. This ensures the family receives them directly, and it feels more personal. We've also seen people send flowers a few weeks after the service, which can be an especially thoughtful gesture—reminding loved ones they are still in your heart.
4. A Thoughtful Reminder: Keep the Focus on the Family
Sometimes we get calls where a kind gesture might miss the mark—not out of malice, but from a lack of context. Years ago, a young woman called to send sympathy flowers to her boss. It was such a thoughtful idea. The only challenge? She wanted them delivered to his home.
I later found out his wife was highly allergic to flowers and had kindly requested that all arrangements be sent to the service or donated to a retirement center. When I explained the situation, the sender was disappointed and insisted they still go to the home. She even hinted that this gesture might help her professionally.
Moments like that stay with me—not because of any one action, but because they remind us of the real purpose behind sympathy flowers. They’re not meant to impress or stand out. They’re simply a way to say, I see you, I’m thinking of you, and I care.
If you’re ever unsure where to send an arrangement or what to say on the card, just ask. We’re here to help ensure your message is received in the most thoughtful, respectful way possible.
5. Flowers That Speak Without Words
One of the most touching experiences I’ve seen is a local business here in Olympia that sends sympathy flowers to their clients when they’ve experienced a loss. They send them to the client’s home with a simple message. Whether it’s a standard phrase or something personal, the gesture goes beyond customer service—it turns clients into extended family.
Another beautiful example is a local retirement center that sends flowers to the loved ones of residents who have passed. It’s a small act that brings so much comfort and shows that their care extends beyond just the time someone lives there. They continue to support the family even after the loss.
These kinds of gestures remind us why sympathy flowers matter. It’s not about the arrangement—it’s about the connection.
6. How We Support You
At Specialty Floral Design, we guide our clients through every step. We offer ideas for the arrangement, ask about favorite flowers or colors, and sometimes even incorporate a loved one’s personality or hobbies. If someone loved the outdoors, for instance, we might use moss, twigs, or PNW-inspired textures to honor their memory.
We’ve helped create arrangements for hikers, gardeners, dog lovers, and veterans. We’ve added fishing lures, sheet music, golf tees—you name it. These personal touches go beyond the flowers and help tell the story of the person being honored.
When words are hard to find, flowers speak. And we’re honored to help you express your love, remembrance, and support—beautifully and sincerely.
Sympathy flowers are more than just blooms—they're gestures of comfort and compassion. Whether you're sending them with a simple phrase or a personal memory, what matters most is the love behind the message. Keep it thoughtful, keep it sincere, and let the flowers do the rest. They're not meant to impress or stand out. They're simply a way to say, I see you, I'm thinking of you, and I care.
If you’re ever unsure what to say, we’ll help you find the right words. If you don’t know what kind of arrangement to send, we’ll create something beautiful and meaningful. And if you’re just not sure where to start, we’ll guide you through with compassion and experience.
Specialty Floral Design is a local florist in Olympia, WA, offering flower delivery in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and the surrounding areas. We are known for our one-of-a-kind arrangements and personalized service.
You can reach us at 360-688-6608 with any questions or to place an order. Whether you're sending flowers for sympathy, celebration, or just because, we’re here to make sure your message is felt and remembered.
If you want to view our Sympathy arrangements, please click here
If you have any questions, you can email us by clicking here
