Your local florist carries several different types of sympathy floral arrangements that you can send to a funeral home in advance of an upcoming service. While you might have an idea of exactly what you want the arrangement to look like, it's OK to enter the flower shop without any ideas, either. Your florist can walk you through a variety of options that are appropriate to send in this situation, allowing you to decide which one will work best as a way to share your message of sympathy with the grieving family. You'll commonly have the choice to add various additions to your arrangement, too, including the following.
Stuffed Animal
Florist shops typically have a selection of small- and medium-sized stuffed animals that you can add to any type of arrangement, including one that expresses your sympathy. A stuffed animal in a color that complements the flowers can augment the look of the arrangement as a whole, but can also serve another purpose. For example, if you're sending the arrangement after the death of an elderly person, their grandchildren will likely be at the funeral. One of the younger grandchildren may be able to remove and keep the stuffed animal, providing some comfort during a difficult time.
Balloon
People typically see balloons as being celebratory, but your local flower shop likely has a number of balloons that are more appropriate for conveying sympathy—and that you can add to your arrangement if you wish. Generally, these balloons will be in muted colors, such as gray, white, and even clear. They'll feature words that should provide some comfort to the bereaved family. Most arrangements that the family receives probably won't include balloons, so if you're keen on making your arrangement stand out, a balloon with an appropriate message attached to the arrangement can be a good choice.
Cross
While the above two additions are easy to remove from the arrangement, there are other options that are meant to remain in place. One such option is a cross, which your florist may have available in several different materials. If religion played an important role in the life of the person who has passed away, a cross built into the arrangement can be a comforting sight to the family. This is often a good choice to add if you attend church with the family, as you'll have a connection due to your faith and may wish to remind them of it with your arrangement.
For more information regarding sympathy floral arrangements, contact a florist.