Where the flowers are going plays a big part in what you send. You'd typically send a standing spray or casket spray to the service, while bouquets, plants, and smaller arrangements are usually sent to a home. Timing depends on the destination too: flowers for the service should arrive before visitation hours begin, and flowers for the home can be sent any time after the death.
There's never a wrong question to ask when it comes to funeral flowers. Families usually aren't sure what to send, and that's completely normal. At Lloyd's Florist & Events, we speak with families directly, not only through funeral homes.
Why is it difficult to know what to send?
Most people only send funeral flowers a few times in their lives, so it's understandable that it can feel confusing.
Different faiths and cultures have different customs around funeral flowers
Some services ask for donations instead of flowers, or list flowers as declined
It's not always clear what goes where, whether that's the funeral home, the service, or the family's house
There are a lot of choices to make while you're grieving
What should you send to a service vs. a home?
Standing sprays and casket sprays are usually meant for the service. Anything smaller can go to a home instead.
Casket sprays: placed on the casket, usually reserved for family members
Standing sprays: displayed near the casket or altar during the service
Fresh arrangements: can go to either the home or the service
Sympathy plants: a lasting option for the home
Keepsake gifts: lanterns, wind chimes, angels, afghans, and throws, which can be added into a fresh arrangement so the family has something to keep
What if a family asks that flowers be declined?
If a service asks that flowers be declined, it's respectful to honor that and send a donation, note, or gift to the family's home instead. Outside of that, there's no such thing as sending the wrong flowers.
Why is ordering sympathy flowers different from a typical online order?
A generic online order can miss details that matter in an emotional moment.
No way to add something personal
No guidance on whether an item is meant for a home or a service
No one to ask if you're not sure what to choose
How can Lloyd's Florist & Events help?
We'd rather speak with families directly. Michael enjoys sitting down with people who need help choosing flowers for a loved one.
We can build personal objects into a piece. Michael has added things like a fishing pole and boots for a family he knew would appreciate the gesture
We can add a lantern, angel, or wind chime to a fresh arrangement so the family has a keepsake afterward
If a person is cremated, you often have more time to choose flowers, since services are typically held a week or a month after someone passes. Wreaths and garden-style arrangements built around the urn are also available
If you're unsure what to do, our staff can help
What kinds of sympathy occasions does this cover?
Funeral and visitation services
Cremation and urn florals
Celebrations of life
Pet memorial flowers
Ongoing memorial gestures, such as flowers placed at a gravesite
Do funeral homes order through us?
Yes. Funeral homes sometimes send a family to us directly, and we also supply flowers to many funeral homes ourselves.
Funeral Flowers in Louisville
Whether your family needs flowers delivered to a funeral home, church, or house, Lloyd's Florist & Events can deliver anywhere in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Come by our Preston Highway location or call ahead, or we can work with your funeral home to make sure your order arrives when it's needed. Sympathy flowers are something we take seriously at Lloyd's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you send flowers to a funeral home or a family's home?
It depends on what you're sending. Standing sprays and casket sprays typically go to the service, while bouquets and plants are usually sent to a family's home. If you're unsure, contact us at Lloyd's Florist & Events, and we can help.
What flowers should I send to a funeral?
If you're unsure what flowers to send, feel free to call us or stop by our Preston Highway location. We're happy to help you find the right arrangement for your loved one.
Can I send a non-floral gift to a funeral?
Yes. Non-floral gifts such as lanterns, angels, or wind chimes can be added to a fresh arrangement.
What flowers can I send for a cremation service?
You can send any type of flowers for a cremation service. In many cases, you'll have more time to select flowers, since the service is often held later. Wreaths and garden-style arrangements built around the urn are also available.
You Don't Have to Know What to Send
If you're sitting with a sympathy order and don't know where to start, reach out to us at Lloyd's Florist & Events. We're glad to help families find the right flowers to remember someone they loved.
👉 Call Lloyd's Florist & Events at (502) 968-5428 to talk through what to send for a funeral.