Sympathy & Funeral Floral Design Flashcards

What type of floral arrangement is traditionally placed on top of a closed casket during a funeral service?

Answer: A casket spray or casket blanket

A casket spray or casket blanket is the traditional floral piece placed directly on top of a closed casket, and it is typically ordered by the immediate family.

Which flowers are most traditionally associated with sympathy and funeral arrangements in the United States?

Answer: White lilies, white roses, and gladioli

White lilies, white roses, and gladioli are among the most traditional sympathy flowers in the US, symbolizing purity, peace, and reverence.

A 'standing spray' in sympathy floral design is specifically created to be displayed on what type of support?

Answer: An easel or wire stand beside the casket

A standing spray is a large, one-sided triangular or fan-shaped arrangement designed to stand upright on an easel or wire stand, typically positioned beside or behind the casket.

What material is most commonly saturated with water and used as the primary mechanics base for fresh sympathy floral arrangements?

Answer: Floral foam (such as OASIS brand)

Saturated fresh floral foam, such as OASIS brand foam, is the industry-standard medium for sympathy pieces because it retains water and keeps flowers fresh throughout the service.

In sympathy floral design, a 'half-couch spray' is intended to cover which portion of the casket?

Answer: The lower closed portion of a half-open casket

A half-couch spray is designed to rest on the lower half of a half-couch casket that remains closed while the upper half is open for viewing.

What key information must a florist confirm when taking a sympathy order for flowers to be sent to a funeral service?

Answer: The name of the deceased, funeral home address, and service date and time

Accurate sympathy orders require the full name of the deceased, the funeral home name and address, and the exact service date and time to guarantee timely and correct delivery.

Why are dish gardens and living plant arrangements a popular sympathy gift choice?

Answer: They provide a lasting living memorial that families can keep after the service

Living dish gardens are valued as sympathy gifts because they can be taken home by the family and serve as a long-lasting, living reminder of the person who passed.