CFD Sympathy & Funeral Floral Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which wire gauge is most commonly used when constructing sympathy wreaths and securing medium-weight flower heads?
- 28-gauge (fine) wire for maximum flexibility
- 36-gauge (hairpin) wire for delicate stems
- 20-gauge (medium) wire for reliable support (Correct answer)
- 12-gauge (heavy) wire for maximum strength
Correct answer: 20-gauge (medium) wire for reliable support
20-gauge wire provides the right balance of strength to support flower heads and enough flexibility to work with in sympathy designs without damaging delicate stems.
Question 2: What does a 'sympathy pillow' arrangement symbolize in funeral floral design?
- A soft resting place offering final comfort to the deceased (Correct answer)
- The heavenly clouds the deceased will rest upon
- The family's commitment to providing ongoing comfort to one another
- A reproduction of a pillow from the deceased's bedroom
Correct answer: A soft resting place offering final comfort to the deceased
A sympathy pillow is a flat, cushion-shaped floral piece that symbolizes peaceful rest and final comfort, and it is commonly displayed near the casket on an easel.
Question 3: When a funeral announcement states 'family flowers only,' what does this request mean?
- Only immediate family members may purchase flowers for the service
- All flowers must be ordered through a florist selected by the funeral home
- Guests should send flowers to the family's home after the service concludes
- The family prefers charitable donations in lieu of sympathy flower tributes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The family prefers charitable donations in lieu of sympathy flower tributes
'Family flowers only' is a request in the obituary for mourners to make charitable donations rather than send floral tributes, with flowers reserved for the immediate family.
Question 4: What does a 'memorial cross' arrangement represent in sympathy and funeral floral design?
- A marker indicating the religious denomination of the deceased's church
- A cross-shaped floral tribute symbolizing Christian faith and resurrection (Correct answer)
- A legal identification requirement for all Christian funeral services
- A cross-shaped arrangement used exclusively at graveside committal services
Correct answer: A cross-shaped floral tribute symbolizing Christian faith and resurrection
A memorial cross is a cross-shaped floral tribute that symbolizes Christian faith, sacrifice, and the belief in resurrection, making it a meaningful choice for Christian funeral services.
Question 5: In traditional American sympathy floral design, which color palette is considered most classic and appropriate?
- Red, orange, and yellow to celebrate a vibrant life
- Purple, black, and dark burgundy to represent deep mourning
- White, cream, and soft pastel tones for purity and peace (Correct answer)
- Bold multicolored arrangements to honor the deceased's personality
Correct answer: White, cream, and soft pastel tones for purity and peace
White, cream, and soft pastel tones are the most traditional American sympathy color palette, representing purity, peace, and reverence in the context of death.
Question 6: What does 'FTD' stand for in the floral industry, and how is it relevant to fulfilling sympathy orders?
- Funeral and Tribute Design, a professional sympathy arrangement certification
- Floral Technology Division, the regulatory body setting sympathy design standards
- Florists' Transworld Delivery, a network enabling florists to fulfill remote sympathy orders (Correct answer)
- Fresh Territory Distribution, a wholesale flower logistics company
Correct answer: Florists' Transworld Delivery, a network enabling florists to fulfill remote sympathy orders
FTD (Florists' Transworld Delivery) is a major floral wire service network that connects member florists nationwide, allowing a customer in one city to order sympathy flowers delivered by a local florist near the funeral home.
Question 7: What is the correct conditioning process for fresh-cut sympathy flowers before designing to maximize their longevity?
- Store in a warm room to encourage blooms to open rapidly before the service
- Place in dry storage for 24 hours before introducing water
- Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle and hydrate in clean water with flower preservative (Correct answer)
- Refrigerate at 28°F (below freezing) to halt all biological activity
Correct answer: Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle and hydrate in clean water with flower preservative
Re-cutting stems at a 45-degree angle removes air-blocked tissue and increases surface area for water uptake, while clean water and preservative extend vase life throughout the service.
CFD Sympathy & Funeral Floral Design 2
Which wire gauge is most commonly used when constructing sympathy wreaths and securing medium-weight flower heads?