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When someone you know dies, it can be tough to know what to do or say. You might be tempted to send flowers, but sometimes that just doesn’t feel like enough.
If you’re struggling to come up with an appropriate gesture, consider sending one of these instead.
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Introduction
Few life events are as universally acknowledged or as difficult to endure as the death of a loved one. The death of a close family member or friend can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and searching for ways to express our condolences. While sending flowers is a gesture of sympathy that is commonly seen in the aftermath of a death, you may be looking for something a little more personal.
What to Send When Someone Dies Instead of Flowers
When someone you know dies, it is common to want to do something to show your support for the grieving family. Sending flowers is a tradition in many cultures, but if you are looking for something a little different, there are plenty of other options. Here are some ideas for what to send when someone dies instead of flowers:
-A plant that can be planted in a memorial garden
-A food basket with the deceased’s favorite foods
-A charitable donation in the deceased’s name
-A memory book or photo album
-A personalized sympathy card
The Sympathy Card
When someone you care about dies, you want to do something to show them you care. You might be tempted to send flowers, but sympathy cards are actually a better option. Sympathy cards are personal and heartfelt, and they show that you’re thinking of the person who has lost a loved one.
The Sympathy Card
One of the most difficult times in anyone’s life is when they lose a loved one. It can be hard to know what to say or do to show your support for the grieving family. You may want to send a sympathy card, but you may not be sure what message to include.
Here are some tips for writing a sympathy card:
1. Keep it simple. A brief, heartfelt message is often best. The family will appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
2. Avoid clichés. Phrases like “Everything happens for a reason” or “Time heals all wounds” can come across as trite or insensitive. Stick to empathetic statements that express your genuine condolences.
3. Offer specific words of comfort. If you have personal experience with grief, share a memory that gave you strength during your own process of mourning. This can provide the bereaved with much-needed hope and reassurance.
4. Avoid religious clichés. Even if you and the family share the same faith, avoid phrases that might not be comforting to everyone receiving the card (e.g., “He’s in a better place now”). Instead, focus on expressing your sorrow and support for the family in this difficult time.
5. Send your card as soon as possible. It’s best not to wait too long to express your condolences, as this can make the family feel like you didn’t care very much about their loss. A simple gesture like a sympathy card can go a long way in showing your support during this difficult time
The Funeral Arrangements
The Funeral Arrangements
When making funeral arrangements, it is often customary to send flowers. However, there are many other ways to honor the deceased that are both more personal and more helpful to the grieving family.
For example, you could:
-Make a charitable donation in the person’s name
-Send a food delivery to the family’s home
-Buy a memorial gift for the family to keep in their home
-Send a handwritten sympathy card or note
-Make a personal phone call to offer your condolences
-Attend the funeral or memorial service
The Funeral
Sending flowers to a funeral is a nice gesture, but sometimes you may want to send something else. If you are close to the family, you may want to send a food dish or a plant. If you are not close to the family, you may want to send a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased.
The Funeral
A funeral is a ceremony connected with the final disposition of a corpse, such as a burial or cremation, with the attendant observances. Funerary customs comprise the complex of beliefs and practices used by a culture to remember and respect the dead, from interment, to various monuments, prayers, and rituals undertaken in their honor. These customs vary widely between cultures, and between religious denominations within cultures. In most cases nowadays, funerals are observed by more immediate family and close friends rather than by extended family or acquaintances; however, in many cultures it is traditional for all who knew the deceased well to attend the funeral regardless of distance.
The body of the deceased is typically present at the funeral for family members and close friends to view; however, in some cases the body is not present (for example, if it has been lost or destroyed), or if it is considered too traumatizing for mourners (as in the case of a violent death).
The Aftermath
A death in the family is always a difficult time. You are grieving the loss of a loved one, and at the same time, you are faced with the task of arranging a funeral. One of the things you will have to decide is what to send as a gift to the family of the deceased. You may be tempted to send flowers, but there are some things you should know before you do.
The Aftermath
When someone we love dies, it is only natural to want to reach out and express our condolences. But often, we are at a loss for words or unsure of what to do. sending flowers is a time-honored tradition, but sometimes it can feel like an empty gesture.
If you are looking for a more meaningful way to show your support for the grieving family, consider sending a donation in the deceased person’s name to a favorite charity, making a contribution to a memorial fund, or sending a sympathy card with a personal message. You can also plan ahead by pre-ordering funeral flowers or arranging for someone to deliver a meal to the family after the funeral.
Whatever you do, make sure your actions come from the heart and are meant to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.
