What To Write On Funeral Flowers
Sending flowers to a funeral is a time-honoured tradition that offers comfort, expresses sympathy, and shows respect for the person who has passed. Yet, when it comes time to write a message to accompany the flowers, many people find themselves unsure of what to say. In the midst of grief, it can be difficult to find the right words—especially when you want your message to feel heartfelt, respectful, and personal. At Victoria Funeral Home, we understand how emotional and overwhelming the loss of a loved one can be. Whether you’re attending a service or sending your condolences from afar, the message you choose to write on funeral flowers becomes a poignant gesture that will be remembered by the family. It’s not about perfection; it’s about sincerity. In this guide, we aim to provide guidance and inspiration to help you find words that feel both comforting and appropriate.
Writing With Compassion: Guidance From Funeral Directors in Peterhead
As experienced funeral directors in Peterhead, we’ve supported countless families during some of their most difficult days. One of the common questions we hear from friends and relatives is, “What should I write on the flowers?” It’s a small detail that can feel huge, especially when you want your message to convey respect, empathy, and warmth without being too formal or impersonal. The message you include on funeral flowers can be as simple or as poetic as you like. Some prefer a traditional tone, while others opt for something more personal, perhaps with a shared memory or affectionate sign-off. There are no strict rules—just a gentle suggestion to keep the tone sincere and the length manageable. Most cards attached to flower arrangements only allow for a short message, so your words should be carefully chosen to make the most impact in just a few lines. In the North East of Scotland, communities are known for their close-knit nature and heartfelt support during times of loss. When you write a message on funeral flowers, you are not just acknowledging the death—you are recognising the life that was lived, the family left behind, and the enduring connections that remain.
Honouring a Loved One: Finding the Right Words
When writing your message, start by thinking about your relationship with the deceased. Were they a close friend, a relative, a colleague, or perhaps someone you admired from a distance? The tone and content of your message may vary depending on your personal connection. If the flowers are coming from family, your message might reflect deep sorrow and personal memories. If you are a friend or colleague, it may be more appropriate to focus on kindness, support for the family, or a brief tribute to the individual’s character. For those who didn’t know the deceased well but want to show respect, a simple message of sympathy and peace can be entirely suitable. There is often no need to overthink the wording. A few heartfelt lines are enough to convey love, respect, and sympathy. If you’re writing on behalf of a group—perhaps a team from work or an extended family—it’s still best to keep the message unified and personal.
Religious and Non-Religious Messages
Your message may also be influenced by the religious beliefs of the deceased or their family. Many people take comfort in spiritual or religious references during times of mourning. Traditional Christian messages may include sentiments like “Rest in peace” or “May God bless you and keep you.” A more religious message might include a verse or blessing that reflects faith in an afterlife or eternal peace. For those who are not religious, messages can focus on peaceful rest, fond memories, or the impact the person had during their life. Expressions such as “Forever in our hearts” or “With love and remembrance” are simple yet touching, suitable for any faith or none. At Victoria Funeral Home, we always encourage people to consider the beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones when choosing words for funeral flowers. Even the smallest phrase can offer deep comfort when it aligns with a person’s values and life philosophy.
Messages From Immediate Family
When flowers are sent by immediate family members, the message may carry more emotional weight. These messages often reflect the unique bond between the sender and the deceased. A parent might write something like, “Sleep peacefully, my precious daughter,” while a sibling might choose, “Gone but never forgotten, brother. Love always.” Such messages are deeply personal and often shaped by memories, shared moments, and the grief that comes with a close family connection. It’s entirely natural for these messages to feel more emotional. They can also include nicknames or private terms of endearment that would be recognised by close family and friends, adding a layer of intimacy and authenticity.
Messages From Friends and Colleagues
Friends often find it helpful to write from the heart, reflecting on the kindness, humour, or generosity of the person who has passed. A close friend might write, “Thank you for a lifetime of laughter and loyalty. I will miss you always.” A schoolmate may choose, “Your friendship meant the world to me. Rest peacefully.” For colleagues or professional acquaintances, a respectful tone is key. While you may not want to be overly emotional, your message can still reflect appreciation for their character or dedication. Something like “A true professional and a kind soul. You will be missed” communicates sincerity without overstepping personal boundaries.
Messages From Those Unable To Attend
Sometimes, you may need to send funeral flowers because you’re unable to attend the service in person. In these cases, it’s thoughtful to acknowledge your absence within the message. A simple line such as “So sorry we can’t be there in person. Thinking of you all with love” can mean a great deal. This lets the family know that even from afar, their loved one’s memory is being honoured and that your thoughts are with them during the service. Whether the flowers are displayed at a church, crematorium, or graveside, your message will be seen and felt by those present.
When Words Are Hard to Find
In moments of deep grief, it’s understandable to feel lost for words. You may want to write something unique, but feel like everything sounds too formal or too cliché. That’s perfectly normal. Sometimes, a simple phrase can hold more meaning than a longer message. Messages like “With love,” “Always remembered,” or “You are in our thoughts” may seem brief, but they still carry a depth of feeling. It’s not about crafting the perfect message—it’s about showing that you care and that you remember. If you’re unsure, consider what you might say to the person if they were still here. Sometimes the most heartfelt messages are those that feel like a final goodbye: “Thank you for everything,” “I’ll never forget you,” or “Until we meet again.”
Signature and Names
It’s customary to include your name or the names of those sending the flowers at the end of the message. This helps the family know who the flowers are from, especially when they may be receiving many arrangements. Whether it’s a simple “Love, John and family” or “With deepest sympathy, from all your friends at the harbour,” your name is an important part of the message. If the flowers are from a group—such as colleagues, neighbours, or a local club—you can sign off with a collective name or short list of individuals. Just remember to keep it clear and readable for those who will be reading the messages during or after the service.
Local Traditions and Community Support
Here in Peterhead and the wider Aberdeenshire area, community support is incredibly strong during times of loss. Families often receive not just flowers, but food, visits, and shared stories. In a town where many people know each other through generations, these gestures carry enormous emotional weight. At Victoria Funeral Home, we often see how much comfort small acts can bring. A short message, lovingly written, can be more powerful than long speeches or elaborate tributes. Whether your message is poetic or plainspoken, what matters most is that it comes from a place of kindness.
Final Thoughts
Writing a message on funeral flowers doesn’t need to feel intimidating. It’s an opportunity to share a final goodbye, to offer comfort, and to honour someone who mattered. Whether your words are formal, emotional, religious, or simple, they are part of a beautiful tradition of remembrance. As funeral directors in Peterhead, we at Victoria Funeral Home are here to guide families and friends through every aspect of saying goodbye. If you’re unsure what to write, we’re always happy to offer advice, or to help you reflect your thoughts in a way that feels right. In the end, it’s not about writing something perfect—it’s about writing something true. A short note from the heart can mean the world to a grieving family. It’s a gentle reminder that their loved one was valued, remembered, and loved.
Victoria Funeral Home Ltd provides comprehensive funeral arrangement services. With years of experience, we help families plan simple and detailed funeral ceremonies. Contact us.
Recent Comments