Sympathy Sentiments

Sending a floral tribute is a very appropriate way of expressing sympathy to a family who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Flowers express a feeling of life and beauty and offer much comfort to the family. A floral tribute can either be sent to a funeral service or to the family s residence. Here are some suggestions to assist you in sending sympathy flowers.

Funeral Basket- Appropriate to send to a funeral or memorial service. Pricing will vary depending on the type and quantity of flowers. Ask your florist for details and availability of specific flowers.

Funeral Spray- This is a large arrangement designed in floral foam and attached to an easel. It is appropriate to send to a funeral service. Sometimes they are transported to the gravesite. Try to order a spray at least a couple days before the service, as it takes time to create this large arrangement. An alternative to this artistic style is to have your florist use a cross form. Your florist can deliver this spray to the service with an identification card, including your message.

Wreath- A beautiful alternative to a standard funeral spray. Wreaths are also attached to an easel. Wreaths are often placed at the service, and sometimes moved to the gravesite. Some wreaths can be heart shaped. Ribbons with sentiment can also be added for a personal touch.

Casket Cover- One of the most impressive sympathy floral designs is a casket cover. They do come in a variety of sizes. Casket sprays come in Quarter, Half or Full Casket Style which is the whole length of the casket. Because it would be difficult to accomodate more than one of these large designs, you will want to make sure that the family has not already arranged for one of these. This is typically supplied by close family members. These are one of the more expensive sympathy floral designs. These tributes also need to be ordered in advance, as they are large and take time to create.

Inside Casket Piece- A memorial tribute specifically made to be placed in the casket. Whether it be a small clutch of flowers, a garland or a small wreath, this flower design can be placed on the inside lid of the casket, for open casket services. This is also typically supplied by immediate family, and not sent as a sympathy arrangement.

Flower Vase- If you are unable to send something to the service, consider sending a vase of flowers to the family s residence. This is appropriate before or after the service. It is best not to send it the day of the service, as the family will not be at home to accept delivery. A beautiful vase of flowers can express your sympathy to the entire family during their difficult time. Include a message card with your name(s). Your florist can recommend an appropriate style to send to your recipient.

Peace Lily- An indoor green plant with white blooms, appropriate to send to the family s residence. Be sure to have the florist add a message card, just as you would include with a flower arrangement. The Peace Lily is popular as a sympathy plant, most likely due to it s namesake. Your florist may also be able to suggest another blooming plant.

Some final notes:

Pet Loss can be just as tragic to someone as losing a human member of their family. Don t forget to send flowers to those mourning the loss of a beloved pet. They will appreciate your support and condolences.

Consider sending flowers after the funeral. It is also a thoughtful gesture to send flowers even weeks after the funeral service to show the family that they are in your thoughts. It would be appropriate to include a message card letting them know you are thinking of them.

If you are unsure about what would be appropriate to send, ask your florist. They are the experts, and can recommend the ideal floral design to express your sympathy.

Details are very important when sending flowers, especially sympathy flowers. By calling a real local florist located in the town you are sending to, you will be able to speak directly to the florist designing and delivering your floral gift. You will also get a better value.

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.

You can have lots of fun selecting a dog gift for someone who absolutely adores dogs. And you ll be happy to know that no matter what size budget your working with there are lots and lots of wonderful gift ideas to choose from.

In fact you may have so many great choices that you could easily become overwhelmed.

So let s start by learning how to narrow down the flood of choices a bit. Narrowing the choices to match the gift to the person will get you well on your way to selecting that perfect dog gift.

Tip #1 Determine How Much You re Going To Spend

Deciding how much you re going to spend on your dog gift is definitely going to narrow your choices.

But this is a good thing . . . because wonderful dog gifts are available in almost any price range.

And by narrowing your options based on price, you ve just made your gift selection search a lot easier.

Tip #2 Decide Who The Gift Is For

Is your gift for a current dog owner? If so . . . would you like the gift for the dog owner or for their dog?

If you re dealing with a bona fide dog enthusiast . . . either type of gift is appropriate and would be welcomed.

You ll want to think about starting with what you know already about the person as well as their dog.

Deciding if the gift is for the person or the dog will help narrow the many choices even further.

Are you buying a gift for a dog caregiver? Maybe for your dog sitter, dog walker, dog groomer or veterinarian or anyone else who you trust enough to care for your beloved pet?

Is the dog gift for someone who is actively involved with dogs? Or are you looking for a gift for someone who just loves dogs, but doesn t own a dog right now?

Tip # 3 What s The Special Gift Giving Occasion?

Is there a special occasion coming up that calls for a dog gift?

Special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, get well wishes, pick me ups and pet loss condolences or memorials are all good reasons to give a dog lover a gift.

And there are times you may give a gift just because you care. What category does your dog gift fit into?

Some gifts can be personalized to special occasions with imprints, photos or amusing accessories.

A gift that is customized for the special occasion will be really welcomed and show that you put extra thought into your gift selection.

Tip #4 How Does Your Dog Lover Express Their Fondness For Dogs?

To select a great dog gift you ll need to know a little about how your dog lover likes to express their passion or fondness for dogs.

Does he proudly wear dog breed clothing, display dog art prints & posters or like to collect dog figurines and other dog related knick-knacks?

Or maybe she likes to pamper her special pooch. Buying her little dog all sorts of treats, dog carriers, designer dog clothes and elegant dog jewelry.

Tip #5 Don t Overlook Your Dog Lovers Other Interests & Hobbies

You may find that the perfect gift is one that combines a favorite hobby or interest with their love of dogs.

If your dog lover is a big sports fan maybe he would like a dog clothes outfit that reflects his favorite team.

Any dog gift with team colors and logos on them will be a hit when his friends come over to watch the big game. If you don t think his pooch would like to wear a dog shirt, a dog bandana might be a better choice.

Do you need to get a dog gift for a dog lover who plays golf? Then she would probably love some dog breed golf club head covers.

They can really add a sense of fun and style while protecting their valuable clubs.

The choice of dog lover gifts seems endless, but now that you know how to narrow your focus you ll be able to pick great dog gifts every time.

Just think about who you need the dog gift for, and have fun. The best gifts are the ones that make the moment special and get us all to smile.

Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

About the Author

Courtesy of www.dog-supplies-advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners.

Read more about selecting great dog lover gifts at www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-lover-gifts.html , www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-art.html