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7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Funeral Arrangements

Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Navigating the Path of Sympathy Flowers with Earth Garden


Ordering flowers for a funeral is an act of quiet courage and deep compassion. It’s not just about blooms—it’s about honoring a life, soothing grief, and offering love in a time when words fall short. But the emotional weight of this moment can make choosing the right funeral arrangement feel overwhelming.


At Earth Garden Flower Shop, we walk alongside you through that decision. As a luxury floral house that specializes in grief support and emotional care, we’re here to guide you through seven common mistakes to avoid—and how to create something meaningful, beautiful, and healing.


A somber couple in black stands beside a red rose wreath. Text: "7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Funeral Arrangements."

1. Choosing the Wrong Flowers for the Occasion


Not all flowers speak the same emotional language.

  • Lilies represent peace and the return to innocence.

  • Roses symbolize love, respect, and admiration.

  • Chrysanthemums are deeply tied to mourning in many European and Asian cultures.



Explore our Sympathy Best Sellers to discover what speaks most clearly. Every bloom tells a story—make sure it reflects the legacy of the one you're honoring.


🌿 Self-Care Tip: Pause and reflect on your own emotions before selecting a bouquet. Our Grief Support Spa Collection offers comfort to both the sender and receiver, designed to bring calm and restoration.


2. Not Considering the Family’s Wishes or Cultural Customs


Did you know that in some traditions, red flowers are considered inappropriate for funerals? In others, white symbolizes purity and reverence.


Before you send flowers, consider the family’s values or traditions. Our Custom Funeral Design service lets you incorporate specific religious or cultural elements with dignity and beauty.



Want guidance? Our Funeral Consultation Team is available to walk you through these nuances with warmth and understanding.

3. Ignoring Practical Delivery Details


Timing is everything—especially when grief is involved.


Funerals often operate on tight schedules. Avoid missed deliveries by confirming the exact service time and location before placing your order. Our White Glove Delivery ensures your arrangement arrives fresh, flawless, and on time—whether at a chapel, graveside, or family home.



Planning ahead? Consider adding a Post-Service Arrangement for the family’s home, offering continued comfort in the days that follow.

4. Opting for Overly Complex Arrangements


More doesn’t always mean better.


A simple wreath or standing spray can express just as much love as an elaborate casket arrangement. Consider what fits the tone of the service, the size of the space, and the preferences of the family.

Our Small-to-Large Funeral Collection offers flexible sizing and soft, comforting palettes that don’t overwhelm.



5. Overlooking Personalization Options


Every life is unique—your floral tribute should be too.


You can customize your tribute with:

  • A ribbon message in your own words

  • The loved one’s favorite flowers

  • A handwritten note using our Complimentary Card Add-On

  • Symbolic items like lavender for peace or rosemary for remembrance


🎁 Did you know? Our Healing Through Flowers Membership includes recurring deliveries for grief anniversaries—a lasting way to say “I still remember.”

6. Neglecting Sustainable or Eco-Friendly Choices


For families who cared deeply for the Earth, honor their legacy with sustainable arrangements.


We offer eco-conscious options using:

  • Biodegradable bases

  • Dried or local flowers

  • Reusable ceramic vases


Visit our Earth Garden Eco Series to explore floral design that reflects not just style, but shared values.


7. Waiting Until the Last Minute


It’s easy to delay a decision when emotions are high—but funeral florals take time.


Waiting too long limits options and may result in rushed or unavailable designs. Instead, place your order 1–2 days before the service to give our designers time to create something intentional and refined.



Need help deciding? Use our Sympathy Flower Quiz to guide your choice—or reach out for a same-day consultation.


💐 Honor Their Life with Intention


Grief is sacred. So is the way we show up in it.


At Earth Garden Flower Shop, we believe in loving people well—through flowers, rituals, and the soft support of our presence. Whether you’re planning ahead or in the middle of loss, we’re here for you.


Shop Our Most Trusted Collections:


Or explore our latest wellness-centered offerings in the Self-Care Collection—sent free with every floral order.


💬 Need Help Choosing?


We offer personal support from real people who care.

Talk to Our Sympathy Team →



Published October 21, 2024 | Updated for 2025

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