Advice needed re Interflora flowers for a lady who has just lost her husband.

swingaloo

I'm just looking for opinions please. I've been on the Interflora site as I want to send some flowers.

Basically I have a problem making a decision, I think we all tend to look at what we would like and obviously that's not the same for everyone.

The lady I want to send flowers to lost her husband 2 days ago. I will be going to the funeral but I want to send her some flowers which are not funeral like if that makes sense. I want them to be for her rather than for the funeral if you see what I mean. I know its not going to brighten her day as she is devastated but I want to send a token.

Now the problem. I love yellow roses but I'm sure I've heard it said that they represent death so think that's probably best avoided. I don't know if there any other superstitions with other flowers that I should be aware of.

Ive seen a couple of sunflower bouquets on the Interflora site which I love but cant decide if they are a bit 'gaudy' for the situation. On the other hand I don't want to send a bland white funeral type bunch.

The lady in question is a very young 69, very modern thinking and not a fuddy-duddy type.

So Id be interested in others opinions as to what to go for, I want to get it right so any opinions would be helpful.

Thank you.

lostinrates

What is your budget?

You might be better calling /visiting a florist near her and dealing directly with them to optimise it.


The most beautiful flowers I've received I actually linked on another thread to day but their cheapest bunch is 48 pounds. They are English grown garden flowers in season, so very natural feeling.

cazziebo

How lovely of you. I was really touched when friends sent me flowers or cards following a bereavement.

I haven't heard any negative associations about yellow roses although I'm not that up on the language of flowers. In this situation I'd say it really is the thought that counts so I'd just pick something pretty. At this time of year I always think yellow flowers bring a bit of sunshine inside...

The only flowers I steer clear of is someone told me nurses don't like red and white flower mixtures. No idea why - or where it came from but when I've mentioned people seem to have heard of it. And I don't know many superstitious nurses.

swingaloo

Thank you for the reply, I would like to keep around the £30 mark really. Im sending a spray for the funeral as well.

I also think I need to avoid Lillies as Ive heard a few people say they are allergic to them.

Cant believe how hard it is to make a decision, Im the same with everything. I even ponder over what colour washing up liquid to buy.

swingaloo

cazziebo wrote: »

How lovely of you. I was really touched when friends sent me flowers or cards following a bereavement.

I haven't heard any negative associations about yellow roses although I'm not that up on the language of flowers. In this situation I'd say it really is the thought that counts so I'd just pick something pretty. At this time of year I always think yellow flowers bring a bit of sunshine inside...

The only flowers I steer clear of is someone told me nurses don't like red and white flower mixtures. No idea why - or where it came from but when I've mentioned people seem to have heard of it. And I don't know many superstitious nurses.

Thank you for that. that's what I want to do really, I know I cant exactly 'cheer her up' but I just want her to know they are specifically for her, not for the funeral. I love yellow, its my all time favourite and love the idea that it may brighten the day a bit but don't want to cause any offence.

Sagz_2

I was always told that yellow roses represented friendship, so I'd go with those. I'm sure she will appreciate whatever you send.

Just found this: http://www.proflowers.com/guide/rose-colors-and-meanings

jemb

I've heard the same about friendship with yellow roses. White lilies to me represent death.

Callie22

cazziebo wrote: »

The only flowers I steer clear of is someone told me nurses don't like red and white flower mixtures. No idea why - or where it came from but when I've mentioned people seem to have heard of it. And I don't know many superstitious nurses.

A red flower mixed with white is supposed to represent death, it's an old superstition to do (I think) with it representing blood on skin - or bandages, depending on where you look. It is usually associated with nurses and some people say that the superstition started in the First World War, but I think it goes back even further (I'm sure I read about it in association with Mark Twain, somehow), I'm guessing there's probably a religious association to it. Although, some people say red and white roses together represent unity (probably from the Houses of York and Lancaster).

I think yellow roses are traditionally associated with jealousy, but tbh, I'd send someone something that they liked and I wouldn't be too concerned with what the flowers themselves 'mean' - the sentiment of you caring to send them means more.

Person_one

Please don't stress too much.

Her husband has just died, nothing you do, no matter how wrong you might get it, is going to make that worse. Its already as bad as it gets so please don't torture yourself!

Send a sympathy card with the flowers, and write in it what you want the flowers to say, then it won't matter what they look like anyway as the sentiment will be clear.

Torry_Quine

I think your friend will be pleased to recieve some flowers and I would say don't get too hung up on the meaning of flowers.

The red and white together is from the barber's pole which was the blood and bandages hence not seen as a good idea for hospital for instance. Barbers were the original 'surgeons'.

lostinrates

Anemones, in florists at this time of year, are one of my favourite cut flowers. I didn't know the meaning so googled

'MAnemones have a large assortment of symbolism tied to them. They are thought to represent anticipation and unfading love, good luck and protection against evil. As a gift, these flowers may be meaningful in a number of ways, from presenting them to someone stepping into a new stage of life, to telling the recipient that you will always love them.''

They come in blue, white or red, or bunches of the colours mixed. They look a tiny bit like poppies really. They can be a wee bit hard to find, but calling a florist directly should get them, and make the most of your budget, giving her a really nice bunch.

http://www.weddingwindow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/anemone%2Bbouquet.jpg