We will not ever be lucky enough to have access to flowers solely for joyful occasions. There will certainly come a time in all of our ups and downs when someone you know is struggling with bad luck, and you are unsure of whether or how to send flowers for it. To just that end, we provide the following guidance on sending flowers during a bad time.
When are flowers appropriate
⦁ Flowers are equally adept at bringing solace to someone as they are at enhancing a happy occasion. There is almost never a terrible time to send flowers, so that gives us flower givers some solace. When cultural traditions are involved, there is an exception to this rule. For example, sending flowers to a Jewish funeral would not be appropriate. If there are any cultural differences that you’re not quite aware of, do some research or speak to an expert.
⦁ Flowers can be a much-needed pick-me-up following a breakup with a loved one, when someone is ill, or when someone has lost their job. Whether flowers are acceptable depends largely on the situation. It might not be necessary to send flowers if your friend’s refusal to wear a shirt to work resulted in their termination from their component cashier position after two weeks. However, if the breakup of their two-week relationship truly saddens your friend, it might be worth it.
⦁ Sending flowers is appropriate in situations like divorce, serious breakups, and job loss. If someone has received a diagnosis that will change their life or if something has changed for the worst in their lives, you can also think about sending flowers.
⦁ Flowers might be especially appreciated when someone is going through a protracted hardship. A person may be dealing with a chronic sickness or ongoing stress. They can be recovering from depression with the help of drugs or other therapies. Flowers are a supportive gesture that lets others know you’ve got their back.
⦁ Sending flowers to a local hospital when someone is ill or in the hospital, or when a member of their family of theirs is ill or in the hospital, is customary. Sending flowers to a burial could be customary, depending on your religion.
Who should send flowers at a difficult time
⦁ Flowers can be sent for any occasion because they are a way to express condolences in trying times. But in reality, the person you’re giving flowers to is probably under a lot of stress, so consider carefully whether a present from you will make them more stressed in any way. Concentrate on their needs; if there’s even a remote chance that your present can increase tension, don’t send it.
⦁ Flowers from family, close friends, or even colleagues are a pleasant, reassuring gesture for someone who is going through a difficult breakup or divorce. Flowers from someone with who you could have a romantic interest in the future or right now can come out as predatory and disgusting.
⦁ Flowers can be sent by family, friends, colleagues, a live-in caregiver, or anyone who simply wishes to show support to someone who is ill or hospitalized. Flowers from friends or relatives are certain to be appreciated if someone is going through a prolonged hardship. Flowers should be carefully chosen by coworkers in this situation; otherwise, the recipient might believe that their difficulties have made them less productive.
⦁ When someone loses their job, it is preferable for flowers to arrive from family or friends rather than their former coworkers. Flowers from former coworkers could make someone feel worse about losing their job or even seem patronizing.
The best flowers to give to someone having a bad time
The flowers a recipient will enjoy receiving the most are always the nicest flowers to gift. We acknowledge that if you don’t know, this isn’t the ideal time to ask. So, here are some broad principles and some particular possibilities.
⦁ Send lasting flowers during trying times rather than the most eye-catching bouquets. Flowers with a long vase life include carnations, alstroemeria, freesia, dahlias, and chrysanthemums. Before having to deliver these flowers to the compost, the receiver will appreciate having them cheer them up for a time.
⦁ When delivering flowers to someone going through a breakup or divorce, avoid bouquets with romantic overtones. Less romanticism is associated with lavender, wildflowers, sunflowers, sweet peas, and gerberas. Never deliver roses of any tint.
⦁ Consider giving colorful arrangements of flowers to someone who is ill but is likely to recover. Pick floral arrangements in apricot, lavender, and light pink hues. Avoid an all-white bouquet in this situation, as white flowers are symbolic of death. Your flowers will perform at their best if they complement the atmosphere of the space.
⦁ A gift plant can be a very thoughtful gift for a mourning person. It’s a gentle way of bringing life back into a house that may have been completely overrun by the dead. Consider succulents like snake plants, cacti, echeveria, or other low-maintenance plants.
Add a note on the card with a brief message
⦁ When your florist hands you a card to sign, it’s a terrible feeling to find yourself staring at it helplessly because you are at a loss for words. Before you call or visit your florist, think about what you’d like to say so that you won’t feel pressured to come up with the ideal response immediately.
⦁ A more personalized card is appropriate if you are delivering flowers to someone you know well, but it should still be kept to a minimum. Avoid using humor until you are certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it will work.
⦁ The content of a card sent to a friend, distant family, or coworker shouldn’t be overly personal. Keep it brief, direct, and to the point.
We sincerely hope that you never need to use this guide, but when you do, we hope that it will make it less difficult for you.
