A loss, whether sudden or anticipated is always a shock and it is important to comfort those most closely affected. Flowers and a heartfelt message is one of the best ways to do this, even after expressing the same feeling in person.
However, it’s not always obvious what to write especially when sending flowers to someone who may not know particularly well.
It is best to keep it simple when writing a message on funeral flowers no matter the recipient. Just a few heartfelt lines of sympathy that will express your condolences and offer some comfort for those who are grieving, is enough. Oftentimes, a tried and tested phasing will be much appreciated by the recipient.
As there are so many different situations that you might find yourself in right now while thinking about sending funeral flowers, I have tried to cover them all in the article below.
Please feel free to keep on reading in order to find the best message for your situation.
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If you write from the heart, a few thoughtful words can really go far
Your funeral flowers (see my recommended florists) will offer your support and love for someone in a difficult time. They will show concern and compassion too, but, when you set out to write your message, remember, that there is nothing you can say or do to make a person’s grief go away (Speak to a professional today from the comfort of your home).
Grief has to have time, and a broken heart is hard to mend. However, the right words said, can really go far and can definitely aid a person’s healing.
Words from the heart will offer great comfort, but a sympathy note should reach out too, so a person feels loved and supported during this difficult time.
Here’s how and what to write on your funeral flowers.
Don’t over complicate things
Don’t make your writing too long or too fancy. A few words that can sum up how you feel and show you care, are far better than any fancy ones that may just confuse someone who is mourning. Just write what comes naturally.
Plan some time to sit and think quietly about what you want to write
What to write is completely up to you, but take some time to consider what words will sum up how you feel. Find somewhere quiet to sit alone, and don’t be in a rush.
Distractions will break your concentration, and you won’t be able to find the right words to say. Disturbances will also make you feel more stressed about it.
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Express your sympathy
A good way to start is by expressing your sympathy is with a few simple but meaningful words.
You could combine these and make them your own, or change them to suit your relationship to the deceased or to the person who is grieving.
Simple sympathy messages.
- My thoughts are with you, even as my love goes out to you.
- [Insert name] may have left out sight, but he/she shall never be forgotten
- May these flowers express what words cannot.
- May these beautiful flowers forever remind you of the beautiful relationship you shared with [ insert name].
- Please accept these flowers as an expression of my deepest sympathy.
- In loving memory of [ insert name].
- I’m thinking of you.
- I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
- You’re in my thoughts.
- I am so sorry for your loss.
- You are in my prayers.
- My deepest sympathy.
- My sincere sympathy.
- Please accept my condolences.
- Please know that your friends love you, and are here for you.
- With warmest condolences.
- With heartfelt condolences.
- My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
- I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
- I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of [insert name].
- I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of [insert name].
- Wishing you peace to bring comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold dear in your hearts.
- [Insert name] will live in my memories forever.
- [Insert name] will be sadly missed.
- Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow.
- Please remember that you are not alone, and I am always here for you.
- May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
- My heart is aching for your loss.
- I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
- I’m stunned by this news. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
- My heart aches to hear this news. I’m praying for everyone.
- I love you and I’m here for you.
- Please know that your friends love you and are here for you.
- I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to you.
- My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
- God bless you and your family.
- My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
- I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m going to miss her/him too.
- I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve.
- What a beautiful life s/he lived. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
- My heart is heavy today, and I know yours is too.
- Words can’t describe how sorry I am at this loss. You’re in my prayers.
- As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are so loved.
- You and your family are in my thoughts as you grieve this loss. All my love.
- I wish I could be there to comfort you as you grieve. I’m holding you in my heart.
- What a great loss to the world. S/he will be missed by so many.
- My heart goes out to you and to everyone who loved her/him. This is such a huge loss.
- What a lovely person, who will be deeply missed.
Phrases originally published don The pen company, and Legacy.com
Add a personal memory
If you just don’t know what to say, or you can’t find something that says how you feel, you could share a happy memory that you have of the deceased, if you knew them.
- Remembering the good times will be a comfort to a person who is grieving.
- Think about some of the happy memories you have with the deceased.
- You can also say how much you miss them.
- Even simple memories such as seeing them walk their dogs every day or remembering them baking in the kitchen can be a great comfort and heartwarming to a person in grief.
- Talk about their best personal or physical qualities. Mention things such as their beautiful eyes and the way they smiled, or their kindness and wisdom. You could say something such as, ‘I will miss his great wit and charm, he was always such a positive person, and always the life at a party.’
Be respectful of the deceased’s family’s beliefs
You should also always consider the deceased’s family’s beliefs before you write.
A funeral note is not the right time to share your own beliefs about anything unless you are certain they share them too and even then be careful.
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Use words that are full of meaning
The trick to writing a heartfelt message is to find something compassionate and comforting to say, that sums up what you are trying to convey, and then add some words of your own.
Generic words and phrases are not always the best choice as they lack feeling and come across as too low-key, so make them your own. For example, ‘Dear Sally, I’m sorry for your loss. From Dereck.’ sounds a bit too cool and calm, and it’s not personal at all.
If Dereck chose instead to write some more meaningful words and personalized them to make the message his own, his note would mean far more to Sally. Instead, he could say something like this:
‘Dearest Sally, my heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow. Please remember that you are not alone and that I am always here for you. I will always have such fond memories of your mom, Dereck.’
Words to end with
Instead of writing ‘love from’ try one of these:
- With sympathy
- With deepest sympathy
- With heartfelt sympathy
- With prayers and sympathy
- With sincere sympathy
- With warm thoughts and prayers
- With love at this sad time
- In caring sympathy
- With you in sorrow
- Sharing your sadness
- Thinking of you
- Caring thoughts are with you
- God bless
- God bless you and comfort you
- Keeping you in our prayers
- Lifting you up in prayer
- Praying for you
- Wishing you peace
- Wishing you healing
- My heart goes out to you
- Please accept our condolences
- My sincere condolences
Remember: Check your spelling
You may also like to look through my other articles which are dedicated to Bible verses and quotes, found below:
- 120 New Testament Verses For Funerals (Free PDF Download)
- 40 Psalms About Life & Death (Eulogy, Headstones, Obituary)
- 22 Verses From The Letters To The Corinthians About Death
- 168 Short Quotes About Life, Death & Loss (Free Bonus PDF )
- 143 Last Words That’ll Make You Think (Love, Suicide, Sad)
Use the correct tone
Words can mean more to a person grieving than flowers do, so you should put some time into writing from your heart. Even if you get a little help from the examples in this blog, make it personal by changing or adapting them a bit, so your message sounds more like you.
Always remember, however, who you are writing to. Depending on who you are writing to, and your relationship with them, you may need to change your tone.
There are different words and ways to express your sympathy depending on who the person is, whom you are addressing the flowers.
Writing for the loss of a spouse
Writing a sympathy card to someone who has just lost their spouse can be extremely daunting, as you cannot possibly know what the person is thinking or feeling. Therefore, as you write, keep in mind things such as:
- How old is the person?
- How long was the couple together?
- What are their religious views?
These points will change how you write to a person. If you knew the deceased, remember to mention some positive things, it will show you care.
You could say things such as, ‘your husband touched many lives…’ or ‘your wife was a good and kind friend..’
Loss of a wife
Talk about the positive things that stood out about her.
- I am so sorry about your wife. My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
- My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your wife was a wonderful lady and we will all miss her very much.
- I was so very sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. She was well-liked and respected by all of us who knew her. You have my deepest sympathy.
- We were all very sad to hear of your wife’s passing. She was a wonderful person and a joy to know. Please extend our sympathy to your wonderful family.
- My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your wife. I know you had a great marriage and loved her so much. I share your grief at this very difficult time.
- I am so very sorry. My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy. Your wife was a tremendous gal.
- We enjoyed her company on so many occasions and my wife always spoke of her in the highest regard.
- How very sad to hear of your wife’s death. She was a great woman and a joy to know.
- She was a true inspiration to all of us who knew her and she will be sorely missed. I will always have such fond memories of all of our good times together.
- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family as you mourn the loss of your wife. I know that God will grace you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Loss of a husband
Adding a personal memory can be a lovely and touching way to send your regards to a wife who has lost her husband.
If you were a colleague of the deceased you could talk about how he helped you or made work a happy place. Do you have any funny memories, or did he have certain qualities you admire?
- I remember when Richard took me under his wing at work. He helped me out a lot. His positive attitude is one reason I enjoyed the job so much.
If he was your close friend you can make it more personal.
- I can’t believe that John is no longer with us. I remember how much he doted on you when we would go out to dinner. He was so devoted to you and his family. I know it will be hard to carry on, but I hope your memories provide some measure of comfort.
- I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He and I were best friends in college and even back then I knew he was someone special to have in your life. We lost touch for many years after we went our separate ways, but renewed our friendship online thanks to Facebook. He was so proud of his family and often spoke of you when we chatted. He was an outstanding man that I am proud to have known.
- Your husband was such a distinguished man and had such a pleasing personality. He was so much fun to be around and I will miss his great wit and charm, and of course, hearing him on his piano.
- My husband and I have such fond memories of your husband from all those very wonderful times we spent together on vacation. It was a very special time for us and we will always remember him and the good times we shared.
If you know her well but you didn’t know her husband.
- I never knew your husband, but I know he must have been a wonderful man. You always acted like a blushing bride even after nearly 30 years of marriage. It was easy to tell that you had a happy home, and you were always anxious to leave work every day to get back to your family. I know this is a deep loss for you.
- I didn’t know your husband very well, but from all, you told me he was a loving husband and a good father. I know that whenever his name was mentioned in our circle of friends, everyone had such nice things to say about him.
Loss of a mother
Losing a mother will be devastating, as the connection between a mother and a child is one of the strongest bonds that exist.
A person who has lost a parent will be overwhelmed with grief so be sensitive to this. Be respectful but also try and console them
- “There is no one in this world like your mother. She was a special woman and she will be with you always.
- “I always admired your mother’s caring and selfless nature. She was a true friend and someone who was always a pleasure to have around.”
- “Your mother’s kindness was contagious and her memory will live on forever.”
- “My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed.”
- “I will always remember the special times your mother and I spent together. She was one of my closest and dearest friends. She will be missed.”
- “A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory.”
Loss of a father
Try and focus on helping them remember how wonderful their father was.
- “Your father was one of the most generous men I have ever met. He was always lending a hand to others and reaching out when they were in need.”
- “Your father was an extremely caring and kind man. I know that no matter where you are, he will always be watching over you.”
- “I remember the first time I met your father. He made me feel so welcome and comfortable right away.”
- “I could always count on your father to lighten the mood with a good joke. There will never be another man quite like him and his memory will live on forever.”
- “Let the memories of your father provide you with comfort and serve as guidance.”
- “A father’s guiding hand always sits on the shoulder of his children.”
Loss of a child
Losing a child is the worst form of loss. It is an unimaginable occurrence. Finding the right words is probably impossible, so you can tell them you feel this way.
However, you should offer some support or even offer them some help. They probably can’t do much else but dwell on the situation. Here are some words you could use.
- Words will seem meaningless so please know that I’m thinking of you constantly. You have my deepest sympathies.
- There are no right words at this time. We just wanted you to know that you have our full support in whatever you need.
- We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Remember we’re only a phone call away.
- My words will never be enough to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. But I hope you can take some comfort from knowing I’m thinking of and there for you.
- I know that there isn’t anything I could say to take away the pain. But please know I’m here for you, whatever you need.
- “Extending our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessings are with you”.
- “No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through. We are sending you love and prayers and hope you can find strength during this dark time.”.
- “The love and joy that your child brought to us will never be forgotten. We are thinking of you and your family during this tragic time.”
- “Your son/daughter was a true inspiration to everyone around him/her. I am lucky to have known him/her for the time that I did. Our prayers are with you.”
- “Your child’s big heart and personality were contagious. My heart breaks for you and your family during this time.”
- “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Loss of a sibling
A sibling shares childhood memories with you, and there are often your first friends. Losing a brother or a sister can be very hard to get through. You could also choose to address the note to the family.
- “My heart goes out to you and your family on the passing of your brother. Accept my sincere condolences”.
- “Accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother; he was a kind and gentle soul. God bless his soul”.
- “My thoughts are with you and your family at this hard time caused by the painful loss of your dear brother. Accept my deepest sympathy”.
- “There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss, may you find comfort in the loving memories you shared while he was alive. Accept my condolences.”.
- “He can only be physically gone but never the life lived and the memories shared. Have faith and be strong, may his soul rest in peace”.
- “It’s awful and sad to hear about the sudden and painful exit of your dear brother. My deepest and sincere sympathy goes to you and your family”.
- “Every time you miss him, search in your heart, there you can feel him, be with him and embrace him. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”.
- “Your brother shall forever be cherished. In our minds, he lives on. It is an honor to serve alongside your brother. My condolences to you and your family.”.
- “Your brother is the kindest and bravest person I have ever met. Stay strong and know that he continues to live in our hearts. My sympathies.”.
- “I know there are no words to comfort you right now. If there is anything I can do to help ease your grief during this trying period, please do not hesitate to reach out to me”. My condolences to you and your family.”.
Loss of a grandparent
Although grieving for a grandparent is inevitable, it is still painful.
- I know your grandmother and you were close. I am sorry for your loss. I’m around if and when you want to talk. I’d love to hear some good stories about her.
- I don’t have the words right now to express my sympathy for the loss of your grandmother. Grandparents are wise and tend to know exactly what to say at the right time, but the only words I can find to say are; I am really and truly sorry for your loss Stacey. I know how much your grandmother meant to you.
- Grandparents are blessings that we don’t usually get to keep our entire lives. We do get to keep their legacies alive with the way we live our lives. Your grandfather has built a great legacy for your impressive family.
- I believe the people of your grandmother’s generation were stronger and wiser than most of the people in younger generations. Your grandmother was a great example for the younger generations and her contributions to the community will be missed.
- I hope to eventually attain the level of life accomplishment and character that your grandfather had. He is a role-model in many ways including humility. I’m sorry for your loss.
- I am sorry for the loss of your grandfather. He was a great man, and you have my deepest sympathy.
- We had many great memories with your grandmother. Her food was delicious and she made us smile. It’s so sad to hear this news. We’d like to offer you our support. Let us know how we can help.
- My deepest condolences to you, and I want you to know that I am sorry for your grandfather’s passing.
If you don’t know the deceased’s family
If you don’t know the deceased’s family, you don’t need to say too much. Just express your condolences and tell them how you knew the deceased.
- “Accept my condolences.”
- “My deepest sympathy.”
- “I’m very saddened to hear of your loss.”
- “I am so sorry for your loss.”
- “My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow.”
- “Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
- “My prayers are with you and your family.”
- “Accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.”
- “Accept my warm and heartfelt sympathy.”
- “I am thinking of you during this time. Please accept my deepest condolences.”
Other types of messages
Religious sympathy messages
- You are in our prayers.
- May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
- Hugs and prayers at this difficult time.
- May God comfort you and your family.
- I am praying for you to get through this time with the peace that comes from the knowledge that God loves you and that he will take care of you.
- With blessings, love, and prayers.
- May God bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
What can I say instead of sorry for your loss?
- I’m here whenever you need me.
- I wish you comfort and peace.
- I’m thinking of you.
- This must be very difficult.
- She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
- I love you, and I’m here.
- I am saddened to hear about your loss.
- Wishing you courage, strength, and love to help you through this loss.
How do you comfort someone who has lost a loved one?
- Don’t talk too much, it is better to just be with someone.
- Make the few words you do say, comforting.
- If you don’t know a person well don’t hug them. Only hug a person if you know them well.
- At the funeral give them space, offer your sympathy but then back away, unless you have reason to stay. Ie. if you are a family member or a best friend.
- Offer practical help; cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids or running errands.
- If they refuse your help in any way, accept it graciously.
You may also like to look through my other articles which are dedicated to Bible verses and quotes, found below:
