Funeral flower guide & frequently asked questions
Ordering funeral or sympathy flowers can be difficult when you are already managing a loss. This guide explains the most common options and helps you decide what may be appropriate.
You are also welcome to call, text or email us. We can help you choose without requiring you to understand all the floral terminology.
What is the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?
Funeral flowers are usually delivered directly to the funeral home, church, mosque or service location. These may include standing sprays, service arrangements and larger tributes. Sympathy flowers are often delivered to the family’s home. They may include vase arrangements, plants or living gardens that the family can keep after the service.
What is a standing spray?
A standing spray is a floral tribute displayed vertically on an easel. It is generally placed near the casket, urn or service area. Standing sprays are most commonly sent to funeral homes, churches and memorial venues rather than private residences.
What is a sympathy arrangement?
A sympathy arrangement is a floral design arranged in a vase, basket or other container. It may be sent to the funeral service or directly to the family’s home. These arrangements are generally easier for the family to transport and display after the service.
Should I send flowers to the funeral home or the family’s home?
Either can be appropriate. Send flowers to the funeral home or service location when you want them displayed during the visitation, funeral or memorial. Send flowers to the family’s home when you missed the service, the family requested no service flowers, you want the family to enjoy the arrangement at home, you are sending something after the funeral or a living plant feels more appropriate.
What information do you need for funeral-home delivery?
Please provide the name of the person who passed away, the funeral home, church or service location, the visitation or service date and time, the recipient or family name, your card message, your name as it should appear on the card, a phone number where we can reach you and any flower, color, faith or cultural preferences. The deceased person’s name is especially important because facilities may have more than one service taking place.
How much notice is needed?
For standard sympathy arrangements and plants, contact us as early as possible. Same-day availability depends on the flowers, plants and delivery schedule available that day. Standing sprays and larger funeral pieces generally require more notice. Custom designs may require additional flowers or materials to be ordered. Call or text us with the service information, and we can tell you what can realistically be completed within your timeframe.
Can I request certain colors?
Yes. You may share a preferred color palette, and we will do our best to accommodate it. Because flower availability changes, exact colors cannot always be guaranteed. We will preserve the overall style, value and appropriate feeling of the arrangement.
Can I request specific flowers?
You may request specific flowers, but availability depends on the season, market and amount of notice provided. Some varieties may need to be specially ordered. We will let you know whether the request is possible and suggest suitable alternatives when necessary.
Will the arrangement look exactly like the photograph?
The photograph represents the overall size, style and design direction. Each arrangement is created individually using the freshest seasonal flowers available. Exact flowers, colors and containers may vary while preserving the beauty, value and overall character of the design.
Can you create something that is not shown online?
Yes. Our online products provide clear starting options, but they do not represent everything we can make. Send us a photograph, description, preferred colors, general style or budget. We can guide you, explain how soon the design can be completed and create something customized for the service or family.
Can I order by text?
Yes. Text your request to (614) 664-3652 and include your name, the recipient or deceased person’s name, delivery location, service or delivery date, preferred budget, card message and any design preferences. We will respond with availability and next steps. An order is not confirmed until the design, price, delivery and payment arrangements have been finalized.
Can I order by email?
Yes. Email us at arayofsunshinefloral@gmail.com. Email can be especially helpful when you want to send inspiration photographs or detailed service information.
Do you deliver directly to funeral homes and churches?
Yes. We deliver to funeral homes, churches, mosques, memorial venues, cemeteries and residences throughout Hilliard and surrounding Central Ohio communities. We coordinate delivery timing based on the visitation, service or memorial schedule provided.
Do you create casket sprays and custom tributes?
Yes, depending on availability and notice. Casket sprays and highly customized tributes should be ordered by phone, text or email rather than through a standard online listing. We will need to discuss the service date, design, size, budget and any family preferences.
Are flowers appropriate for every faith or culture?
Not always. Traditions vary between families, cultures and faith communities. We encourage customers to ask the family, funeral director or faith leader when they are unsure. You may also contact us, and we will help guide the conversation without making assumptions.
Can a funeral home work directly with your studio?
Yes. We offer funeral-home partnership options for directors who want to make floral ordering easier for families or include flowers within service packages. Visit our Funeral Home Partnerships page or contact us directly to discuss how the arrangement could work.
Still unsure what to order?
Call, text or email us with what you are looking for. We can explain the options, tell you how soon we can create the design and help arrange something customized for the family or service.