I was almost overwhelmed with emotion when the doors to the church sanctuary opened before my daughter’s funeral. The altar was wall to wall arrangements of beautiful flowers. It was like an indoor sacred garden, and the aroma like heaven. The first sight of the outpouring of love left me breathless. It took every ounce of composure to not ‘ugly cry’ in gratitude.
Flowers put words into feelings, and each bouquet was the unique reflection of the giver.
Wanting to remember each and every bouquet, after the service my family loaded them up in several cars and brought them home so I could photograph all of them for a memory book that includes flowers sent to my daughter while still living. To this day I have them on my computer, and now and then I run the slide show, reminding me that at a time of devastating loss, an abundance of love surrounded me.
If family or a friend has lost a loved one, offer to be the designated photographer of each and every arrangement of flowers. Any smart phone will do! After photographing the arrangement, take a snap shop of the attached sympathy card. After the service is over, it will help those who grieve thoughtfully remember the giver of each bouquet.
Key Notes:
- Try to photograph the arrangements before the service, with attention to composition and color in the background.
On A Lighter Note:
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- Just because it’s for a funeral, it doesn’t have to be black. I love this cheerful heart binder to hold flower photos.
As a florist, I consider it a sacred honor to be chosen to design sympathy work. Flowers certainly do possess a healing balm.
Thank you, Vanessa! I feel the same about designing memorial programs – it is sacred work.
I remember that in the announcement it was requested flowers not be sent. Since I couldn’t be there in person, I decided to go ahead and do it anyway thinking, “If I’m going to go against her wishes, it better be a good one.” I am glad to know that in the end it was appreciated and loved.
Thank you so very much!