Mom Was Always Right… 4 Reasons Why You Should Send Flowers To A Funeral

As you get older, you learn a lot about life. Your perspectives change, your interests change, and you just become a lot more enlightened about the world in general.

But one mindset change that we were absolutely not prepared for was one that we had been rejecting our entire life. We tried to stay strong. We tried to look for any other possible explanation. But there’s just no getting around it…

It turns out that after years and years of denying it, our mothers were pretty much right about everything.

That’s right. All those years of our mothers telling us to tie our shoes, make our beds and to write thank you notes? They knew what they were talking about. And when they told us that you should always send flowers to show your support when someone passes away? It turns out they were right about that too.

A number of studies have come out over the last few years that only confirm the things that our mothers have been telling us for years… when it comes to hard days and grief, flowers actually have healing powers that can turn your day around and cheer you up.

Here are just a few statistics and facts that back up what your mom has said from day one… you should always send flowers to a funeral.

1. People Respond With True Smiles When You Give Them Flowers

Flowers are just one of those gifts that everyone likes to receive. We know that. But according to Rutgers University Researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, flowers actually elicit the truest of smiles on recipients faces, even over other types of gifts. And we’re not just talking about a slight grin… every participant in the 10 month study expressed “true” or “excited” smiles when receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude.

“Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.”

And who needs a smile on their face more so than someone who is facing a difficult hardship in life?

2. Flowers Create Instant Delight and Happiness

Flowers don’t just create a smile when they are given to friends or family members. They actually create instant delight and happiness, according to the same Rutgers study. This is because they remind us of the beauty of the world and the feeling of being connected with nature and the outdoors, where many of us have fond memories. Flowers can also reportedly increase the enjoyment and life satisfaction of those who receive them, for the same reason.

So if you were starting to doubt whether or not sending flowers actually makes a difference when sending them to a funeral visitation or service, just remember that not only are they a kind symbol of support when someone is going through a difficult time, but they also help to bring happiness and comfort to unfamiliar places. And what kind of environment needs this more than a funeral home? During a time of unease, discomfort and unfamiliarity, families could use a little more delight and happiness in their lives.

3. Flowers Lead To Stronger Relationships Between Family and Friends

While we all know that flowers are a positive presence in life, you may not realize that they go beyond just sparking feelings of happiness. Studies have shown that sending and receiving flowers can actually help to forge personal connections with the people in our lives, and lead to increased contact with family and friends.

According to a study of 370 participants led by Dr. Richard Ryan, being exposed to flowers and nature can inspire more compassion, generosity and an overall sense of community. Within the study it was noted that spending time around flowers and plants actually helped to change people’s attitudes, better connecting them with their authentic selves and with the world as a whole. As a result, it was also found that they were much more concerned with the needs of others around them and more generous.

“Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.”

This is a great insight for people looking to express support and sympathy during a loss, because in that time period more than ever, people seek the comfort and connection of friends and family. Even in the months and years following the loved one’s passing, sending flowers may be the small gesture that is needed to make sure that your loved one knows you are still thinking of them, supporting them and are there for them… even if you are no longer actively seeing them at funeral events.

To read about what type of flowers you should send to a funeral based, depending on your relationship with the friend or family member you are supporting, check out our infographic → What Type of Flower Arrangement Should You Send To A Funeral?

4. Flowers Create A Positive Mood That Lasts For Days

One of the most amazing aspects of giving flowers is that the magic healing effects that they bring to your mood and your relationships don’t just last during the moments that you are in the presence of a beautiful bouquet. Studies have found that, upon receiving a gift of flowers, participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days, meaning that these fresh, beautiful arrangements had a long term impact on their mood and happiness.

Researchers also found that even after the first few days of happiness and euphoria had worn off after receiving flowers, people still reported ongoing improvements in mood and outlook. In fact, people who stated that they typically suffered from conditions such as depression and anxiety reported a lessening of their symptoms in the days after receiving a bouquet of flowers.

Still not convinced about the magic healing powers that flowers can have during a time of loss? Read this next → The Magic Healing Power of Sympathy Flowers and Gifts

Do you want to send a beautiful expression of support to someone during their time of loss? The Sympathy Store is one of the leading providers of beautiful sympathy flowers and gifts that are specifically crafted to bring joy to the lives of those experiencing a loss. For more information or to place an order, call 1-888-932-7658 or visit The Sympathy Store online.

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  1. Maria Gabriela Sousa

    Upon receiving the flowers at the Funeral home, what is the etiquette? Does one send individual thank you’s by mail, email?

    Sent flowers to a family’s funeral overseas and never even got a Thank you. I was put off by that and feel flowers to be a waste of money and the cost should have gone to a cause of some sort.

    You opinion is appreciated.

    Thank you

  2. Joseph M Bernaudo

    My mom always told me, do the right thing… Even if it hurts… Even if nobody notices… I came across this blog just as “simple man” came on my radio (the song who danced to at my wedding)

  3. Rilee Chastain

    Joesph, what a great story – and great words of wisdom! Thanks so much for sharing : )