Funeral flowers and sympathy flowers serve different purposes, go to different places, and are sent at different times. Here's how to tell them apart — and choose the right one.

The terms "funeral flowers" and "sympathy flowers" are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. They serve different purposes, go to different places, and are sent at different times. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right arrangement and send it to the right place.

The Short Answer

Funeral flowers are sent to the funeral home or service location and are displayed at the service. Sympathy flowers are sent to the family's home as a personal expression of condolence. That's the core distinction, and everything else flows from it.

Funeral Flowers: For the Service

Funeral flowers are larger, more formal arrangements designed to be displayed at the funeral or memorial service. They're sent to the funeral home, church, or venue — not to the family's home.

Types of funeral flowers:

Standing sprays — large arrangements on an easel, displayed near the casket or at the entrance of the service. These are typically sent by close family, employers, or organizations.
Wreaths — circular arrangements symbolizing eternal life. Like standing sprays, these are displayed at the service.
Casket sprays — the arrangement that drapes over the casket itself. These are chosen by the immediate family only.
Urn arrangements — smaller floral designs surrounding an urn, for memorial services without a casket.

When to send funeral flowers:

Send funeral flowers 1–3 days before the service so the funeral home has time to arrange them. If you're sending to a church, deliver the day before. Include the deceased's name on the order so the funeral home can match the flowers to the correct service.

Who sends funeral flowers:

Standing sprays and wreaths are typically sent by immediate family, extended family, close friends, employers, or organizations. If you're a casual friend or colleague, a sympathy arrangement to the home is more appropriate than a funeral spray.

Sympathy Flowers: For the Family

Sympathy flowers are smaller, more personal arrangements sent to the family's home. They're meant to bring beauty and comfort into the home during a difficult time — not to be displayed at a service.

Types of sympathy flowers:

Vase arrangements — the most common sympathy delivery. A tasteful arrangement in a glass vase, ready to place on a table or counter.
Basket arrangements — flowers in a wicker or decorative basket. These are easy to move and don't require a vase.
Plant deliveries — a living plant like a peace lily or orchid can be a meaningful alternative to cut flowers, especially if the family enjoys plants.

When to send sympathy flowers:

Anytime. Sympathy flowers can be sent before the service, immediately after, or weeks later. In fact, flowers sent a week or two after the service — when most people have stopped sending — can be the most meaningful. The family is often alone by then, and a surprise delivery says "I haven't forgotten."

Who sends sympathy flowers:

Anyone. Friends, colleagues, neighbors, extended family — sympathy flowers are appropriate from anyone who wants to express care. There's no hierarchy.

Quick Comparison

	Funeral Flowers	Sympathy Flowers
Where they go	Funeral home, church, or service venue	Family's home
When to send	1–3 days before the service	Anytime — before, during, or after
Size	Large (standing spray, wreath)	Small to medium (vase, basket)
Who sends	Close family, employers, organizations	Anyone — friends, colleagues, neighbors
Purpose	Displayed at the service	Personal comfort at home

What If the Service Has Already Happened?

If the funeral has already taken place, don't send flowers to the funeral home — send them to the family's home instead. A sympathy arrangement delivered to the home is always appropriate, no matter how much time has passed.

What If There's No Service?

Some families choose not to have a formal service. In that case, send sympathy flowers to the home. There's no need for funeral flowers if there's no funeral.

Ordering in Las Vegas

We deliver both funeral flowers and sympathy flowers throughout the Las Vegas Valley. We know the local funeral homes — Palm Mortuary, Davis Funeral Home, Bunkers, Kraft-Sussman, and others — and we handle every delivery with care and discretion.

Browse our sympathy and funeral collection or see our funeral home delivery guide. Same-day delivery, 24/7, no delivery fees.