Sympathy FlowersFlower: Liatris

Term: Standing Spray

Liatris

• Availability: year-round• Color: purple• Unique Characteristics: Stem of flowers open

from the top first, then down.• Medium line flower is extremely versatile,

working especially well in parallel systems of design.

• Longevity: days 7-10• Sold by bunch• $6.00

Standing Spray

• A floral arrangement that mounts on a wire stand for funeral or memorial services

• May come in a variety of forms

Sympathy flowers• orders are taken, designed and

delivered quickly• can require extra hours on evenings

and weekends• family members will usually speak

with the florist to order the main arrangements

• casket sprays is usually ordered by the direct family

Basic designs• family may need to rely on the florist for

assistance in choosing flowers and style

• size and style vary based upon customer request

• most common include:– casket sprays– standing sprays

Cards• All arrangements are tagged with a card

giving the name of the deceased and the sender

• Double cards are popular - half of the card is given to the family, the other half stays on the arrangement

• includes a description of the piece• this helps family to remember the piece

when sending acknowledgements

Casket sprays• also called casket covers• sits on the lid of the casket• generally purchased by the closest family

members• most elaborate piece• Built on a special base that can be ordered from

floral suppliers

Sprays• most popular piece ordered

• may be single or double

• single spray has a bow at one end with flowers extending to the other end

Sprays• double sprays are called standing sprays

and are often placed alongside the casket

• they are displayed on wire easels.

• Dixon picks attach the foam to the easel

Sprays• usually an oval, diamond, or triangular shape• bow is placed in the center with flowers

extending in both directions• may be hand tied with the natural stems showing• do not have a source of water and must be

delivered the day of the funeral• hand tied are not practical for this reason• many use floral foam soaked in preservative and

water• flowers stay fresh longer

Sprays• a block of styrofoam may also be

used – old fashioned way• this adds strength to the

arrangement• makes delivery easier• flowers are placed in water picks

and inserted into the styrofoam

Wreaths• constructed in a similar

manner to sprays

• wreath forms are made of styrofoam, straw, or plastic casing filled with floral foam

Wreaths• may also use natural grapevine

wreaths• range in size from 12 - 30 inches

in diameter• may add accessories to the

center• bibles are popular - taken home

by the family as a memento

Baskets• plastic, metal, papier-mâché• most common flowers

– gladioli– carnations– mums– Pompons

• roses and lilies may be added to increase the value of the basket

• arrangement is usually triangular or fan shaped

Other designs• many times florists are asked to

incorporate an insignia or logo of a group or club which the deceased belonged to

• Pillows are popular in some areas