By Nita Robertson AIFD, CFD
S
ympathy design is an area of floristry that needs to evolve with the changing times. e need to modernize and
personalize sympathy tributes is crucial to sustaining and growing flower sales for memorial and funeral services.
Traditional sympathy arrangement styles have remained relatively static for generations, and there is a need for
growth in this area. e importance of adding artistic flair to sympathy work is crucially important, and these
designs should be treated like those for any other special event.
Two ways of doing that are personalizing sympathy tributes and conveying more of a "celebration of life" rather than somber
mourning via beautiful color palettes and contemporary styling. Traditional shapes such as wreaths, crosses and hearts will
always be desired, but let's elevate those designs and bring them into the future. It is our job as florists to offer our clients all
the possibilities of creating memorable displays for funeral services.
Personalizing sympathy arrangements is one way to showcase
your creativity and create connection, emotion and healing
for the loved ones. Creative flower designs that convey the
personality and personal interests of the deceased is key.
Incorporating a personal item can really make a heartfelt
statement. Ask families if they have any personal items you
can include in their designs to make them special. e
possibilities are endless, and a few examples include a fishing
pole, a musical instrument, and gardening gloves or a hat.
Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, CFD, shares her take on sympathy
floristry. "Updating to suit current lifestyles and the general
vibe of what consumers sees as beautiful is very important
for this segment of floristry," she offers.
Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, CFD; Photo by Colin Gilliam
The Artistry of
Today's Sympathy Designs
