A Blog In Bloom Presented by Seminole Florist

When sending sympathy flowers, it helps to know what to ask for.  The following definitions will help you select the perfect arrangement:

Basket Arrangement – An arrangement in a container of wicker, plastic, or metal with or without a handle. The width of the container is equal to or greater than the height. It can be displayed on the floor or on a stand. In the South, plastic containers are often used. If a basket arrangement in a wicker container is preferred, it should be specified.

Blooming Plant – A flowering potted indoor plant such as an azalea, chrysanthemum, or spring bulb.

Casket Cover Designs

Blanket – A design of flowers with a draping base, such as burlap, on which flowers and/or foliage are fastened. The design may cover the entire top of the casket, and it may even flow to the floor.

Scarf – A design of flowers, often placed on fabric, that drapes over a small portion of the casket.

Spray – A spray designed to cover a major portion of the top of a casket. A full couch casket spray is deisnged to be placed on a casket that is fully closed

A full couch lid spray is designed to be placed on the rack immediately behind the open lid of a fully open casket. This spray appears as if it is sitting on the lid.

A half couch casket spray is designed to be placed ont he lower portion of the lid of a half-open casket.

Casket Lid Inset – A cluster of flowers placed inside the casket, often a tribute from the grandchildren. It may be placed on a pillow, fan, etc

Couch – A classic, older term referring to the casket.

Cross – A structure consisting of an upright or standard with a transverse beam called an arm. Serveral variations include the following: Latin or Christian cross, Celtic cross, Maltese cross, Cross of Lorraine or Tubercular Leage Cross, and Red Cross.

Easel – A frame, usually three-legged, made of wood, metal, or branches that displays and supports sprays and set pieces

Fireside Basket – A design set in handled, low-sided wicket basket

Grave Covering (Grave Blanket) – Seasonal greens, usually trimmed with flowers, cones, or bows, placed on a frame and used to cover a grave.

Green Plant – A non-blooming indoor plant.

Heart (Set Piece) – A set piece in the shape of a heart, usually featuring one flower variety and trimmed with a small flower spray. Other variants include the following.

Bleeding Heart – A white heart as a background for a spray of red roses. Often ribbons extend the effect; construction may vary.

Broken Heart – AA white heart as a background to a zigzag placement of red flowers.

Open Heart – A heart with the inside of the form removed (also in the shape of a heart), often designed with one type of flower and ribbons. An alternative can be a grapevine heart wreath designed with a flower cluster and ribbons.

Needle Pak – A mechanic for set pieces made of pine needles wrapped in serveral layers of tissue on a cardboard base. Pillows, wreath bases, and casket saddles are available in this form. The mechanic is frequently used on the West Coast.

Pall – A fabric piece placed on the casket. In the south, any design placed on a casket.

Pedestal Arrangement – Flowers and foliage set in a container; it is designed to be displayed on a pedestal.

Pillow – Flowers and/or foliage, usually of one color and variety, imbedded directly into a styrofoam or needle-pack pillow form. A cluster of flowers is usually placed in one corner of the design, which is displayed on an easel. It may also be called a standing pillow.

Rosary – Blooms secured into a rosary form, most often made with rosebuds, usually displayed on or in the casket.

Satin Cross, Heart, Pillow – Small set pieces made of satin fabric in the shape of a cross, heart, or pillow; they are usually set inside the casket lid.

Set Piece – A design that has a specialized shape or form which is created with floral products and is usually constructed using styrofoam, floral foam, or a moss form as a base. A set piece is usually placed on an easel. Examples: heart, cross, clock, gates ajar, Bible, anchor, harp, empty chair, broken wheel.

Sheaf – An informal tribute made to look as natural as possible. The materials are secured into a central tying point, which is finished with ribbon, leaving the stems exposed below the tie. It is made to tie flat on the casket or grave.

Spray – A one sided flower design, flat on the back side, which can be displayed in various ways, for example, casket spray, easel spray, or flat spray.

• Easel Spray – A spray designed to be displayed on an easel. It is also referred to as a standing spray

Flat Spray – A triangular spray of greenery with flowers and a satin bow that is often designed in styrofoam. The sprays are often grouped by funeral directors to foam arches, crosses, or other shapes.

Vase Arrangement – A design palced in a container of ceramic, glass, plastic, metal, or papier-mache. The container’s height is twice its width, and does not have a handle.

Visitation – A memorial time before the funeral (the day before or immediately before) to express condolences to the bereaved family. Visitation is often held at a funeral home, and flowers are usually in place at this time.

Wake – A visitation, often an expanded length of time, to include a celebration of the deceased person’s life.

Wreath – A ring or circle of flowers and/or foliage symbolizing eternity. A variation is a ribbon or foliage-wrapped wreath with a flower cluster.