When it comes to condolence, flowers are often better than words. They have a message of hope and offer compassion. They bring comfort and comeliness to a sad occasion. Across cultures, flowers are present during funeral, wakes, memorial services, and even sent to the bereaved family as expression of sentiments.

Wreaths, sympathy bouquets, casket sprays, garlands, petals for strewing around...flowers carry their own unique emotion and meaning. There are many poignant ways to give a personalised touch to condolence with flowers.

Here is a reckoner for the types of flowers used for the dead. 

Lilies: They are the flowers of choice in most funerals symbolising a return to innocence, and lend peace and tranquillity to these occasions. Stargazer lilies are an excellent way to sympathise with the bereaved families and oriental lilies representing eternal life can grace any solemn occasion related to death.

Marigold: This is the 'flower of the dead' for many Central and South American countries celebrating the Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Remember Coco, altars and all activities showcase a heavy presence of this flower. The strong scent and bright colours of the marigold is believed to lead souls back to this world and find their way to the altar. 

Chrysanthemum: In Europe, they are almost exclusively used as flowers for funeral and placed on graves, a symbolisation of death. In the far-east Asian countries as well, chrysanthemums lend meaning to lamentation and grief and hence used on occasions of death. The US, however, attaches a sentiment of truth and support to it also making it an apt flower for funeral settings.

Carnations: Not only white but red and pink varieties also find their way to sympathy arrangements. The lingering fragrance of carnations evoke strong emotions and lend harmony. While red ones signify admiration, pink carnations symbolise remembering the deceased and white ones speak of love and innocence.

Peace Lily: Potted plants have gained much acceptance as providing comfort to mourners. They are often retained by families as memories of sentiments expressed for the one who has passed away. Peace lily has special credence in religious ceremonies for the dead as they represent peace and purity after death. 

Orchids: The ones in pink and white are mostly found in funeral arrangements. The long-lasting elegant flowers are graceful and perfect as sympathy flowers. They are mostly preferred as casket sprays but potted orchids are also popular. 

When it comes to the sub-continent, flowers are not much associated with death as they are dominated by religious rituals. Post-cremation memorial services can be an occasion where flowers can be brought for the family. White is the colour of mourning in these cultures, hence, white fragrant flowers are the best options. On the other hand, the Jewish do not associate flowers with the dead.

Flowers for sympathy and as gesture of support are the best and appropriate expressions for loss whether among close acquaintances, relations or for work colleagues and clients. Select any symbolic floral sentiment and arrange a delivery anywhere.