Condolence Bouquets – Special Arrangements Expressing Sorrow and Grief
Through flowers, we express a wide range of emotions. Flowers can convey different and even opposite feelings, from joy and optimism to sorrow and grief. Usually, the type of flower and its colors are matched to the circumstances of the event, all within the context of local culture: a bouquet in Western culture can be interpreted very differently from its meaning in Chinese culture, for example.
To express mourning and sorrow, it is customary to present condolence bouquets. We are all familiar with the dignified appearance of condolence arrangements composed of a dense formation of flowers in the shape of a wreath.
The Uniqueness of Condolence Bouquets
Anyone who has attended a memorial ceremony or a funeral is familiar with the characteristic appearance of condolence arrangements.
In the State of Israel, which has been shaped by many wars, condolence bouquets are very common at memorial ceremonies. We place condolence arrangements prominently at ceremonies to remember our heroes who fell in Israel’s wars and in acts of terror, and to remember our leaders who are buried in the nation’s cemeteries.
It is customary to tie a wide black ribbon around a condolence bouquet, on which a message is written in white lettering expressing the giver’s sympathy to the bereaved family, usually with phrases such as “Our condolences to the family” or “May you know no more sorrow.”
As mentioned, condolence bouquets are designed in the shape of a wreath and include a large number of flowers. The weight of condolence arrangements is relatively heavy, and in many ceremonies they are carried by more than one person. Condolence bouquets usually arrive wrapped in cellophane. The special arrangement of condolence bouquets is intended to express respect for the memory of the deceased. They will never include bright or loud colors and usually consist of one or two types of flowers.
Purchasing Condolence Bouquets
You may have wondered about the cost of condolence bouquets. The price of condolence arrangements depends on the type of flower chosen and the size of the arrangement. Most flower delivery shops offer more than one size to choose from. The level of investment naturally depends on the buyer’s financial ability and their degree of closeness to the deceased.
Since condolence bouquets consist of a large number of flower stems woven into the arrangement, their average price usually starts at around 180 NIS and can reach several hundred shekels. It is important to know that today it is possible to purchase condolence bouquets online and save on costs, as online flower shops often offer lower prices compared to the general market. When ordering flowers online, condolence bouquets can even be sent directly to the mourning home or to the cemetery.
