Should I bring flowers to a viewing (wake)?

Question

hi everyone

sadly a young colleague of mine just passed away after a stroke and a couple of days at the hospital.

the viewing will take place at a funeral home. i've never been to a wake at a funeral home before.

should i bring flowers? what kind or colour? arrangements? bouquet? wreath?

do i give it to someone? place it somewhere?

thanks in advance for your replies,

Roxy

Answer 1

first, sorry for your loss. I'm not incredibly skilled at funeral etiquette but I do know that if you're really unsure you can call the funeral home for advice- they are skilled at the proper procedures! You could also have the flowers delivered- I'm sure the funeral home staff will not place them where it is not appropriate, then if it isn't appropriate to bring them- you don't walk in with the flowers in hand and if it is the family will be able to read the card on the arrangement and you won't seem 'uncaring' because you didn't bring flowers.

About the attire- I would definately go conservative- less makeup than usual or a more subtle style, besides you don't want it running down your face. Nothing revealing or tight- you don't want people looking at you- I would avoid big glasses, hats, jewelry, really high heels...

For the type/color of flowers- if you know of your colleagues favorite, that would be ideal, otherwise you can tell the florist you are buying for a wake/funeral and they will be able to help a bunch!

I personally would send an arrangement to the funeral home- after calling to make sure they will deal with it appropriately and I would send something like a big dish of pasta or a fancy dessert with a card expressing condolences to the spouse (if there is one) and to any parents

Answer 2

You normally order them from a flower shop and have them sent prior.  If there's any "causes", like the "American Heart Assn" or Cancer Society(?), there's usually cards there to fill out and put a donation in (like a check to mail later)......  I'm sorry about your colleague......

Answer 3

I would avoid bright colors.  Flowers are a nice gesture but certainly not compulsory.  The important thing is to be there and comforting the family in their hour of need.  

Answer 4

No, you don't BRING flowers. You have a florist deliver them. They will be arranged properly by the funeral director.

When going to a wake or funeral, you don't have to wear black, but you want to wear muted colors and dress very conservatively. Do not wear anything that bares skin other than your arms and skirts no shorter than just above the knee. Pants are fine, as long as they are not jeans.  

Answer 5

You don't bring flowers, you send them if you want but it's not necessary.  You also do not have to wear black..just wear something conservative.

Answer 6

Order the flowers through a florist shop to be sent to the funeral home.

Wear a black dress or pantsuit.

Sorry for your loss.

Answer 7

It' s really not necessary to take flowers with you to a viewing.  There will probably  be many large arrangements from the family there already.  It might be nicer to send a card in the mail telling something that you appreciated about your colleague and then if you really want to bless the family, send flowers (potted plants are nice since they last longer) or a fruit basket to their home.  

As far as clothing goes, in our area (eastern PA), it is acceptable to wear almost anything subdued to a viewing.  It would depend on the family.  Black or dark colors are always safe, and I wouldn't wear anything too casual like jeans or shorts.  

Answer 8

Usually the closest people to the deceased bring flower arrangments to a wake, but it is a nice symbol of condolence from anyone.  You bring them to the funeral homw and they will usually set them out in the veiwing area for you.  Sorry for your loss