A Caring Guide to Funeral Homes & Sympathy Flowers in Ottawa
Funeral Homes & Funeral Flower Types in Ottawa: A Gentle Guide from Nectar Flowers Ottawa
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. During these moments, flowers often become a quiet way to show support — a simple, beautiful gesture that says, “I’m here for you.”
At Nectar Flowers Ottawa, we know that choosing funeral or sympathy flowers can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high. This guide is here to help you understand the different types of arrangements, where they’re typically sent in Ottawa, and how to choose something meaningful and appropriate.
Our goal is to make this process a little easier — and a little gentler — for you.
Funeral Homes in Ottawa: Where Flowers Are Commonly Delivered
Ottawa has many trusted funeral homes, each providing services for families during incredibly difficult times. Most of them accept floral deliveries before visitations or services so arrangements can be placed thoughtfully.
Some of the funeral homes our customers often send flowers to include:
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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry (multiple locations)
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Kelly Funeral Homes (multiple locations)
…and several others throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area.
When placing an order, it helps to know:
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the funeral home name,
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the date and time of the service,
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and the name of the person being honored.
This ensures the flowers arrive on time and are placed where they’ll be seen and appreciated.
Types of Funeral Flowers & When They’re Used
Funeral flowers come in many forms. Each one has its own purpose and place at a service. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose what feels right.
1. Casket Sprays
Casket sprays are large arrangements placed directly on top of the casket. These are usually chosen by close family members. They’re often the centerpiece of the service and are created to reflect love, honor, and connection.
2. Standing Sprays & Easel Arrangements
These tall, elegant designs stand on easels and are displayed beside the casket or near the front of the room. They’re a thoughtful choice for extended family, coworkers, or close friends who wish to make a meaningful tribute.
3. Wreaths & Circular Designs
Wreaths symbolize continuity and the idea that love never ends. They can be displayed near the casket, at the entrance, or around an urn. Their circular shape represents unity and remembrance.
4. Urn Flowers (For Cremation Services)
For families choosing cremation, flowers designed specifically for the urn help create a peaceful focal point for the service. These arrangements are typically low, full, and designed to frame the urn with softness and respect.
5. Sympathy Bouquets (Sent to the Family Home)
These are smaller, more personal arrangements. They’re sent directly to the home of the grieving family — and often arrive after the service. They bring comfort in the days and weeks that follow, when quiet moments of support mean the most.
6. Sympathy Plants
Long-lasting and easy to care for, plants like peace lilies, orchids, or lush green plants are a meaningful alternative to traditional cut flowers. They serve as a living reminder that love continues on.
Funeral Flowers vs. Sympathy Flowers — What’s the Difference?
People often ask about the difference, and it’s a great question:
Funeral Flowers
These are designed for the visitation, funeral service, or memorial. They’re usually larger pieces meant to be displayed publicly.
Sympathy Flowers
These are meant for the home. They’re more intimate, smaller in scale, and chosen to bring comfort during the grieving process.
If you’re unsure which to send, think about your relationship to the family or the person being honored. Friends and coworkers often choose sympathy flowers, while family and close relatives typically choose funeral pieces.
Choosing the Right Message
A heartfelt message doesn’t need to be long. A few sincere words can mean everything.
Here are some examples:
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“Holding you in our hearts during this difficult time.”
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“With love and deepest sympathy.”
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“In honor of a beautiful life.”
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“Thinking of you and wishing you comfort.”
Simple, honest messages often feel the most supportive.
Funeral & Sympathy Flowers at Nectar Flowers Ottawa
Flowers can say what our hearts sometimes struggle to express.
At Nectar Flowers Ottawa, every sympathy or funeral arrangement is designed with care — thoughtful, elegant, and always respectful.
We offer:
We deliver across Ottawa directly to funeral homes, service venues, cemeteries, and private homes — always with professionalism and sensitivity.
❓ FAQ: Funeral & Sympathy Flowers in Ottawa
Here are some common questions families ask when choosing flowers:
1. What type of arrangement should I send to a funeral?
Larger tributes like standing sprays, wreaths, or casket adornments are perfect for the service. They help set the tone for remembrance and respect.
2. Who usually orders the casket spray?
This is typically arranged by immediate family, such as a spouse, children, or siblings.
3. Can I send flowers to a funeral home in Ottawa?
Yes. Almost all local funeral homes accept flower deliveries. We just need the name of the deceased and the service details.
4. When should funeral flowers be delivered?
Ideally before the visitation or service begins so they can be placed properly.
5. What are the best colors for funeral arrangements?
Soft palettes like whites, creams, blush tones, and gentle greens are traditional. That said, honoring someone’s favorite color is always meaningful.
6. Are plants appropriate as sympathy gifts?
Absolutely. Plants are long-lasting and offer comfort long after the service is over.
7. What should I send if I didn’t know the person well?
A simple sympathy bouquet or plant sent to the family’s home is always appreciated.
8. Do I need to follow cultural traditions for funeral flowers?
Different cultures have different practices. If you’re unsure, it’s thoughtful to ask a family member or choose something neutral and elegant.
9. Can I personalize a funeral arrangement?
Yes. Adding favorite flowers, special colors, or a unique design element can make the tribute more meaningful.
10. What information do I need to place an order?
The name of the deceased, the funeral home, the service date/time, and your message for the card.
11. Should I send flowers for cremation?
Yes. Cremation services often use urn arrangements, wreaths, or standing sprays to create a beautiful tribute.
12. Is it okay to send flowers after the funeral is over?
Yes — and it’s incredibly thoughtful. Grieving continues long after the ceremony, and a gentle reminder of support can be deeply comforting.
13. Can Nectar Flowers Ottawa deliver funeral flowers same-day?
When possible, yes. Same-day delivery is available if orders come in before our daily cut-off.
14. What do lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums mean?
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Lilies: peace, restored innocence
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Roses: love, respect, gratitude
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Chrysanthemums: remembrance and honor
15. What if I don’t know what to choose?
We’re here for you. Tell us a little about the person, and we’ll help you choose something personal, beautiful, and appropriate.
