When someone dies, it can be hard to find the right words. You might feel like anything you write won’t be enough, or that your words are too much. The truth is, there is no magic formula for what you should say. As long as your message is personal and from the heart it’s sure to be appreciated.

You can choose to write something about the deceased, or you can write a message to the people who have lost their loved one. It’s completely up to you what you write.Before you put pen to paper, here are a few things you should consider.

Acknowledge the death

In fear of saying the wrong thing and upsetting the bereaved family, you might find yourself not wanting to explicitly mention the death. But this can do more harm than good. Acknowledging someone’s death when expressing sympathy is completely normal. It also shows the person you’re giving flowers to that you’re comfortable enough to talk about this in the future should they need to.

Keep it authentic

Writing a sympathy message can be daunting but try not to overthink it. Some thoughtful words like a favourite memory or how much you’ll miss the person will mean so much more than something that’s pre-written in a card. If you’re struggling to find the right words, simply offering your condolences to the family is also fine.

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Keep it authentic

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Offer help, not advice

Offer help, not advice

During this intensely emotional time, it can be tempting to offer advice to the bereaved. But words like ‘stay positive’ or ‘it’s gets better with time’ can be hurtful. Remember, your words don’t have to offer a solution to the situation. After all, how could anything you write solve the grief someone is experiencing. Expressing your sympathy and offering your condolences shows you care. And if you’re able to offer the person practical support, mention that in your message.

Funeral Messages

Shorter example messages for funeral flowers or sympathy cards

You will always be missed.
Gone but never forgotten.
Always in my heart.
Rest in peace.
With love and fond memories.
In loving remembrance of _____.
With deepest sympathy.
With condolences.
We are sorry for your loss.
With sincere sympathy.
My heartfelt condolences.
Wishing you some small comfort in this time of sorrow.

Longer example messages for funeral flowers or sympathy cards

You were always the most beautiful flower in the garden.
What we once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.
You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you. You will be deeply missed by everyone.
Time may pass and fade away but memories of you will always stay.
To me you were so special. Someone good and true. Never will I forget you, I thought the world of you.
When a person becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Though our days together are over I will remember you always with love.
There is one star in the sky tonight brighter than all the rest combined.
Death may leave a heartache no one can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.
Our hearts are filled with sadness and tears, but our memories are filled with smiles of the good times we shared over the years.
Many friends come into our lives, but only a few leave with their footprints on our hearts.
Loss leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
I can’t begin to imagine your loss. Let me know if there is anything, absolutely anything, I can do.
May you find comfort and healing in the love of those who remember with you.
Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Christian messages for funeral flowers or sympathy cards

God took you in his loving arms. He saw you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best.
God saw you getting weary, so he did what he thought best, He put his arms around you and whispered come and rest.
Goodnight and God bless.
You are in our prayers.
God will link the broken chain, as one by one we meet again. In our hearts he will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.
God will bless and keep you in his care.
May God keep you by His side.
Oh good Lord, grant unto him eternal rest.
Hugs and prayers at this difficult time.
You are in our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May my condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
I’ll be praying for you and your family. God’s love and grace are always with you.
He who is everlasting is with us even beyond death.

Phrases to avoid when writing a message for funeral flowers or a sympathy card

Finding the right words to say to someone who is grieving isn’t easy. This is especially true when trying to write some comforting words. Being authentic is always the best approach. Don’t write anything in a sympathy card that you wouldn’t be comfortable saying to their face.

It’s important that you don’t say anything that could upset or anger those grieving. Try to avoid using cliches, phrases like:

Everything happens for a reason.
You’ll be reunited with them again someday.
They had a good innings.
I understand how you’re feeling.
They lived a full life.
You won’t always feel this way.

If you’d like to send funeral flowers but are struggling to decide what sort of arrangement to send, take a look at our funeral flower range. We also have a selection of free flower message cards for you to handwrite your own personal message.