What To Write On Funeral Cards & Flowers

If you are reading this at a time of sadness, please accept our condolences for your loss. We know how hard it can be to decide what to write on funeral flowers or a funeral card – striking that balance that treasures their memory, but which also fits into the small space given. It can seem impossible to summarise all you wish to say in such a tiny card, or to say anything. 

Often, simply being honest, recalling a memory or saying ‘there are no words for this awful time’ or ‘I will miss you so much’ are just as valid as a long text of platitudes or verses. 

It can be painful to sit with hard emotions and not want to say something that makes it all better, so remember that the purpose of your funeral flowers or card – whether being laid or given to the family, or to be placed for a dear family member or friend of your own, is to mark respect, honour a life and to also give you space to say all you need to. 

We know how challenging this can be and how getting it right can feel overwhelming –  so we have carefully selected some ideas for you to draw inspiration as you work through the grieving process.  Please take what you need to honour your loved one on the day as the flowers are laid. 

If you also are attending a funeral but you may not have known the person who has passed very well, we also have options for you too, so you can be confident you are leaving a respectful message. 

When it comes to what to write on funeral flowers that will be laid at the ceremony, most choose to direct your words to the individual who has passed, however, you may wish to send funeral flowers to the family in advance or after the ceremony. We will cover what to write on these as well later on. 

Short messages for funeral flowers and cards 

These short sentences say all you need without taking too much space. This means you could use any of these as your wording on the funeral flowers card too. 

• James, you were a cherished community member and a good friend. You will be deeply missed. The Robertsons.
  
• The years went too fast. We were blessed to have known you.
  
• We will remember the good times. We will think of you often.
  
• Rest easy, and be at peace.
  
• Until we meet again, dear friend.
  
• My life won’t be the same without you in it.
  
• You shone like a golden light. 

Longer messages for close family and friends for funeral flowers and cards 

• There was no better mum than you. If I could live a million more years, I’d still choose you. Thank you for all you did for me. My love for you is irreplaceable.
  
• There’s been a hole in all our hearts since you left, Mum. We will live in your honour, with your wisdom, and knowing you are watching over us. We love you.
  
• You were taken far too soon, but I know you’d want us to all live boldly and bravely. As you always said “xxxxx”. We will make you proud.
  
• Mum, you held the family together. You created incredible memories for us all. You stopped at nothing to love us, without condition. We love you so much. We miss you so much.
  
• Your life was lived to the fullest. You touched the lives of so many people, you gave more than you got. Rest peacefully, Dad – and thank you for everything.
  
• There was so much to say, and we didn’t get a chance. I know you know how much I love you. I will think of you often and always, Dad. Forever.
  
• There could be no better brother for me. My life is what it is because of you. I will treasure every memory and moment in my mind, and live for you too. Rest peacefully. 

Messages for acquaintances / Distant relatives for funeral flowers and cards

If you aren’t sure of the person but still would like to leave a respectful message, these short ideas may be just ideal for the card. 

• Rest peacefully, NAME.
  
• In loving memory.
  
• In honour of your full and well-lived life, NAME.
  
• Rest easy, NAME.
  
• In God’s care you rest above.
  
• You are in our thoughts and prayers.
  
• May you rest in peace in heaven.
  
• In God’s arms may you gently rest.

What to write on funeral cards or flowers for family of the deceased

You may be sending a funeral card or flowers to someone before or after the funeral and want to speak to the loved ones and offer them condolences. This can feel hard – and it can seem that nothing you say makes any difference, but believe that people just look for simple words, kind memories and even laughter at this time. 

You may find that you resonate with some of the sentiments below. 

• “Jane, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of David. He was a man who could light up any room. Always the first at the bar, and the last to leave! A force of nature and the laughs we have had. He will be deeply missed. We are here for you in any way you need. We wish you strength and send comfort for this difficult time.”
  
• “Jane, there are no words that will convey our deep sadness for the passing of David. He will be sorely missed. Our love and condolences, The Roberstons.”
  
• “Gone from our lives, but not from our hearts. We are devastated to hear of David’s passing. Sending you love for this difficult time.”
  
• “It is not the length of your life that counts, but your impact. We can’t imagine anyone living as full of a life as David did. We understand how hard this will feel right now. Please reach out to us. All our love.”

What to write on sympathy flowers and sympathy cards

While you often need to send flowers and cards before or after the funeral, you may also need to send a sympathy card or send sympathy flowers. Perhaps one of your employees has suffered the loss of a loved one, and you need appropriate bereavement messages, but these might be coming before, during or after the ceremony. You may also not know the person who passed, what they were like, or even if they followed a certain religious belief. 

It’s best to stick to neutral statements rather than attempting to provide comfort. 

• “I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.”
  
• “Sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May you find strength and comfort in the love and support around you.”
  
• “May the beautiful memories of your loved one bring you solace and peace in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies are with you.”
  
• “Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow for your loss.” 

Writing a funeral card or flowers – worried you will say it wrong? 

If this article has helped show one thing, we hope it’s showing that you don’t have to write reams of text to show love and sympathy at a difficult time.

If you’d like to honour a loved one and feel it would be appropriate, you may wish to set up a Collection Pot. You can raise money for a charity close to their hearts, or support their family. It’s free to do. Take a look here.