How to Choose Appropriate Funeral Flowers in Hong Kong

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of Contents

• Guide to Hong Kong Funeral Flowers and Condolence Flower Plaques
• The Importance of Condolence Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals
• Considerations for Writing on Condolence Flower Plaques in Funerals
• Types of Funeral Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals
• Traditional Funeral Flower Arrangements in Hong Kong
• Price of Funeral Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals
• Condolence Customs and Etiquette
• Tips for Selecting Appropriate Hong Kong Funeral Flower Plaques
• Advice for Choosing Condolence Flower Plaques
• Conclusion: Honoring Traditional Condolence Flower Plaques with Respect

Guide to Hong Kong Funeral Flowers and Condolence Flower Plaques

In Hong Kong funerals, funeral flowers play an important role in expressing condolences and respect. Condolence flower plaques (帛事花牌) are an indispensable part of Hong Kong funeral customs, helping to mourn the deceased and provide comfort to the grieving family. Choosing the right funeral flowers requires careful consideration, whether it's to mourn the deceased or support their family. In Hong Kong funerals, selecting the appropriate funeral flower arrangement is an important aspect of expressing respect and sympathy. Faful Florist florist will help you choose flowers suitable for Hong Kong funerals, covering cultural customs, appropriate flower types, arrangements, condolence plaque writing, and condolence plaque prices.

The Importance of Condolence Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals

Funeral flowers are an indispensable part of Hong Kong funerals, serving as a visual symbol of mourning and respect. Friends, colleagues, and businesses send condolence flower plaques to express their condolences and support to the bereaved family. In Hong Kong funerals, these funeral flower plaques are an important symbol of unity and sympathy. In Hong Kong funerals, these condolence plaque tributes symbolize honor and reflect the sender's emotions. Hong Kong funeral customs value condolence plaque tributes because they can convey deep sorrow. The presence of appropriate funeral flowers can create an atmosphere of peace and respect, especially in the context of Hong Kong funerals, providing comfort to those who are grieving and reminding them that they are not alone.

In addition to traditional arrangements, Faful Florist specializes in incorporating modern elements into traditional products, making your funeral arrangements no longer uniform.

Considerations for Writing on Condolence Flower Plaques in Funerals

When choosing funeral flower plaques in Hong Kong, the text on the arrangement is an important consideration. In funerals, the text on condolence flower plaques is crucial for respectfully expressing condolences. This information usually depends on the cultural and religious background of the deceased and their family. Under different Hong Kong funeral customs, condolence plaque writing may involve specific messages based on cultural and religious traditions. In Hong Kong, funeral flower plaques typically use simple and solemn Chinese phrases, especially in Hong Kong funerals, such as "Deepest Condolences" (深切哀悼) or "Forever Remembered" (永遠懷念). The text should be respectful and sincere, especially in the context of Hong Kong funerals, to provide comfort to the bereaved family. Please be mindful of the family's customs and preferences and avoid using inauspicious words.

Detailed Explanation of Condolence Plaque Writing: Format and Examples

The writing on condolence flower plaques follows a fixed format to express respect for the deceased. It is generally divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower sections:

• Upper Section (on the right side of the plaque): Fill in the name and title of the deceased. For example: "Uncle X [Title] Has Passed On," "To the Spirit of Ms. X."
• Middle Section (in the center of the plaque): Fill in the condolence message, which is the core expression of grief. The number of characters should preferably be odd.
• Lower Section (on the left side of the plaque): Fill in the sender's name/company name and relationship. Pay attention to the concluding words (e.g., "Respectfully Mourning," "Mourning with Tears," "All Staff, Respectfully Mourning").

Examples of Condolence Phrases Based on Relationship

• For the elder of a friend: "Of Noble Character and High Prestige" (德高望重), "Returned with Full Blessings and Longevity" (福壽全歸), "Your Visage and Voice Remain" (音容宛在)
• For peers (friends, colleagues): "Forever Remembered" (永遠懷念), "Deeply Mourning the Loss of a Dear Friend" (痛失摯友), "A Wise Man Has Withered" (哲人其萎 - mourning a male), "Your Virtue Remains Forever" (懿範長存 - mourning a female)
• On behalf of a company: "Mourning the Loss of a Great Talent" (痛失英才), "An Exemplar of the Industry" (業界典範)
• Religious (Christian/Catholic): "Rest in the Lord's Embrace" (安息主懷), "Soul Returned to Heaven" (魂歸天國), "Called by the Lord's Grace" (蒙主寵召)

Types of Funeral Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals

There are various types of funeral flower arrangements in Hong Kong, with each condolence flower plaque differing in design, flower type, and size. Traditional flowers used in Hong Kong funerals include:

• White Chrysanthemums: Symbolize grief and mourning, common in East Asian funerals.
• White Lilies: Represent the pure return of the soul.
• White Orchids: Symbolize eternal love, a suitable choice for expressing condolences.
• Gladiolus: Symbolizes moral integrity and strength.
• White Carnations: Represent pure love and innocence.

When choosing funeral flower plaques, certain colors and numbers should be avoided due to their cultural significance. Hong Kong funeral customs also emphasize avoiding certain colors and numbers because of their symbolism. Red flowers, especially red roses, are usually avoided because red symbolizes happiness and celebration in Chinese culture. Additionally, the number "four" is considered inauspicious because its pronunciation in Cantonese is similar to the word for "death." Avoid choosing floral arrangements with four layers.

Traditional Funeral Flower Arrangements in Hong Kong

Condolence flower plaques in Hong Kong funerals are not only a tribute to the deceased but also an expression of emotion for the family; their design and style are crucial. Traditionally, condolence plaques are mainly white and green, symbolizing peace and respect. Common designs include:

• Standing Sprays: Tall floral structures, often placed beside the casket or at the entrance of the ceremony, showing high respect for the deceased.
• Wreaths: Circular designs representing the cycle of life and eternity, common in various funeral occasions.
• Flower Baskets: Suitable for small or private funerals, placed on tables or stands, simple and solemn.
• Cross or Heart Arrangements: Often seen in Christian funerals, symbolizing faith and eternal love.

With the changing times, modern condolence flower plaques gradually incorporate personalized elements, such as adding photos of the deceased, their favorite flowers, or specific colors, and even matching unique decorations. These personalized designs not only reflect the personality and memories of the deceased but also bring more comfort to the family, making the mourning more meaningful.

These classic funeral flower plaque designs are chosen for their simple beauty and suitability for solemn occasions. Choosing traditional arrangements ensures your tribute aligns with local customs and respectfully expresses condolences.

Price of Funeral Flower Plaques in Hong Kong Funerals

When choosing funeral flower plaques in Hong Kong, the price of the condolence plaque is an important consideration. The cost of funeral flowers depends on the flower type, arrangement size, and design complexity. In Hong Kong, the price of funeral flower plaques varies according to cultural needs and design complexity. The simplest arrangements may cost a few hundred Hong Kong dollars, while more thoughtful or complex designs may require several thousand Hong Kong dollars. It is important to balance the budget with the importance of the occasion. Remember, what truly matters is the thought and sentiment behind the condolence plaque, not the price. Even a modest arrangement, if chosen with care, can be a touching tribute. In Hong Kong funerals, the thoughtfulness in choosing a condolence plaque is far more important than the cost.

Condolence Customs and Etiquette

Besides sending condolence flower plaques, it is also customary in Hong Kong to provide monetary assistance to the bereaved family. Hong Kong funeral customs include sending funeral flowers and monetary contributions known as "condolence money" (帛金). This practice helps the family cover funeral expenses and is an important aspect of funeral etiquette. This is an important part of Hong Kong funeral etiquette and helps alleviate the family's financial burden. When attending a funeral or wake, it is appropriate to present the monetary contribution in a white envelope.

Attire for Attending Funerals

As a sign of respect for the deceased and the family, one should wear plain, simple clothing to a funeral. This is traditionally called "somber attire" (素服).

• Color: Primarily black. Dark blue, dark grey, or white are also acceptable.
• Style: Avoid wearing bright colors (especially red, pink), overly revealing, or casual clothing (like slippers, shorts). The style should be solemn and simple.

Funeral Flower Considerations for Different Religions

Although funeral flower plaques are widely accepted in Hong Kong, different religious ceremonies have subtle preferences:

• Taoist / Buddhist (Traditional Chinese): Traditional standing sprays and flower baskets are most common. Designs are predominantly white and green, such as white chrysanthemums and white lilies.
• Christian / Catholic: While traditional flower baskets are also accepted, cross-shaped flower plaques (like Serenity | Church Flower Arrangement) are more common and appropriate. Flower choices are more Westernized; besides lilies, white roses are also used.

If you are unsure of the deceased's religious background, choosing a traditional white flower basket (like Peace - Condolence Flower Plaque) is the safest approach.

Tips for Selecting Appropriate Hong Kong Funeral Flower Plaques

When selecting funeral flowers, please consider the following suggestions. Hong Kong funeral customs provide several key tips for choosing funeral flowers:

• Understand the cultural and religious background: Different religions and cultures have different customs regarding funeral flowers. For example, Buddhist funerals may have different practices than Christian or secular ceremonies. If unsure, consult the family or the funeral director.
• Avoid inauspicious colors and numbers: Due to cultural beliefs, avoid using red flowers and the number "four."
• Choose appropriate flowers: Select traditional flowers that symbolize mourning and respect in Hong Kong, such as white chrysanthemums and lilies.
• Consider the relationship with the deceased: Your relationship may influence the size and type of arrangement. Relatives might choose larger, more elaborate arrangements, while friends and colleagues might opt for simpler tributes.
• Consult a professional florist: Work with a professional florist who understands Hong Kong funeral customs. They can provide guidance on selecting appropriate condolence flower plaques, designs, and messages.

Advice for Choosing Condolence Flower Plaques

Choosing the right condolence flower plaque requires sensitivity and respect. In Hong Kong, selecting an appropriate condolence flower plaque requires special sensitivity and respect. Here are some other considerations:

• Meaningful personalization: If appropriate, you can add a personalized message or choose a condolence flower plaque that had special meaning to the deceased. Ensure any personalization aligns with cultural customs.
• Timely delivery: Arrange for the funeral flower plaque to be delivered to the funeral home or service location at the appropriate time. Coordinate with the florist to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate with others: If you are part of a group (like colleagues or an organization), consider pooling funds for a collective tribute. This can provide a more significant arrangement that represents the group's collective grief.

Conclusion: Honoring Traditional Condolence Flower Plaques with Respect

Choosing the right Hong Kong funeral flowers requires balancing cultural customs, appropriate messages, and personal sentiments. Whether it's a small gathering or a large funeral, selecting the right funeral flowers will honor the deceased and provide comfort to the bereaved family.

By understanding and respecting local traditions and working with an experienced florist, you can ensure your funeral flower plaque tribute conveys your deepest condolences in the most respectful way. A thoughtfully chosen floral arrangement can provide comfort during a difficult time and leave a lasting impression of care and respect.

If you need a condolence flower plaque and have some special requirements, feel free to inquire with us at Faful Florist. Our florists will be able to provide you with the best advice. Come visit our florist and explore a whole new world of flowers!

Funeral Flower Cards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: I am overseas / cannot attend the funeral on the day, do I still need to send a flower card?

A1: Very much needed. If you cannot attend in person, sending a funeral flower card is the primary way to express your sentiments, respect, and support. This lets the bereaved family know that even if you are not present, your care and condolences have been delivered. This is a very important aspect of modern etiquette.

Q2: When should I place an order? How far in advance at the latest?

A2: We recommend placing your order 3-4 days in advance to ensure we have sufficient time to prepare the freshest flowers and coordinate delivery. If you have an urgent order (such as same-day or next-morning delivery), please immediately WhatsApp or call us, and we will do our best to arrange it for you.

Q3: I don't know the deceased's religious beliefs, how should I choose?

A3: This is a very common situation. The safest choice is to order traditional white-toned flower baskets or wreaths, such as floral designs primarily featuring white chrysanthemums, white lilies, white roses, etc. This design is suitable for Buddhist, Taoist, and non-religious ceremonies, and is solemn and appropriate. Avoid proactively choosing cross-shaped flower cards.

Q4: Can I send flowers to the mourning residence (family home)?

A4: Not recommended. In Hong Kong customs, funeral flower cards and flower baskets are uniformly delivered to the "funeral hall" (funeral parlor or church) where the funeral is held for centralized display. After the ceremony, the family will handle them collectively. Sending flowers to the home may cause additional inconvenience to the family who are in grief and busy.