By the O'Hara Florist studio team, 12121 W Olympic Blvd, West Los Angeles · October 2026
For a funeral service, send a standing or table arrangement to the funeral home or place of worship so it arrives before the service. For a grieving family, send a smaller bouquet or basket to their home, any time in the following weeks. White and soft pastel flowers are always appropriate; a short, sincere card matters more than size.
Funeral service or the family's home?
- To the service: larger arrangements that stand near the casket or the photo, sent by friends, colleagues and extended family. Call the funeral home first to confirm the time and that they accept flowers.
- To the home: a bouquet, a basket or a plant. These are personal and last after the service. Baskets are easiest for a busy household because they need no vase: see boxes and baskets.
Which flowers and colors
White is the traditional color of sympathy: white roses, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids. Soft blush, cream and pale blue work too. Bright reds and party colors are usually avoided unless the family asks for them or they were the person's favorites. See our white flowers.
When flowers are not the custom
Customs differ. In Jewish tradition, flowers are generally not sent to the funeral or to a shiva home; food or a donation is more usual. Many Muslim families also prefer simplicity. If you are unsure, ask the family, a close friend or the funeral home, or send flowers to the home a week or two later.
What to write on the card
Keep it short: "With deepest sympathy", "Remembering [name] with love", or "Thinking of you and your family", followed by your full name. More ideas in what to write on a flower card.
Timing in Los Angeles
For a service, order at least a day ahead and give us the funeral home's name, the service time and the name of the deceased. For flowers to the home, order by 2 PM for same-day delivery across West LA and most of Los Angeles. Our all-white bouquets start at $129: Mono White Roses and Snow Hydrangea Luxe.
See our sympathy and funeral flowers in Los Angeles, or call (424) 999-9880 and we will help you choose.
