Written or spoken condolences: etiquette manual
Death is one of the most difficult situations we have to deal with in life. It is enormously important to be able to express our sympathy to those left behind.
Hugs, calls and letters are comforting and show people that they are not alone.
Spoken condolences:
avoid empty phrases. It is much better to simply say: "I am so sorry"
or "Words fail me". You can also simply press someone's hand in
silence or give someone a hug without saying anything.
What is important is that it comes from the heart and that you
show compassion.
Letters of condolence:
write as soon as possible and use simple white paper. Use a white
envelope (without a black border as this is used by the bereaved
family only) and use a stamp (not a franking machine). Never
write a
letter of condolence as a fax or an email.
(see separate condolences ).
Further information about comfort & grief
Written or spoken condolences: etiquette manual
Death is one of the most difficult situations we have to deal with in life. It is enormously important to be able to express our sympathy to those left behind.
Writing a letter of condolence
When writing a letter of condolence, it is extremely important to sound authentic and to write from the heart.
Flowers for a bereavement: basics
Flowers give the bereaved comfort and are a sign of respect and remembrance for the deceased. Flowers for the bereaved and for the deceased are basically different.
Flowers for the bereaved and for the funeral: overview
There are many types of floral decorations for funerals. Here is a short overview:
In loving memory: funeral ribbons or ribbons for the wreath
If you would like to decorate your wreath, open bowl or bouquet with a few words of condolence and the name, this is possible by means of a ribbon.
Typical funeral flowers and what they symbolise
If you are wondering what flowers or colours are appropriate for a funeral: the rule is that there are generally no rules or boundaries.
«Typical funeral flowers» - we explain what they symbolise here:
If flowers are not wanted
Sometimes the bereaved do not want any flowers and instead request donations to a charity that was particularly close to the heart of the departed.