Designing Sympathy Arrangements

Next Generation Science / Common Core Standards Addressed! CCSS.ELA Literacy. RST.11‐12.3 Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text. CCSS.ELA Literacy.RST.11‐12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain‐specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics. Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain‐specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades11–12 texts and topics.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Standards Addressed PS.04.02. Create designs using plants PS.04.02.01.a. Research and summarize the principles and elements of design for use in plant systems. PS.04.02.01.b. Apply principles and elements of design that form the basis of artistic impression.

Bell Work / Student Objectives 1. Explain the importance of sympathy flowers. 2. Identify and describe typical sympathy pieces. 3. What is the value of floral arrangements in the sympathy process?

Vocabulary Casket saddle Casket inset piece Casket spray Easel Easel spray Fireside basket Full couch Full couch casket spray Half couch Half couch casket spray Paper-Mache Set pieces

Interest Approach Think about the last funeral you went to. What kinds of flower arrangements do you remember seeing? Were there flowers in the casket? Around the casket? What kinds of flowers were standing around the room? Why do you think flowers are a part of the sympathy, grieving process?

Why Is It Important to Have Flowers at the Funeral? Flowers have been used in honoring the dead since ancient Egyptian times. Flowers are sent to the funeral to honor the deceased and comfort the family in their time of grief. Flowers add warmth, vitality and a soft appearance to what is otherwise an uncomfortable atmosphere. The family selects the flowers that are placed on and around the casket.

What Types of Sympathy Floral Designs and Accessories Exist? The family will order the casket spray, usually a casket inset and possibly matching arrangements. A casket spray is a floral arrangement that is placed on the top of a casket during the funeral service. There are several types of sprays; The family will determine the style depending on the type of visitation and funeral.

Types of Casket Sprays Full-couch casket spray - a large arrangement placed in the center of a closed full couch casket. A full couch - is a casket with a one piece lid, which may be open or closed Arrangement is usually 4- 5 feet wide based on a 6 foot casket

Full-couch lid spray - is a large casket piece placed in the center of the open lid of a full couch. Usually placed on a stand that is hidden by the lid. Some funeral homes have a wall bracket for this piece.

Half-couch casket spray - is a floral piece that is placed on the right side of a half couch. A half-couch has a two piece lid; The head (left side) is open during visitation. Arrangement is usually 3 -3 1/2 feet wide.

Basic shapes include oval, crescent and triangular The foundation of casket sprays is the casket saddle - a container with a rounded base which fits the curving contour of a casket lid Made of molded plastic in many sizes & shapes Flowers should cover the entire saddle Basic shapes include oval, crescent and triangular Important to watch the height because the flowers need to fit in the hearse or van Script denoting the relationship of the deceased is often attached to ribbon streamers from the bow Casket saddle

Casket inset piece - a small design to be placed inside the casket lid. Usually given by children or grandchildren. Can be a corsage attached to a satin pillow, heart or cross. Can also be a floral rosary. It is pinned to the inside lid of the casket.

Funeral arrangements are called sympathy tributes. Often oval, fan or triangular and are usually symmetrical. Most common container is paper- Mache = a sturdy molded, water- holding, paper like material available in various shapes and sizes. Other vase styles may be used.

Baskets may be used to create sympathy tributes. A fireside basket is a curved open basket with a handle. Created as a centerpiece or a one-sided arrangement. Placed on the floor under or near the casket.

Easel designs are suspended from an easel - a tripod stand for holding such arrangements. An easel spray (standing spray) is a one-sided flower arrangement on an easel Can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Floral cages containing foam in a plastic box are used to secure the flowers. Flat sprays, triangular one-sided sprays, are popular hand tied looking pieces.

Set pieces are easel designs that are made into special shapes, such as wreaths, crosses, hearts, pillows or organizational emblems. The flowers are either glued into place or attached to picks that are inserted into a hard foam base.

Layout of Funeral Flowers Inset piece Half-couch casket spray Sympathy tribute Fireside basket

Could You Identify These Flower Types?

Deliveries are usually made to the rear of the funeral home. Attaching a sympathy card and delivery are the final steps for the florist. The card needs to identify the deceased, the delivery location and the sender. Deliveries are usually made to the rear of the funeral home. Once the pieces are left at the funeral home, the funeral director will place them in the casket area.

Summary Why are flowers used at funerals? What is a casket spray? How is a full couch different from a half couch? What is a casket saddle? What do you call the pieces placed inside the casket? Who usually gives these flowers? How is an easel spray different from a set piece even though they both go on an easel?

Summary Continued What kind of information goes on the sympathy card? What is a fireside basket and where does it go? What kinds of design styles would you see at a funeral?

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