When a dear friend passes away, it's natural to feel a sense of loss and to begin to mourn. You may want to express your feelings of sympathy through sending a floral arrangement to the funeral home or to your friend's home. In an increasingly diverse world, however, there is a possibility that your friend may be of a culture or religion different from your own. 

You may not be familiar with the funeral customs of other cultures, and now is not the time to make a miss-step that could not only fail to show proper respect and sympathy, but that could actually insult your friend's loved ones. Read on for a guide on how to properly honor various cultures and religions at funerals, gravesides and wakes.

Protestant: Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Lutherans

Floral displays with large, showy flowers may be sent to the funeral home, and these displays will often then be transported to the graveside. Only the family of the deceased chooses flowers for the top of the casket. A live plant sent to the family home is becoming quite popular, and will provide a lasting tribute.

Roman Catholic

Flowers are sent to the family home or to the funeral home. The flowers should be more somber and toned down in color and size. Wreaths, crosses and hearts shapes are appropriate styles for this situation.

Jewish

Flowers are not appropriate for the burial or sent to the home. Baskets of kosher food may be sent or carried to the home, and personal visits to the family home are welcome while the family mourns, or sits "Shiva" for seven days after the death.

The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)

Floral displays may be sent to the funeral home using the traditional displays with one main exception; no displays whatsoever in the shape of a cross, as LDS members do not typically use the traditional cross as a symbol of their faith. 

Asian

White or yellow chrysanthemums are the traditional flower. In China, Japan and Korea white mums are a symbol of grief. Never wear red to an Asian funeral, since that color is reserved for happy occasions.

Muslim

Islamic and Muslin followers can have diverse traditions, so contacting a family member of the deceased is vital. Some may prefer charitable donations be made on the deceased's behalf instead of flowers.

Whether or not you choose to send flowers, a handwritten note is always a kind and appropriate gesture. The above guidelines should help give you an overview of appropriate ways to express your sympathy with flowers and other means. Sending a tribute, from a company like Aladdin's Florist & Wedding Chapel, to celebrate a friend's life will help you deal with the loss and will provide comfort to the family members.