Condolence messages for flowers: what to write on a sympathy card

Finding the right condolence message for flowers is hard, and there is no perfect formula. The best messages are short, sincere and simple: express your sympathy, perhaps share one memory, offer support, and sign with your full name. Below are examples sorted by your relationship with the deceased, along with a few etiquette points for Switzerland.

These are suggestions, not rules. If you knew the person well, a single personal sentence is worth more than any template.

A few principles

• Keep it brief. One to three sentences. The card is small and the family will read many messages.
• Be sincere rather than eloquent. “I’m so sorry” is perfectly fine.
• Name the person if you knew them: it shows they mattered to you.
• Avoid clichés that may hurt, such as “everything happens for a reason” or “at least they’re no longer suffering”, unless you know the family shares that view.
• Respect beliefs. Religious phrases (“May she rest in peace”, “In our prayers”) are appropriate only if they fit the family’s faith.
• Sign with your full name, and your relationship if the family may not know you (“Anna Müller, Peter’s colleague”).

Where the flowers go changes the wording

Our funeral flowers guide explains formats (wreath, spray, cushion, bouquet) and where to send them in Switzerland.

Short, universal messages

1. With deepest sympathy.
2. In loving memory.
3. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
4. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
5. With love and sympathy.
6. Forever in our hearts.
7. Gone but never forgotten.
8. With heartfelt condolences.
9. Remembering [name] with love.
10. Sharing in your sorrow.

For close family

11. Mum, you gave us everything. We will love you forever.
12. To our dear Dad, with all our love. Rest peacefully.
13. Grandma, thank you for every moment. You will always be with us.
14. To my brother, my best friend. Until we meet again.
15. You were our everything. Forever loved, forever missed.

For a friend who has died

16. To a wonderful friend. I will miss you every day.
17. Thank you for the laughter and the friendship. Rest well, [name].
18. You made the world brighter. Always in my heart.
19. Goodbye, dear friend. I’ll never forget you.

To a friend who has lost someone

20. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m here for you, whenever you need me.
21. Thinking of you and sending all my love.
22. [Name] was a wonderful person. I feel lucky to have known her.
23. No words can ease your pain, but please know I’m thinking of you.
24. Holding you close in my thoughts. Call me any time.

For colleagues and clients

25. With deepest sympathy, from all your colleagues at [Company].
26. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. [Name], on behalf of [Company].
27. [Name] was a valued colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed.
28. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
29. Thinking of you and your family. Take all the time you need.

For a company sending flowers, see also our guide to corporate flowers in Switzerland.

For neighbours and acquaintances

30. With sincere sympathy from your neighbours at number 12.
31. We were so sorry to hear about [name]. Our thoughts are with you.
32. Please accept our condolences. [Name] always had a kind word for everyone.

When a child or young person has died

Words are especially inadequate here. Keep it very simple:

33. We are so deeply sorry.
34. Holding you in our hearts.
35. With all our love, now and always.

Religious and spiritual messages

Use these only if they match the family’s beliefs:

36. May she rest in peace.
37. You are in our prayers.
38. May his memory be a blessing.
39. May God give you strength and comfort.

Condolence phrases in Switzerland’s languages

If you are not confident in the language, write in English and add just the first line in the family’s language. For other occasions, our general guide on what to write on a flower card has many more ideas.

Etiquette in Switzerland

• Read the death notice. In Switzerland, the family often states its wishes in the death notice: sometimes “no flowers”, or a donation to a charity instead. Respect this. You can still send a card, or a bouquet to the home a little later.
• Timing: for the ceremony, flowers must arrive before the service, at the funeral home or church. For the home, a bouquet a week or two later is often appreciated, when the first wave of support has passed.
• Colours: white, cream, soft pastels and greenery are traditional. Chrysanthemums are associated with graves in Switzerland and are suitable for funerals and All Saints’ Day.
• Different faiths: customs differ between Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other traditions; in some, flowers are not customary. When in doubt, ask someone close to the family.

Ordering sympathy flowers

KANEL’s funeral collection includes 12 arrangements (cushions, sprays, wreaths, hearts and one-sided arrangements in white, pink, multicoloured or orange tones), from CHF 155 to 1155, delivered free of charge anywhere in Switzerland. Allow at least two days’ notice. For a bouquet to the family’s home, KANEL’s seasonal bouquets start at CHF 74.90 (CHF 64.90 for the timeless collection), with CHF 14.90 delivery outside Geneva. A greeting card is included from CHF 55. Prices checked October 2026.

If the ceremony is in less than two days, contact KANEL by phone or WhatsApp (+41 78 243 18 69, Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm) to ask whether a delivery is still possible, or turn to a local florist near the ceremony. Our funeral flowers guide covers timing and etiquette.

A gentle reminder: what matters most is that you reached out. A simple “I’m so sorry, thinking of you” is enough. To order, see KANEL’s funeral flowers or our guide to the best flower delivery in Switzerland.