When Steve Neubauer joined the family flower shop nearly 50 years ago, most funeral orders were for standing sprays. Today, nearly a quarter of his sympathy sales are non-floral.
“Our business has continued to evolve,” says Neubauer, owner of Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, who now stocks everything from bird feeders to shadow boxes — many adorned with fresh flowers for a personal touch.
In the May/June issue of Floral Management, florists and funeral professionals share how changing traditions are transforming the sympathy business — and how they’re adapting to meet modern expectations.
Gone are the days of predictable lead times and uniform designs. With more families opting for cremation, casual memorials, and personalized tributes, florists are rethinking everything from product offerings to design processes. Many are fielding last-minute orders with just a day or two’s notice, while others are preparing for large-scale celebrations weeks or months after a death.
Design trends are shifting, too. Instead of traditional casket sprays or wreaths, more customers are requesting urn surrounds, vase arrangements that can be taken home, or themed tributes that incorporate personal mementos.
Want to stay competitive in this evolving space? Read “Rethinking Remembrance” in the May/June issue to learn how florists are adapting their funeral work — and why now is the time to build relationships with the next generation of customers.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content and communications for the Society of American Florists.
