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Bita Floral · Funeral flowers & sympathy arrangements · (905) 233-8595
Same-day funeral flower delivery
★★★★★ 184 Reviews Shop Sympathy Call NowFuneral Flowers and Sympathy Arrangements in Durham Region
Bita Floral delivers funeral flowers and sympathy arrangements to 15 funeral homes across 6 cities in Durham Region, with same-day delivery available. We build every arrangement by hand at our Whitby shop and deliver it ourselves. This guide covers what to send, how much to spend, where to send it, and what to do when the service follows a tradition you are not familiar with. If it is easier to just talk to someone, call (905) 233-8595.
We are sorry for your loss. Whether you need to send something to the funeral home today or you are still figuring out the right gesture, this page is here to help. Take your time.
Losing someone you care about is one of the hardest things a person goes through, and the last thing you need right now is to feel unsure about what to do next. If the service follows a tradition you are not familiar with, you may not even be sure whether flowers are the right gesture. That is where we come in.
At Bita Floral, we are not just a funeral florist in Whitby. We help you figure out what to send, where to send it, and whether flowers are even appropriate for the service. There are traditions where sending flowers would be the wrong gesture entirely, and a good florist should tell you that honestly rather than let you make a mistake. If flowers are right, we will build something beautiful. If they are not, we will help you find what is.
We deliver to every funeral home across Durham Region, from Whitby and Oshawa to Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, and Port Perry. No relay networks, no third parties. Every arrangement is built here and delivered directly.
15
Funeral homes served across Durham Region
17
Cultural traditions covered in this guide
Same-Day
Delivery available to all Durham Region locations
4.9★
Rating across 184 Google reviews
"I ordered sympathy flowers. Flowers were great and delivered on time. But what makes this a five-star review is that the individual who delivered the flowers personally said his condolences to the family. He didn't have to do that, but he chose to be human at that moment, and that meant the world."
Google Review · Sympathy delivery
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Same-day delivery to all Durham Region funeral homes. Call and we will take care of everything.
Funeral Flowers vs. Sympathy Flowers: What Goes Where
There is an important difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers. You may also hear the term bereavement flowers, which covers both. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right arrangement for the right place.
Funeral flowers go to the funeral home, church, or service location. They are the larger, more formal pieces that are displayed during the visitation and ceremony. Standing sprays, wreaths, casket sprays, and urn surrounds all fall into this category. These pieces are designed to be seen across a room, and for that reason they tend to start around $150–$200. Anything smaller can get lost alongside larger tributes. If you are sending on behalf of a group or a workplace, a shared arrangement in this price range makes more impact than several small ones.
Sympathy flowers go to the family's home, either before or after the service. These are smaller, gentler arrangements meant to sit on a kitchen table or a bedside and remind the family that someone is thinking of them. A sympathy bouquet, vase arrangement, basket arrangement, or potted plant all work well for the home. These start around $50–$80 and are appropriate from friends, neighbours, and coworkers.
We keep our funeral service arrangements and flowers for the home in separate collections on the website so you can browse exactly what fits your needs.
Common Arrangement Types
Standing sprays are tall, one-sided arrangements displayed on an easel near the casket. They are visible from across the room and are a traditional choice for friends, extended family, and workplace tributes.
Funeral wreaths are circular arrangements that symbolize eternal life. They are displayed on an easel and are appropriate from anyone who knew the deceased or the family.
Casket sprays sit directly on top of the casket. A full casket spray covers the entire lid while a half spray covers just the lower portion. These are traditionally chosen and paid for by the immediate family.
Inside-casket tributes are small, personal pieces placed inside the casket near the deceased's hands or on a casket pillow. A single rose, a small posy, or a rosary garland are common choices. These are deeply private gestures, almost always chosen by the spouse, children, or parents. If you would like to include something inside the casket, let us know when you order and we will prepare a piece that is appropriate for the setting.
Urn surrounds frame a cremation urn with flowers, creating a focal point for memorial services. These are becoming more common as more families choose cremation.
Plants and green gifts are a lasting alternative that families can take home after the service. Peace lilies, orchids, and green plants offer comfort for weeks and months after the funeral.
If you are curious about funeral flower meanings, white lilies represent purity and peace, roses convey love and respect, and chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with mourning in many cultures. But the truth is, the meaning comes from the gesture itself. The family will remember that you sent something, not which flower carries which symbolism.
"Had a fantastic experience with Bita Floral. They assisted me with a last minute funeral arrangement and did a wonderful job. They kept me informed every step of the way until it was delivered."
Google Review · Last-minute funeral delivery
Funeral and Sympathy Arrangements
A selection of what we offer. Every arrangement is made to order. Browse all arrangements
What to Send Based on Your Relationship
The most common question we hear when someone calls about funeral flowers is some version of "I do not know what I am supposed to send." It comes from coworkers, from neighbours, from distant relatives, from close friends who have never had to do this before. There is no shame in not knowing. Most people have not done this more than once or twice in their lives. Here is what we tell them.
Start with one question: how close were you? Not your formal relationship to the person, but the real one. A coworker you had lunch with every day for five years is a closer relationship than a cousin you have not spoken to since childhood. The closeness determines the size of the gesture, where it goes, and how much you spend. Everything follows from that.
If you are immediate family
The spouse, children, parents, or siblings of the person who passed typically handle the main tribute pieces. That means the casket spray, the urn surround if cremation is involved, and the larger standing arrangements that frame the service. These are the focal pieces that define the room.
Casket sprays range from $350 to $700 depending on size and fullness of the spray. Casket blankets, which cover half of the casket, start at $1,200 and come with a medium sized spray on top. Call us directly for these. Our team works with the family to build something that feels right for the person and for the service. These are not catalogue orders. They are conversations.
If you are extended family
Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandchildren, and in-laws typically send a standing spray or wreath to the funeral home. These are displayed on easels alongside the casket and are visible to everyone at the service. They run from $150 to $250 depending on size and flower selection.
If several family members want to go in together on a single piece, that works well. One substantial arrangement makes more impact than three smaller ones. Call and tell us the group and the budget and we will build something appropriate.
If you are a close friend
A standing spray, a wreath, or a large basket arrangement sent to the funeral home is appropriate. If you would rather send something to the family's home, a sympathy vase arrangement or a plant is a thoughtful choice that arrives after the noise of the service has died down. Close friends often spend between $80 and $150, but there is no rule. What matters is the gesture and the card you write with it.
If you are a coworker or professional contact
Individual coworkers usually send a modest vase arrangement or plant to the home, typically in the $50 to $80 range. If the office is collecting as a group, pool the budget and send one arrangement to the funeral home rather than several small ones from different people. A group standing spray in the $150 to $200 range from "the team at [company name]" reads as thoughtful and unified. Include everyone's names on the card if possible, or at least the team name.
If you are a neighbour or acquaintance
A smaller sympathy arrangement or plant sent to the home is perfectly appropriate. You do not need to send something large, and you do not need to send it to the funeral home. A $50 to $65 vase arrangement with a card that says "Thinking of you and your family" is enough. The family will remember that you thought of them. In many cases, especially for neighbours, bringing food to the house is just as welcome as flowers and can be done alongside or instead of an arrangement.
If you did not know the deceased personally
Sometimes you are sending flowers because your friend lost a parent, or your coworker lost a spouse, and the person who passed is someone you never met. That is completely normal.
A sympathy arrangement sent to the home of the person you do know is the right call. You are not honouring the deceased with this gesture. You are telling the living person that you see what they are going through. A simple arrangement with a card that acknowledges their grief without pretending a connection you did not have is the right gesture.
If a group wants to send something together
We handle group orders regularly. A sports team, a book club, a department at work, a group of university friends. Call and tell us how many people are contributing and the total budget.
We will build one arrangement that represents the group and include all the names on the card. For groups of ten or more, a standing spray or wreath in the $175 to $250 range is typical and carries real presence in the room. We can also split an order into a funeral home piece and a smaller home arrangement if the group prefers.
What if you are not sure?
Call us at (905) 233-8595. Tell Rouz who passed, how you knew them, and what you are comfortable spending. He will tell you what to send, where to send it, and what to write on the card. That is what the call is for.
Handling Bereavement Flowers for the Workplace
In most offices, when someone dies or an employee loses a family member, one person gets asked to handle the flowers. If that person is you right now, this section is written for you.
Collecting from the team
The simplest approach is a single arrangement from the group rather than several small ones from individuals. One standing spray in the $150 to $250 range from "the team at [company name]" makes a stronger impression than five separate $40 arrangements arriving at different times. Send a quick message to the team, collect contributions, and call us with the total budget. We will build something appropriate for the amount.
Where to send it
If a coworker has died, send the arrangement to the funeral home for the service. Include the company name and the names of contributing team members on the card.
If an employee has lost a family member, you have two options: a funeral home piece for the service, or a sympathy arrangement sent to the employee's home. The home delivery is sometimes the better choice because it arrives in a quieter, more personal setting. Both are appropriate.
What to write on the card
Keep it warm but professional. Something like "With deepest sympathy from all of us at [company name]. We are thinking of you and your family." If you knew the deceased personally, a short personal note alongside the group message is a thoughtful addition. Two sincere sentences are better than a paragraph that reads like a corporate memo.
Timing and follow-up
Get the flowers ordered as soon as you have the service details. If the service has already passed, it is still appropriate to send a sympathy arrangement to the employee's home when they return, or even on their first day back at work. A small arrangement on their desk, placed there before they arrive, is a gesture that people remember. Call us at (905) 233-8595 and we will handle the logistics.
Sympathy Plants and Living Tributes
Cut flowers are the most common sympathy gift, and for good reason. But there are situations where a living plant makes more sense. The main advantage of a plant is longevity. A fresh arrangement lasts seven to ten days. A peace lily, a potted orchid, or a dish garden can last for months, sometimes longer. For families going through a long period of grief, a plant that keeps growing carries a different kind of meaning. Some people move them outside to the garden once the season allows. Others keep them on the windowsill for years. The gesture stays visible long after the service is over.
Cut Flower Arrangement
Lasts 7-10 days
Ideal for the funeral home or service
Immediate visual impact
$50 - $700 depending on type
Living Plant or Tribute
Lasts months or years
Best sent to the family's home
Grows with the memory
$40 - $75 for most sympathy plants
When a plant is the better choice
If the family has already received a number of cut flower arrangements during the service period, a plant delivered to the home a week or two later avoids the duplication. It also works well when you want to send something to a family member who was not the primary person receiving tributes at the service. A sibling, a parent, or a close friend of the deceased who is grieving just as deeply but was not in the spotlight during the service week.
What we carry
Peace lilies are the most popular sympathy plant for a reason. They are low maintenance, tolerate low light, and bloom repeatedly. White orchid plants are a slightly more formal option and hold well. A dish garden or green plant arrangement works when you want something substantial without the upkeep of a flowering plant. We can add a sympathy card, a candle, or a small keepsake to any plant order on request.
Delivery tip: Many people send a condolence plant one to two weeks after the service, when the initial wave of support has passed. Browse our sympathy plants and arrangements or call (905) 233-8595.
How Funeral Flower Delivery Works
Funeral delivery is different from regular flower delivery. Timing matters, presentation matters, and the details need to be right the first time.
Before you order: Check the obituary or death notice. It will tell you the funeral home name, service date and time, and whether the family has requested donations in lieu of flowers. If the notice says "in lieu of flowers," respect that request. If it does not mention flowers at all, they are welcome.
Call or order online
If you know which funeral home is handling the service, give us the name, the deceased's name, and the date and time of the visitation or service. If you do not have all the details yet, call and we will help you figure it out. We can often look up the service information and confirm the details for you.
We deliver early
Funeral flowers arrive at the funeral home well before the visitation or service begins. We typically deliver two to three hours ahead so the funeral home staff have time to place arrangements properly and the room is ready when the family arrives. We coordinate delivery timing with each funeral home because every location handles intake a little differently.
Same-day delivery is available
If you just found out about a service happening today, call us. We handle same-day funeral flower deliveries regularly. The earlier in the day you call, the more options we have, but we will always do our best to get something there in time.
Ordering from out of town
If you are in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, or anywhere else and need funeral flowers delivered to a funeral home in Durham Region, call us directly at (905) 233-8595. You do not need to use a relay network or a national platform. Tell us the funeral home, the deceased's name, and the service date. We will build the arrangement here in our Whitby shop and deliver it ourselves.
You will know exactly who made it, exactly what it looks like, and exactly when it arrived. We handle out-of-town orders regularly and we are happy to send you a photo of the arrangement before it goes out if that gives you peace of mind.
Your name goes on the card. We include a card with every arrangement. If you are not sure what to write, we can help with that too. Something simple and sincere is always welcome.
What we check before every funeral delivery: Whether the venue has size restrictions (some churches limit arrangements near the altar). Whether the funeral home prefers easel-delivered pieces or handles their own setup. Whether there are container rules at the cemetery for graveside flowers. Whether the family's cultural tradition has specific placement requirements. You do not need to worry about any of this. We handle it. But knowing we check is part of why families trust us with this.
What to Write on Funeral Flowers
A short, sincere message is better than a long one. Two sentences that name one specific thing you appreciated about the person will mean more to the family than a borrowed quote from the internet. The family reads every card, and the ones that feel real are the ones they remember.
If you are ordering by phone, our staff can help you choose the right words. It is one of the most common things people ask about when they call, and we are always glad to help. Here are some examples to get you started.
For a friend or neighbour
"Thinking of you and your family. We are here if you need anything at all."
This works because it is personal without overstepping.
For someone you loved
"I loved [name] and I will miss them. Holding your family close right now."
When you knew the person, say their name. The family wants to know others remember them too.
From coworkers
"With deepest sympathy from all of us at [company/team name]. You are in our thoughts."
Include the group name so the family knows who sent it.
For family
"There are no words for this. I love you and I am here."
When it is family, you do not need formality. The flowers are the message. The card just says who they came from.
When you did not know the deceased
"We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts."
Acknowledges their grief without pretending a connection you did not have.
When in doubt
"With love" or "Thinking of you" is always enough.
What to avoid on the card: Do not write "they are in a better place" unless you are certain the family shares that belief. Avoid "I know how you feel" because grief is different for everyone. Skip anything that starts with "at least" because nothing that follows will help. If you are unsure, keep it short. The family reads every card. Yours should say something.
If you are ordering by phone, our staff can help you choose the right words.
If flowers are the right choice, we will build something beautiful. If they are not, we will tell you honestly rather than let you make a mistake.
Funeral Homes We Deliver To
We deliver funeral flowers to 15 funeral homes across 6 cities in Durham Region. All funeral homes in Ontario are regulated by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Here are the locations we serve regularly, with addresses so you can confirm delivery details when you order.
Whitby (3 funeral homes)
W.C. Town Funeral Chapel
110 Dundas St E, Whitby, ON L1N 2H7
Part of the Newediuk Funeral Homes group. Downtown Whitby, five minutes from our shop. Serving the community for over 50 years. All faiths and cultures. Flower deliveries accepted at the main entrance and placed by staff.
Barnes Memorial Funeral Home
5295 Thickson Rd N, Whitby, ON L1M 1W9
Family-owned since 1863. Large barrier-free building with chapel seating for over 300 and an on-site reception facility. North Whitby location, about eight minutes from our shop. Known locally as a celebration of life specialist.
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, ON L1N 3K4
Combined funeral home and cemetery on the same grounds. Handles both burial and cremation. We deliver arrangements to the funeral home entrance and coordinate timing with their staff.
Oshawa (5 funeral homes)
Oshawa Funeral Home
847 King St W, Oshawa, ON L1J 2L4
Part of the Dignity Memorial network. Sits right on the Oshawa/Whitby border, about twelve minutes from our shop. Large facility with multiple visitation rooms. We deliver here frequently and know the intake process well.
Armstrong Funeral Home
124 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B6
Family-owned and operated for four generations. Downtown Oshawa on King Street. One of the most established funeral homes in Durham Region. Traditional services and cremation.
McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam
152 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B6
Also on King Street East, a short walk from Armstrong. Full service funeral home handling all faiths. We coordinate delivery timing with their staff to ensure arrangements are placed before visitation begins.
DeStefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Dr, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Family-owned. Known for welcoming all cultures and faiths. Modern facility with reception space. Celebration and reception centre on site for gatherings after the service.
Thornton Cemetery & Funeral Centre
1200 Thornton Rd N, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Combined cemetery and funeral centre. Handles burial, cremation, and memorial services on one property. North Oshawa location near the 407.
Ajax (2 funeral homes)
McEachnie Funeral Home
28 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7
Modern facility with a chapel that seats 200. Reception space available on site. About ten minutes from our shop. We coordinate delivery timing with their staff and deliver early on service days.
Accettone Funeral Home
384 Finley Ave, Ajax, ON L1S 2E3
Family-owned funeral home in south Ajax. Traditional services, cremation, and celebrations of life. Flower deliveries accepted at the main entrance. About twelve minutes from our shop.
Pickering (1 funeral home)
The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre
1057 Brock Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 3T7
Serves all faiths and cultures. Offers traditional services, cremation, and direct burial. About fifteen minutes from our shop. Flower deliveries coordinated with their reception staff.
Clarington (3 funeral homes)
Courtice Funeral Chapel
1587 Durham Hwy 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2R7
On Highway 2 between Oshawa and Bowmanville. About twenty minutes from our shop. Full service funeral home with visitation rooms and chapel. We recommend ordering one to two days ahead for Clarington deliveries.
Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home
53 Division St, Bowmanville, ON L1C 2Z8
Serving the community since 1845, making it one of the oldest funeral homes in Ontario. Downtown Bowmanville. About twenty-five minutes from our shop. We coordinate delivery timing for same-day when possible.
Newcastle Funeral Home
386 Mill St S, Newcastle, ON L1B 1C6
Serving the Newcastle and eastern Clarington community. About thirty minutes from our shop. Order one to two days ahead for Newcastle deliveries to guarantee your preferred arrangement and timing.
Port Perry & North Durham (1 funeral home)
Wagg Funeral Home
216 Queen St, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B9
Serving the community since 1846. On the main street in Port Perry overlooking Lake Scugog. About thirty minutes from our shop. Order one to two days ahead for Port Perry deliveries. We coordinate timing with their staff for service days.
If the service is at a location not listed here, call us at (905) 233-8595. We deliver to churches, community halls, private residences, and any other venue across Durham Region and the GTA.
Sending flowers to a funeral home?
Tell us the funeral home name and the deceased's name. We handle the rest.
Sending Flowers Across Different Faiths and Cultures
Different faiths and cultures have specific rules about funeral flowers. Some welcome them, some prohibit them, and some have traditions that determine the colour, type, and timing of what you send. Getting this right matters, and getting it wrong can cause unintended offence during an already difficult time.
Durham Region is home to more than 750,000 people. According to Statistics Canada census data, the region's South Asian, Black, Filipino, Middle Eastern, East Asian, Caribbean, and European communities each bring their own funeral traditions. This guide covers 17 of them. If you are still not sure after reading through it, call the shop at (905) 233-8595. We have helped families from many different backgrounds and we are happy to talk it through with you.
Christian (Protestant) Flowers welcome
Flowers are appropriate at the funeral home, at the church, and at the family's home. Any style works, from standing sprays and wreaths to simple vase arrangements. White is the traditional colour for sympathy, but there are no strict rules. If the person loved sunflowers or bright colours, those are welcome too. Friends, coworkers, and extended family typically send flowers to the funeral home. Close family handles the casket arrangements. You can send flowers before the service, on the day, or even weeks afterwards to let the family know you are still thinking of them.
Catholic Flowers welcome
Flowers are welcome at the wake, the funeral mass, and the burial. Arrangements shaped as crosses or other religious symbols are appropriate and meaningful. Some parishes have specific rules about where flowers can be placed inside the church, so it is worth confirming with the funeral home if you are sending something large. Fresh flowers are preferred over artificial ones. After the burial, family and friends typically gather at a home or hall where food is shared. Sending sympathy flowers to the home during this period is also a thoughtful gesture.
Eastern Orthodox Flowers welcome (white preferred)
White flowers are customary, and cross-shaped wreaths with a ribbon inscription are a common tribute. The tone of an Orthodox funeral is solemn and spiritual, so modest, elegant arrangements are more appropriate than large or brightly coloured displays. Close family often places flowers on the casket during the burial. Friends and extended family send smaller tributes such as baskets or wreaths.
Jewish Flowers are not appropriate
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand. In Jewish tradition, flowers are associated with joyful occasions, not mourning. Sending flowers to a Jewish funeral, the burial, or to the family's home during Shiva is generally not appropriate across all branches of Judaism, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Shiva is the seven-day mourning period after the funeral when the family stays home and receives visitors. The most welcome gesture during Shiva is food: kosher baked goods, fruit baskets, nuts, or prepared meals that the family can share with visitors without having to cook. A charitable donation in the name of the deceased is also always appropriate. We will be honest with you about this. If you call us to order flowers for a Jewish family, we will let you know that a food gift or donation would be a better choice. That honesty matters more to us than the sale.
Muslim Check with the family first
Opinions vary within the Muslim community about whether flowers are appropriate, and it often depends on the family and the local customs they follow. The Islamic emphasis on simplicity means that some families consider flowers unnecessary, while others welcome them. The safest approach is always to ask the family or a close contact before sending. If flowers are welcome, choose white or lightly scented varieties such as roses or lilies. Keep the arrangement modest rather than elaborate. Avoid sending flowers to the mosque or burial site. Instead, food brought to the family's home after the service is always appreciated, as it is customary for mourners to visit the family and share meals for at least three days following the burial.
Hindu Guests should not bring flowers
Hindu funeral customs differ significantly from Western traditions, and this catches many people by surprise. Guests are expected to arrive at the service empty-handed. The family arranges flower garlands and sprays for the casket themselves as part of the ceremony. Bringing flowers or gifts to the funeral would be unusual. Guests dress casually in white, not black, and are expected to view the body but typically do not speak directly to the grieving family during the ceremony. Ten days after the passing, a ceremony is held at the family's home. If you attend this gathering, fruit is the appropriate gift to bring. Throughout the mourning period, fruit baskets are considered more appropriate than flower arrangements. With more than 92,000 South Asian residents in Durham Region, understanding these customs helps you show respect in the way the family expects it.
Sikh White flowers appropriate
White flowers are appropriate at a Sikh funeral. The ceremony, called Antam Sanskaar, is followed by cremation. The Sikh community is close-knit, and neighbours and community members typically support the family with food and practical help during the mourning period. A simple white arrangement sent to the family home is a thoughtful gesture.
Buddhist White flowers only. Never red.
White is the colour of mourning in Buddhist tradition, so white flowers are always a safe choice. Red flowers should never be sent to a Buddhist funeral because red is associated with happiness, celebration, and vitality. Yellow and white chrysanthemums carry particular significance in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Buddhist communities. Keep arrangements simple and understated. In some traditions, friends and family offer condolence money to the immediate family rather than flowers, so it is worth checking with someone close to the family about what would be most appreciated.
Chinese White and yellow only. Never red.
White is the colour of mourning in Chinese culture, and white or yellow chrysanthemums are the most traditional funeral flowers. Red is never appropriate because it is the colour of happiness and celebration. Many families also appreciate condolence money alongside or instead of flowers. If you are attending a Chinese funeral in Durham Region and are unsure about the customs, call us and we can help you choose an arrangement that fits.
Persian / Iranian White flowers welcome
As a Persian-Canadian business, this is a tradition we know personally. White flowers are appropriate for a Persian funeral. Lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums are all common and carry a meaning of purity and peace. Avoid anything bright or celebratory in colour. What many people do not realise is that the mourning period in Iranian culture extends well beyond the funeral itself. The family observes memorial gatherings on the third day, the seventh day, the fortieth day, and the anniversary of the passing. Flowers are welcome at each of these gatherings. The immediate family wears black for the full forty days, and rose water is often sprinkled around a photograph of the deceased at memorial ceremonies. If you are attending a Persian memorial and want to send flowers, call the shop and we can advise on the right arrangement for the specific occasion.
Caribbean / Jamaican Flowers welcome (red and white are traditional)
Caribbean funerals, particularly in Jamaican tradition, celebrate the life of the person who passed rather than focusing solely on mourning. The Nine-Night tradition is the centrepiece: on the ninth night after the death, family and community gather for food, music, storytelling, and remembrance. It is not a quiet affair. It is meant to give the person a proper send-off. Flowers are welcome throughout, and the casket is typically decorated with wreaths and arrangements. Red and white hold particular significance as the colours associated with death in Jamaica, though roses, lilies, and orchids are all common choices. For Caribbean families in Durham Region, these traditions often adapt to local schedules but the spirit of celebration remains the same.
Filipino Flowers and candles welcome
Filipino funerals are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, and the extended wake is one of the most distinctive elements. The family keeps vigil over the deceased for three to seven days, sometimes longer, with family members taking shifts so the person is never left alone. Flowers and candles surround the open casket throughout this period. White flowers are most common, and lilies, orchids, and chrysanthemums are all appreciated. After the burial, the family observes a nine-day novena of prayer, followed by another gathering on the fortieth day. Filipino communities in Durham Region maintain these traditions, and turnouts are often exceptionally large as relatives travel long distances to attend. Monetary donations to the family are also customary.
Greek Orthodox White flowers preferred
White flowers, particularly white lilies and roses, are the standard for a Greek Orthodox funeral. Cross-shaped wreaths are common and may include a ribbon with a short inscription. Close family places flowers on the casket during the burial as a final gesture. Friends and extended family send smaller arrangements such as baskets, wreaths, or standing sprays. The tone is solemn, so modest and elegant arrangements are more appropriate than anything too large or brightly coloured.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Flowers welcome, but no crosses
Flowers and sprays are welcome and appreciated at a Latter-day Saint funeral. The one important thing to know is that arrangements shaped as a cross should not be sent. The faith emphasises the resurrection rather than the manner of death, and cross-shaped tributes may be seen as inappropriate. Choose wreaths, sprays, or basket arrangements instead. Services are typically held at a church, not a temple.
Military / Veteran Flowers welcome (red and white traditional)
Funeral flowers are appropriate and welcome at military and veteran funerals. Red and white arrangements are traditional and complement the Canadian flag. Poppies can be incorporated into the design on request, which is a meaningful touch for a veteran who served. Standing sprays and wreaths are the most common tributes from friends and family. If the service is held at a Royal Canadian Legion hall, we coordinate delivery with the branch. Durham Region has active Legion branches in Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, and Bowmanville. For services with military honours, we deliver early to ensure arrangements are placed before the ceremony begins. If you are ordering for a veteran's funeral and want to include specific regimental colours or symbols, call us and our team will work with you on the design.
Celebration of Life (Non-Religious) Flowers welcome (any style)
Celebrations of life are increasingly common in Durham Region, and they break from traditional funeral conventions in almost every way. Bright colours, favourite flowers, and personal touches are all welcome. If the person loved gardening, a potted plant may be more meaningful than a formal spray. If they loved a particular colour or flower, use that as your guide rather than defaulting to white. The emphasis is on honouring the person's life rather than marking their death. If the obituary or service notice mentions "in lieu of flowers," respect that request. A charitable donation or a personal note to the family is a thoughtful alternative.
If you are attending a service and you are not sure which tradition applies, the simplest thing to do is call us at (905) 233-8595. We have helped families from many different backgrounds, and we will give you an honest answer about what to send, even if that answer is "not flowers."
The arrangements that arrive after the service has ended and the house has gone quiet are often the ones the family remembers most.
Sending Flowers After the Funeral
You can send sympathy flowers at any time after the funeral. There is no deadline, and in many cases the arrangements that arrive after the service has ended are the ones the family appreciates most. The hardest days of bereavement often begin when the visitors stop coming and the house goes quiet.
If you only just learned about the passing, or if you could not attend the funeral, sending condolence flowers to the home is appropriate. A simple vase arrangement with a sincere card is all it takes.
What happens to the arrangements from the service. After the funeral, the family decides what to do with the flowers that were on display. Most families take a few favourite arrangements home. Some funeral homes will deliver remaining flowers and plants to the family's house if requested. Others ask the family to collect them at the end of the service. Large standing sprays and wreaths are sometimes left at the graveside. If you are immediate family and want to know what will happen to the flowers you ordered, ask the funeral home staff before the service. If you sent an arrangement and would like to make sure the family receives it afterwards, a vase arrangement or potted plant is easier for them to take home than a standing spray on an easel.
Sympathy plants are another option worth considering, especially when you want to give something that lasts. A peace lily, an orchid, or a green plant gives the family a living reminder that does not fade the way cut flowers do. Some families plant them in the garden in memory of the person they lost. Browse our sympathy flowers and plants for the home for ideas.
"They made some beautiful pieces for our celebration of life. I would highly recommend Bita Floral!"
Google Review · Celebration of life
Celebration of Life Flowers in Durham Region
More families in Durham Region are choosing celebrations of life over traditional funeral services. The shift matters because the flower choices shift with it. At a traditional funeral, white is standard and restraint is expected. At a celebration of life, that framework mostly goes out the window. Bright colours are welcome. Favourite flowers are encouraged, even if they would never appear at a conventional service. Someone who spent every summer growing dahlias in the backyard should have dahlias. Someone who loved sunflowers should have sunflowers. The arrangement should feel like the person being celebrated, not like a generic sympathy tribute.
What to tell us when you call
For a celebration of life, describe the person rather than the occasion. Their favourite colour, whether they kept a garden, whether they leaned toward bold or understated. That information shapes the arrangement far more than any catalogue description. The team builds these pieces with those details in mind, and the result is almost always something the family recognises as fitting the person they knew.
Venue makes a difference
Celebrations of life happen in a wide range of settings across Durham Region: banquet halls, community centres, private homes, golf clubs, restaurant private rooms, and outdoor spaces. A tall standing spray built for a funeral chapel does not read the same way in a community hall filled with personal photos and favourite music. When you order, let us know the venue and we will scale and style accordingly.
On "in lieu of flowers" notices
If the family's notice says "in lieu of flowers, please donate to..." that request should be respected. If you still want to send something personal, a small plant or vase arrangement delivered to the family's home after the event is a thoughtful alternative that does not conflict with that wish.
Order celebration of life flowers: Call (905) 233-8595 or browse our sympathy and tribute arrangements. Same-day available across Durham Region.
Cemetery and Graveside Flowers
Graveside services have different requirements than indoor funerals, and the flower arrangements need to account for that. Wind, sunlight, uneven ground, and distance from a building all affect what works and what does not. If the service includes a graveside component, or if you want to place flowers at a cemetery after the burial, here is what to keep in mind.
For a graveside service. Standing sprays and easel arrangements work at a graveside as long as the ground is firm enough to support them. In spring or after rain, the ground can be soft, so we use weighted easels when needed. Wreaths on tripod stands hold up well outdoors. Casket sprays are placed on the casket as usual and are removed by the funeral home staff after the service. If you are sending a tribute specifically for the graveside, let us know when you order and we will choose an arrangement that holds up in outdoor conditions.
Leaving flowers at a cemetery after the burial. Most cemeteries in Durham Region allow fresh flowers to be placed on or near a grave. Some have specific rules about what containers are permitted and how long flowers can remain before they are removed by groundskeeping staff. Mount Lawn in Whitby, Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa, and Bowmanville Cemetery each have their own policies. If you are unsure, call the cemetery office before placing an arrangement. We can also advise on what tends to last longest outdoors: hardier flowers like chrysanthemums, carnations, and alstroemeria hold up better than delicate stems like peonies or garden roses.
Seasonal considerations. In winter, fresh flowers left at a cemetery will freeze. Some families choose artificial arrangements for the winter months and switch to fresh flowers in spring and summer. We can source artificial pieces like wreaths and tombstone saddles on request if that is what you prefer.
Winter tip: An outdoor arrangement built with sturdy evergreen, berries, and cold-hardy stems can actually last the entire winter season. The best time to place these is when we have consecutive days below zero, as the cold preserves the arrangement naturally and keeps it looking sharp for months.
Flowers for Death Anniversaries and Grief Milestones
Flowers sent on the first Christmas, the first Mother's Day, or the one-year anniversary of a death carry a message that nothing else can: I remembered. These milestone dates arrive with unexpected weight in the first year, and the people who mark them matter more than most realize.
A flower arrangement sent on the anniversary of a loss says something that a phone call or a text cannot. It says: I remembered.
The first-year milestones are the hardest. The first birthday of someone who is no longer there to celebrate it. The wedding anniversary of a surviving spouse. A flower arrangement or plant delivered on one of these dates says something that a phone call or text cannot. We handle anniversary and milestone deliveries regularly.
The death anniversary. Some families observe the death anniversary with a small gathering. Others keep it quiet. Either way, sending memorial flowers or a modest plant on or around that date is a fitting gesture. It does not need to be large or formal. A simple vase arrangement with a card that acknowledges the day is enough. For families in Durham Region, we handle same-day delivery for these orders, so you can call on the day itself if it catches you by surprise.
When you could not attend. If you were out of town for the service, or if you only found out about the passing after the fact, sending bereavement flowers to the home weeks later is completely appropriate. There is no cutoff after which the gesture becomes awkward. Quite the opposite. A flower delivery arriving two weeks after the funeral, when the last visitor has gone home and the quiet has set in, can be more meaningful than anything that came during the service period.
Delivering from outside Durham Region. Many memorial flower orders come from family members living outside the area. If someone you care about lives in Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, or anywhere across Durham Region, you can order online at bitafloral.ca or call us at (905) 233-8595. We can schedule orders for a specific date well in advance, so you never miss the moment that matters.
Additional Guidance
Preserving Funeral Flowers as Keepsakes
More families are asking about preserving flowers from a funeral arrangement as a lasting memorial. Here are the most common methods.
Pressing. Individual blooms or petals are pressed flat between absorbent paper and dried over several weeks. Pressed flowers can be framed, placed in a shadow box, or used in memorial bookmarks and cards. Roses, daisies, and smaller blooms press well. Large, thick flowers like hydrangea heads are harder to press flat but the individual florets work.
Drying. Whole stems can be air-dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks. Roses, lavender, and statice dry beautifully and hold their shape. The colour fades over time but many people appreciate the muted, antique look.
Resin. Individual flowers or petals are set in clear epoxy resin to create paperweights, jewellery, coasters, or ornaments. This is the most durable method and preserves the colour closest to the original. Several small businesses in Ontario specialize in funeral flower resin preservation.
What to tell us when you order. If you know that the family wants to preserve some of the flowers, let us know when you place the order. We can choose varieties that press and dry well, and set aside a few stems before delivery so the family has the freshest possible starting point for preservation.
Pet Memorial and Sympathy Flowers
Losing a pet is real grief. Anyone who has been through it knows that, and anyone who has not does not get to decide otherwise. We build sympathy arrangements for pet loss the same way we build them for any other loss: with care, with fresh flowers, and with a card that says what you want it to say.
A modest vase arrangement or a potted plant delivered to the home of someone who just lost a dog or a cat they loved for fifteen years is not a small gesture. It is the right one. Call us at (905) 233-8595 if you want to send pet sympathy flowers anywhere in Durham Region.
How the Season Affects Sympathy Flower Choices
The time of year affects what stems are available, and working with the season rather than against it produces better arrangements. Peonies are only available for a few weeks in late spring and early summer. Garden roses are at their best from May through October. Tulips and hyacinth are spring flowers. Dahlias peak in late summer and early fall. In the winter months, we work with roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, orchids, and seasonal evergreen, all of which are available year-round.
We source the freshest stems available each week and build every arrangement with what is at its best right now. If you have a specific flower in mind and it is out of season, call and we will let you know what is available and what alternatives would carry a similar look and feeling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sending to the wrong location. Funeral flowers go to the funeral home. Sympathy flowers go to the family's home. If you send a large standing spray to someone's house, it will not fit on the kitchen counter. If you send a small vase arrangement to the funeral home, it may be overshadowed. Match the arrangement to the destination.
Ordering too small for a funeral home. A room full of standing sprays and wreaths will make a $40 arrangement look lost. If your budget is modest, send it to the family's home where it will be noticed and appreciated on its own. There is no shame in a smaller gesture sent to the right place.
Waiting too long and then not sending at all. The most common mistake is not sending anything because you feel like you missed the window. There is no window. A week later, a month later, on the anniversary. It is always the right time to let someone know you are thinking of them.
Ignoring cultural traditions. A quick call to us before you order can prevent a well-meaning gesture from landing the wrong way. We will always tell you if flowers are not the right choice.
Writing nothing on the card. A blank card is a missed opportunity. Even "Thinking of you" is enough. The family reads every card. Yours should say something.
Frequently Asked Questions
Funeral flowers are sent to the funeral home or service location and are displayed during the visitation and ceremony. These tend to be larger, more formal arrangements. Sympathy flowers are sent to the family's home to offer comfort during the days and weeks after the loss. These are typically smaller vase arrangements, baskets, or plants.
Sympathy flowers for the home typically start around $50–$80. For funeral home arrangements like standing sprays or wreaths, we recommend starting around $150–$200 so the piece holds its own alongside other tributes in the room. Casket sprays range from $350 to $700 depending on size and fullness. There is no obligation to spend a specific amount. What matters is the gesture.
Flowers are generally not appropriate at a Jewish funeral or during the Shiva mourning period. In Jewish tradition, flowers are associated with joyful occasions. Instead, food gifts such as kosher baked goods, fruit baskets, or prepared meals are welcome during Shiva. A charitable donation in the name of the deceased is also a thoughtful gesture. If you call us to order flowers for a Jewish family, we will let you know and help you find a more appropriate option.
Opinions vary within the Muslim community. Some families welcome flowers while others consider them too elaborate given the Islamic emphasis on simplicity. The safest approach is to check with the family or a close contact before sending. If flowers are appropriate, choose white or lightly scented varieties and keep the arrangement modest. Food brought to the family's home after the service is always appreciated.
It is never too late. Some of the most meaningful arrangements arrive days or even weeks after the service, when the initial wave of support has passed and the family may be feeling the loss most acutely. Sending a simple arrangement to the home with a thoughtful card lets them know someone is still thinking about them.
Lilies are the most traditional choice and symbolize the restoration of innocence. White roses represent reverence and humility. Chrysanthemums are widely used across many cultures. Orchids offer a lasting tribute as potted plants. Carnations, gladioli, and hydrangeas are also common in funeral arrangements. If the person had a favourite flower or colour, using that can make the tribute feel more personal and meaningful.
Yes. We deliver same-day to all funeral homes across Durham Region. The earlier in the day you call, the more options we have for flower selection and arrangement size. Call (905) 233-8595 and we will take care of everything.
Keep it simple and sincere. "With deepest sympathy" or "Thinking of you and your family" are both appropriate. If you knew the person well, a short personal memory or quality you admired about them can mean more than any standard message. If you are ordering by phone, we can help you with the wording.
Yes. Flowers are appropriate regardless of whether the family has chosen burial or cremation. For cremation services, urn surrounds and smaller arrangements are common. For celebrations of life, bright colours and personal favourite flowers are welcome and encouraged. If the service notice says "in lieu of flowers," respect that request and consider a donation or personal note instead.
Casket sprays and casket blankets are traditionally chosen and paid for by the immediate family. Standing sprays, wreaths, and vase arrangements are typically sent by friends, extended family, coworkers, and community members. If a group wants to contribute to a single larger arrangement, that is common and we can coordinate it.
It depends on the purpose. Funeral flowers go to the funeral home for the service and tend to be larger, formal pieces like standing sprays and wreaths. Sympathy flowers go to the family's home to offer comfort in the days and weeks after the loss. These are typically smaller vase arrangements, baskets, or plants. If you are not sure, calling (905) 233-8595 is the easiest way to figure out what makes sense for your situation.
Friends typically send a standing spray or basket to the funeral home, or a sympathy arrangement to the family's home, usually in the $80 to $150 range. Coworkers often send individually in the $50 to $80 range, or pool together as a group for a single standing spray around $150 to $200. A group arrangement from "the team at [company name]" reads as more thoughtful than several small ones arriving separately.
White is the most traditional colour for funeral flowers in Western culture and symbolizes peace, purity, and remembrance. Soft pastels such as pink, lavender, and cream are also appropriate and common. Red roses represent love and respect. Bright or bold colours are perfectly welcome at celebrations of life. The only firm rules around colour come from specific cultural or religious traditions. For example, red is never appropriate at a Chinese or Buddhist funeral. If you are unsure, call us and we can advise based on the family's background.
Call Bita Floral at (905) 233-8595 or order online at bitafloral.ca. Give us the name of the funeral home, the name of the deceased, and the date and time of the service. We coordinate directly with every funeral home in Durham Region to make sure your arrangement arrives on time and is placed properly. Same-day delivery is available if you call early enough in the day.
What Families Are Saying
We have 184 Google reviews at 4.9 stars. Below are a few from customers who came to us during some of the hardest days they have ever had.
"We needed sympathy flowers delivered to a funeral home in Ajax on short notice. Rouz had them there within a few hours. Beautiful arrangement, and he even called the funeral home to coordinate timing. Could not have asked for better service."
★★★★★ Google Review · Sympathy delivery, Ajax
"My father passed unexpectedly and I had no idea what to do. I called Bita Floral and they walked me through everything, helped me choose the right arrangement for the funeral home, and even helped me with the card wording. The arrangement was stunning. They treated us like family."
★★★★★ Google Review · Funeral flowers, Whitby
"We held a celebration of life for my mother and Bita Floral created the most beautiful arrangements for the venue. Colourful, full of life, exactly what she would have wanted. Several guests asked for the florist's name. I will never use anyone else."
★★★★★ Google Review · Celebration of life, Oshawa
Read all 184 reviews on Google ›
Why Families in Durham Region Choose Bita Floral
We build every arrangement in our Whitby shop, deliver it ourselves, and coordinate directly with the funeral home. No relay service, no middleman, no uncertainty.
Built Here, Delivered by Us
Every arrangement comes out of our Whitby shop. We do not relay your order to another florist and hope for the best. A member of our team builds it, loads it, and drives it. When we say it will be there, it will be there.
Direct Funeral Home Coordination
We call ahead. We confirm intake times, where the arrangement should be placed, and how the card should read. Funeral home staff know us by name because we have delivered to every location in Durham Region. That familiarity matters when timing is tight.
Honest About Cultural Traditions
If you call us to send flowers to a family whose tradition does not include them, we will tell you. We would rather guide you toward the right gesture than take a sale that puts you in an awkward position. If flowers are the right call, we will make them beautiful. If they are not, we will tell you what is.
Real Same-Day Delivery
Not a marketing claim. Most orders placed before noon are delivered the same day. If a service is this afternoon and you just found out, call us. We will figure it out.
Best Florist in Whitby, 2025 & 2026. Quality Business Awards Canada. That honour comes from community votes, and it means something to us. Especially the customers who voted while going through a loss of their own.
Let us take care of the flowers.
Same-day delivery available · Browse arrangements · We coordinate with the funeral home
About the Florist
Rouz is the owner and lead designer at Bita Floral, a flower shop at 728 Anderson St. Unit 8 in Whitby, Ontario. He has over six years of experience as a floral designer and has served thousands of families across Durham Region for weddings, birthdays, everyday occasions, and some of the hardest moments in their lives. Bita Floral was named Best Florist in Whitby for 2025 and 2026 by Quality Business Awards Canada.
Born in Iran, Rouz grew up in a culture where flowers are central to daily life rather than reserved for special occasions. That background shapes how he approaches sympathy and funeral work. He understands that the gesture of sending flowers during a loss is not about selecting the right product from a catalogue. It is about one person acknowledging another person's grief. He takes that seriously, and it shows in the care that goes into every arrangement he builds.
Rouz handles every custom sympathy order personally. If you call the shop, you will likely speak with him directly. He is available at (905) 233-8595 or through the Bita Floral contact page.
"My mom started this shop. She built it from the ground up. He's been running the shop since 2020, and a lot of what we do is shaped by the way she thought about flowers: not as a product, but as something you give to someone you care about."
Delivery Areas
We deliver funeral flowers and sympathy arrangements across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area. For more details about delivery to specific areas, visit our location pages:
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