Funeral Flowers Vietnam: Etiquette, Meanings & How to Order Abroad

In Vietnam, funeral flowers express condolence and respect for the deceased and bereaved family. White chrysanthemums, white lilies, and wreaths are the standard choice—never red, yellow, or pink flowers, which signal joy or romance. Avoid even-numbered bunches (2, 4, 6 flowers), as even numbers are unlucky; send odd numbers instead. Funeral arrangements are displayed at the altar during the funeral service, which typically lasts 2–3 days. If you're sending from overseas, contact us via WhatsApp with the deceased's name, funeral location, and family's phone number; we confirm same-day delivery in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and send a photo of the real arrangement before it arrives. Include a card in Vietnamese if possible (we can help translate). Ask us for a quote on WhatsApp—cost depends on size and design. We deliver ONLY in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; for other cities, we cannot help. Order on WhatsApp +84 969 293 894 | How sending from abroad works

What flowers are appropriate for Vietnamese funerals?

White is the color of mourning in Vietnam, so white chrysanthemums, white lilies, and white gladiolus are the respectful choice. Wreaths made of white flowers with green foliage are also traditional and dignified. Some families appreciate orchids in white tones. Avoid red (joy and luck), pink (romance), and yellow (separation); these send the wrong message. Never send potted plants—they symbolize the deceased being "rooted" in the ground. We source fresh white flowers locally and from imports; ask on WhatsApp what's available on your order date.

What to send instead of single bouquets: Larger wreaths, standing sprays, or casket spray arrangements show deeper respect for close family members and are displayed prominently during services.

How many stems or flowers should I send?

Always send an odd number of flowers—never even numbers. In Vietnamese culture, even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) bring bad luck and are associated with separation. Odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9) are auspicious. A funeral arrangement typically contains 5, 7, 11, or 13 stems of chrysanthemums or lilies. If you order a large wreath or spray, the total stem count will be odd. When you order, tell us the number matters; we'll confirm the final stem count in the photo we send before delivery.

Pro tip: Don't overthink the exact count—focus on the overall message of respect through white flowers and avoiding the forbidden colors.

What should I write on a sympathy card?

In Vietnam, a funeral card (thẻ chia buồn) should express deepest condolences and respect. If you write in English, we can translate into Vietnamese for a more personal touch. A simple message is best:

• "With deepest sympathy for your loss."
• "May [name] rest in peace. Our hearts are with your family."
• "We share in your sorrow and send our love and strength."

If you want Vietnamese, provide English and we'll help translate. Avoid cheerful or religious language unless you know the family's beliefs. Keep the tone solemn and brief—one or two sentences. Provide the card text on WhatsApp when you order; we print and include it in the delivery.

How does overseas ordering work with Vietnam's time zone?

When you order from the US, Europe, or elsewhere, mind the time difference. Vietnam Standard Time (UTC+7) is ahead of most Western zones. If you order on WhatsApp in the evening (US time), it may be morning in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and we reply as soon as we can. Tell us the funeral date and time so we coordinate delivery correctly. Same-day delivery is available in both cities if you order early enough; we confirm availability once we receive your request.

What to provide: deceased's full name, family's phone number in Vietnam (format: +84 or 0 followed by 9–10 digits), funeral venue (home, temple, funeral hall—describe the type), and date/time of service. We locate the address and arrange delivery.

Time Zone Scenario	Your Location	Vietnam Time	Action
Order afternoon	US East Coast (UTC-5)	+12 hrs ahead (early morning)	Message at night; we reply when awake
Order evening	US West Coast (UTC-8)	+15 hrs ahead (next morning)	Same-day delivery still possible if funeral is that afternoon
Order morning	Central Europe (UTC+1)	+6 hrs ahead (afternoon)	We confirm delivery within hours

What's the difference between wreaths, sprays, and bouquets for funerals?

Each arrangement type serves a different purpose and fits different relationships to the deceased:

Arrangement Type	Best For	Display Location	Message
Wreath (standing)	Spouse, parent, child, close family	Altar or beside casket	Highest respect and deepest grief
Casket spray	Immediate family	Top of casket	Formal, permanent memorial
Standing spray	Family members, colleagues	Altar area	Sincere condolences
Bouquet (wrapped)	Friends, distant relatives	Hand-held or vase at home	Respectful but less formal

For close family: a wreath or standing spray with white chrysanthemums and lilies is standard. For colleagues or business contacts: a bouquet or standing spray shows respect without overstepping. For friends: a bouquet is warm and appropriate. When you order, tell us your relationship to the deceased and the family's relationship to you; we recommend the right size and style. All arrangements use white flowers only and are arranged in traditional Vietnamese funeral style.

Pro tip: If multiple people from your group want to send flowers, coordinate so the family isn't overwhelmed; one larger arrangement often means more than three small ones.

How do I send flowers to Vietnam if I'm living abroad?

Ordering from overseas is straightforward through send flowers to Vietnam via WhatsApp. You'll need the recipient's (bereaved family's) phone number in Vietnam, the funeral location, and the date/time of service. We reply as soon as we can, confirm the details, ask for your card message, and send a photo of the real arrangement before it's delivered. Payment is by international card or bank transfer; ask us for a quote on WhatsApp.

Steps:

1. Message us on WhatsApp with the deceased's name and family's phone number.
2. Provide funeral date, time, and venue type (home, temple, funeral hall).
3. Confirm your relationship to the family (so we suggest the right arrangement).
4. We send a quote; you pay by card or transfer.
5. We arrange delivery same-day in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
6. We photograph the bouquet and send it to you before delivery.
7. The family receives the flowers with your card message.

Important: We deliver ONLY in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If the funeral is in another city, we cannot help—let us know and we'll be honest about it.

What if the funeral is at a temple or crematorium?

Many Vietnamese funerals are held at Buddhist temples (chùa) or Taoist temples (đền), especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Some use dedicated funeral halls (nhà tang lễ). We can deliver to any of these venues as long as the address is in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. When you order, tell us the venue type and the family's contact number; we coordinate with them to ensure the flowers arrive at the right time and place. The family will be expecting the delivery and can instruct temple staff where to display the flowers.

What to watch for: temples may have specific rules about flower colors or placement. We follow local custom and always use white flowers, so this is rarely an issue. Confirm the venue address on WhatsApp before we process the order.

What to check before you order

• City: We deliver in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City only. If the funeral is elsewhere, we cannot help.
• Family phone number: Must be a Vietnam number (format: +84 or 0 + 9–10 digits). This is how we confirm delivery.
• Funeral date and time: Essential for same-day delivery coordination. Confirm the exact date with the family if possible.
• Card message language: English is fine; we can translate to Vietnamese if you prefer.
• Payment method: We accept international card or bank transfer. Ask for a quote on WhatsApp.
• Photo confirmation: We send a photo of the real arrangement before delivery so you can approve it.

Order on WhatsApp +84 969 293 894

Browse sympathy and funeral flower arrangements or explore flower delivery in Hanoi and flower delivery in Ho Chi Minh City to see what's available in your recipient's city.

How sending from abroad works

FAQ

Can I send funeral flowers to cities outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

We deliver in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City only. If the funeral is in another city, we cannot help. Contact us on WhatsApp and we'll be honest about our coverage area.

What color flowers are taboo at Vietnamese funerals?

Never send red (joy and luck), pink (romance), or yellow (separation). White is the only appropriate color for funerals in Vietnam. Stick to white chrysanthemums, lilies, and gladiolus.

How do I translate my sympathy message into Vietnamese?

Provide your English message on WhatsApp and we'll translate it into Vietnamese. We print and include it with the flowers. Keep messages brief and solemn.

Do I need to call the family directly, or can you handle the contact?

You provide the family's phone number and we'll confirm delivery details with them. You don't need to call; we coordinate on your behalf.

How much does a funeral flower arrangement cost?

Ask us for a quote on WhatsApp. Cost depends on arrangement type (bouquet, wreath, standing spray), size, and flower availability on your order date. We'll quote you before you pay.

What if the funeral is tomorrow—can you still deliver?

Same-day delivery is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Message us as soon as you can with the details; availability is confirmed on WhatsApp based on your specific date and time.

Should I send an odd or even number of flowers?

Always odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13). Even numbers bring bad luck in Vietnamese culture. We arrange all funeral flowers with odd stem counts.

Can I include a photo or personal note with the flowers?

We include a printed sympathy card with your message. Provide the text on WhatsApp and we'll translate if needed. We don't attach photos to arrangements, but we photograph the finished bouquet and send it to you for approval.