There are many reasons why we might need to say, “I’m sorry.” You might want to say, “I’m sorry I messed up” or “I’m sorry for your loss.” Perhaps you need to send an “I’m sorry you didn’t get the job/role/promotion” or even “I’m sorry your sweet Daisy passed away.”
Our Picks for "I'm Sorry" Flowers
Types of Flowers to Help Say ‘I’m Sorry’
- Whole Blossoms Lily of the Valley - 25 Stems ($174.99)
- 24 Long-Stem Red Roses ($54.99)
- Purple Living Plant ($37.07)
- GlobalRose 100 Fresh-Cut Pink Carnations ($59.98)
- Teleflora Fresh-Cut Yellow Tulips ($38.24)
- White Tulips and Pine Bouquet ($42.49)
Where to Buy Flowers When You Need to Say, ‘I’m Sorry’
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Types of Flowers to Help Say ‘I’m Sorry’
- Examples of ‘I’m Sorry’ Notes to Add to the Flowers
- Where to Buy Flowers When You Need to Say, ‘I’m Sorry’
No matter why you need to express your sorrow or sympathy for someone’s situation, flowers can help communicate the message. From real flowers to virtual flowers, single stems to full bouquets, we’re here to help you figure out what type of flowers to send and what to say when you do.
Types of Flowers to Help Say ‘I’m Sorry’
Did you know flowers have their own special meanings? For example, yellow tulips symbolize friendship, while red roses often symbolize love or romance. Some flowers are more associated with death and funerals, while others are associated with celebrations and happy life events.
When you choose single stems or a full bouquet to send with your “I’m sorry” message, you might want to keep the flower types and associations in mind. Florists, color theorists, and those into symbolism will probably appreciate the added message that you send via the type and color of flowers. However, even if you don’t make your selection based on flower meanings, the recipient is sure to appreciate your gesture all the same.
Note: It’s important to understand cultural rules surrounding flower colors if applicable to your recipient. For example, in Chinese culture, red is associated with good luck, and the color shouldn’t be present at a funeral. If you’re sending a sympathy bouquet to a Chinese friend, you shouldn’t send red flowers with condolences or an “I’m sorry” message.
Lily of the Valley
This beautiful woodland flower features sprays of sweetly scented small white bells. The flower symbolizes rebirth, while the white color represents purity. Present several stems or a bouquet with these beautiful delicate flowers to say “I’m sorry” if you’re apologizing for something you did.
Roses
Red roses are most commonly associated with romantic love and relationships. If you need an “I messed up and I’m really sorry” bouquet for your wife, girlfriend, or significant other, you probably won’t go wrong by attaching your “I’m sorry” note to a beautiful bouquet of red roses.
If sending a bouquet of flowers to a friend or loved one to say that you’re sorry for their loss, it’s best to add roses into a mixed floral bouquet and pick white roses instead of red.
Orchids
While orchids aren’t extremely common in bouquet form, these flowers tend to symbolize steadfast dedication, sympathy, and love. They’re appropriate to mix into a sympathy bouquet or gift as a living plant. These flowers work well when accompanying an apology “I’m sorry” message or a sympathy “I’m sorry” message.
When it comes to choosing the colors, stay away from bright hues, and instead choose something more solemn and serene such as white.
Carnations
Carnations are a common flower used in a variety of arrangements from sympathy bouquets to congratulations baskets and even Valentine’s Day sprays. They’re versatile and can represent many things, including eternal remembrance (pink), love, rebirth, hope (white), and undying devotion (red).
Tulips
Tulips tend to symbolize friendship, hope, and love. Yellow tulips are especially representative of joy and friendship while red tulips speak of romantic love. White tulips are often used in sympathy bouquets to represent purity along with purple tulips which represent royalty.
Examples of ‘I’m Sorry’ Notes to Add to the Flowers
Now that you’ve got an idea of the types of flowers to send to a hurting loved one or friend, it’s time to write a note to go along with it. Use these examples of short and longer messages to inspire you when writing your own.
“I’m so sorry to hear of Daisy’s passing. You were an awesome dog mom and she loved every minute of her journey with you.”
Did a friend or loved one recently lose a pet? Tell them what a great pet parent they were in your sympathy note. Being reminded that they gave their pet a great life can provide much-needed encouragement
“I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. I love you and I’m here for you.”
This simple message is versatile and can be used for a variety of circumstances from a death in the family to the loss of a job or the death of a pet.
“I’m so sorry for hurting your feelings. Please forgive me.”
Need a note to apologize for something you said or did? Sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to apologize, say you’re sorry, and ask for forgiveness.
“I’m so sorry you didn’t get the promotion. I know you were really looking forward to moving up at your company. Just remember, good things are coming for you. Sending love your way!”
Are you sending a condolence bouquet because a dear friend or loved one didn’t get the promotion they were hoping for? Temper your message by including words of sympathy and words of encouragement. Remind them that they’re still amazing, and great things are coming their way.
“Janie, we are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful leader to us all at GrowCorp. The entire company will miss his presence, wisdom, and leadership.”
Are you sending sympathy flowers on behalf of a company or department? Be sure to say who the flowers are from and mention one or two ways the person who passed made a positive impact on the workplace.
“I’m so sorry to hear that you’re sick. I hope these flowers brighten your day and bring a smile to your face.”
Is a friend or loved one sick with the cold or flu? Send them a bouquet to brighten up their day. Go the extra mile and include a gift card for food delivery if you’re feeling especially generous.
“Jackie, we’re so sorry to hear about your recent cancer diagnosis. We just want you to know that your Wednesday night book club ladies are here for you. We’re rooting for you.”
News such as a cancer diagnosis can be devastating to receive and leave a person in shock. Send a note with your flowers to let them know that you’ll be there to love and support them through the difficult days they face.
“I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. I’m sure she’s glad to know that her legacy will live on through you as you step up to run the doggie daycare business she established.”
Is your friend or loved one taking over a deceased relative’s business, charity organization, or club? Mention this in your note and remind them that their loved one will continue to live on through them.
Where to Buy Flowers When You Need to Say, ‘I’m Sorry’
There are a variety of places to purchase flowers depending on whether you plan to give flowers to your friend or loved one in person or you need them delivered. Here are a few of the most popular brick-and-mortar and online storefront options.
Note: All online options listed below offer same-day and/or next-day delivery.
Grocery stores
It might sound funny to check your local Kroger’s floral selection, but many grocery stores stock a beautiful variety of in-season blooms. If you’re confident in your DIYing ability, consider purchasing multiple blooms and creating a bouquet yourself. The flowers will be fresh, and your loved one will receive a one-of-a-kind creation.
Local florist
Local florists often have a wide variety of individual stems and pre-made bouquets on hand. They can also help you choose an appropriate bouquet to help you get your message across. Depending on how busy they are, you might be able to order your bouquet and walk away with it in hand without ever having to leave the store. If you need a solution quickly, this is an excellent option.
Funeral home
Many funeral homes partner with local florists. Visit the funeral home website and search for the person’s obituary. From this page, you can usually send an “I’m sorry for your loss” bouquet directly to your friend or loved one to show your sympathy for their loss.
Bouqs
Bouqs is one of the newest floral companies to come on the scene and they’ve already got a cult following thanks to their stunning floral creations that are farm-direct sourced and ethically sustained.
Their flower arrangements are sorted by category including a sympathy category and an “I’m sorry” category. You can choose from fresh-cut or dried arrangements, add a vase, and select a gift to accompany the flower arrangement.
FTD
As a company, FTD has been providing flower bouquets and arrangements since 1910. They have a comprehensive selection of sympathy flowers in addition to floral arrangements for other categories like special occasions, holidays, and just because.
FTD also has a good selection of artisanal goods such as gift baskets containing charcuterie, cookies, teas, and fruit.
1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers coordinates with a variety of companies to make it easy for customers to send flowers and physical items in the same delivery. This means you could send a bouquet along with chocolates, chocolate-covered fruit, or a teddy bear if you want to go the extra mile.
You can shop for flowers by category including sympathy and empathy categories which feature arrangements appropriate for saying “Sorry for your loss” or “I’m sorry, I messed up.”
ProFlowers
ProFlowers has a large selection of bouquets for every occasion from saying “I’m sorry” to wishing someone a “Happy Birthday.” They have flower arrangements broken down into categories to make for easy browsing. Navigate through their sympathy selection, get well selection, or “I’m sorry” selection while deciding on the bouquet that’s right for your friend or loved one.
Say It With Flowers
Saying “I’m sorry” because you messed up or communicating how sorry you are for someone’s loss goes a long way to soothe hurt feelings or a grief-stricken heart. When your message is accompanied with flowers, you give someone a beautiful, artistic representation of your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. If ever you’re unsure whether you should simply say “I’m sorry” or whether you should say it with flowers, definitely go with flowers.