Flower Shop Network

Find Help Expressing Your Condolences With Sympathy Card Messages

September 15, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

There is no easy way to express condolences. Extending sympathies to someone who has lost a loved one is never without a pang of emotion. Many people express their sympathies in different ways such as sending funeral flowers to the funeral services. Others choose to wait a few days or more before having a arrangement of sympathy flowers delivered to the funeral home. It is very important to the grieving that they never feel the void of loss, never feel alone. This is why it is so important to send flowers but even more important to include an enclosure card with the right message.

There is no single correct way to express condolences. Many begin to compose a sympathy card message but get lost somewhere between “is this helpful” and “am I being insulting?” It is completely natural to have a difficult time writing sympathy cards. After all, often the sender is a close personal friend of the family was the same to the deceased. There is no need for this difficulty anymore. Florists understand the grieving process. To make the process of sending sympathy flowers easier on everyone, below is a list of condolence card messages compiled by empathetic local florists.

Extend Your Sympathies With These Condolence Card Messages:

1) With deepest sympathy

2) Keeping you in (our) thoughts and prayers

3) Thinking of you during these difficult times

4) Deepest condolences for your loss

5) May the Lord comfort your heart as only He can do

6) Sharing in your sorrow

7) Please know that (our) loving thoughts embrace you

8) May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

9) May you rest in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding

10) Words are not enough to convey my sympathies at a time.

11) Just thought you could use a little extra sunshine today.

12) Just wanted to let you know that (we’re) here for you

13) Thinking of you with sincere sympathy at the loss of someone so dear.

14) Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

15) Condolences on your loss. May you find strength in the love of God.

There are more condolence enclosure card messages to help express your deepest sympathies. These enclosure card message ideas are brought to you by Flower Shop Network and Flower Shop Network Funeral Homes.

Put A Bow On It: Wrapping Up The 2009 ASFA Convention

August 27, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network’s Joe Hays and Leslie Cox attended the 2009 Arkansas State Florists Association Convention that took place August 14-16 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. True to the norm, they returned with a ton of fun stories and pictures about the things that were going on and the wonderful people they met at this year’s show.

I see this every time. The favorite thing for all of our Network Coordinators to do at these shows is to speak with florists about their shop, their designs and anything else about the industry that interests them. They love the chance to talk about how Flower Shop Network is helping/can help florists really stand out among the competition. Mostly though, FSN’s network coordinators are “people persons”. They love making people smile and meeting people that make them smile. They always return with great stories about these people and how they turned a workday into a vacation.

One of the florists that stood out to both Joe and Leslie was Terry at The Arrangement in Hot Springs Arkansas. Terry created the beautiful flower arrangement displayed inside FSN’s booth during the convention. Joe and Leslie kept raving about how beautiful Terry’s arrangement was and how many compliments it received. So, a special thanks goes to Terry for a fantastic job! (To view the arrangement, see photos below.)

They also bragged about two of FSN’s florists who won awards during the design competition. Mick Koch of Clarksville Florist & Gifts Inc. in Clarksville Arkansas received first place in the Sympathy & Wedding division. Kay Schaefli at Expressions Flowers LLC in Fort Smith Arkansas won the coveted Designer Of The Year title and won the Arkansas Cup (1st Place). Both of these achievements are SO impressive! They take time, preparation, talent and support. We are very happy for all of the competitors this year, but a big pat on the back goes to Kay and Mike. Congratulations! (View pictures of Kay’s award-winning arrangements below.)

There were several other stories of great people and funny moments at this year’s ASFA Convention, but those stories would fill a novella. Instead of reading the rest of the stories, feel like you were there by viewing the pictures below. Don’t forget that you can also share your comments and stories below! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Clarksville Arkansas, Clarksville Florist & Gifts Inc, Expressions Flowers LLC, Flower Shop Network, Fort Smith Arkansas, Hot Springs Arkansas, The Arrangement

Give The Perfect B-day Gift Thanks To These Birthday Card Messages

August 7, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Pardon the off-key singing, but I feel that it’s finally time to discuss birthday enclosure card messages. That’s right. Those pretty little cards attached to arrangements of flowers from local florists. What makes birthday card messages so special? Why everything of course! Many people even keep the enclosure card in a scrapbook long after the day has passed. You’ve gone the extra mile to send flowers. You’ve gone above and beyond to make the birthday boy or girl feel like royalty for a day. The memories are made by what is said and done on that day. What do you want your card message to say?

For most people, sending birthday flower arrangements is the easy part. It is composing the perfect enclosure card message for birthday flowers that is baffling. Trying to be funny? Want something so sweet it rots the teeth? Need quick and simple but sincere? This is where birthday card messages from local florists come in handy. As it just so happens, here is a list of the top 30 birthday card messages as compiled by local florists. When sending flowers this year, make it the most memorable gift of the day with one of these enclosure card messages.

Wacky Happy Weepy Laughy Birthday Card Messages For All

1) (Funny) 29 again? Talk about recycling! Happy Birthday

2) May God grant you a day filled with happiness, a year filled with joy.

3) Today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. You deserve a lifetime of beautiful tomorrows. Happy Birthday.

4) (Funny) Another birthday? Before you start feeling old and depressed, just keep this in mind: I have pantyhose older than you!

5) (Funny) Another birthday? Why it seems only yesterday you were a whole year younger! Happy Birthday.

6) (Funny) Another candle on your cake? That is no cause to pout. Be glad that you still have the strength to blow the things out.

7) (Funny) At birthday time, it’s good to remember our friends. Actually, it’s good to remember anything!

8) Because you’re you I’m celebrating today! Happy Birthday

9) Count not your years by adding the days but with joy count the friends you’ve made on the way. Wishing you a year of joy and friendship.

10) (Funny) Don’t do anything embarrassing on your birthday this year. You don’t have as much time to live it down as you used to.

11) (Funny) Don’t worry about those unsightly sagging varicose veins. Wear a mini skirt and tell people they’re net hose.

12) (Funny) Don’t worry sister, you’re not getting older just more like mom.

13) For your birthday, I wanted to get you the thing you need most but how do you gift-wrap a 25-hour day? Happy Birthday

14) Friends in the Lord are always close at heart. I’m so glad God brought us together as friends. Happy Birthday

15) Go ahead and have another birthday if you want to. But don’t expect me to keep up with you. Happy Birthday.

You’re only halfway through! Find more birthday enclosure card messages brought to you proudly by FlowerShopNetwork.com.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Birthday Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Gift Ideas, Local Florists

Get Rid of the Glum With These Get Well Soon Card Messages

July 24, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people that needs attention when I’m sick. Go ahead! Take care of me! I’m a big ole’ baby. I understand that not everyone is this way, but there is no convincing me that a “get well soon” gift is unhelpful. Quite the opposite in fact. Gifts make the recipient feel special and appreciated. It’s easy to feel mopey dopey when you’re sick. It’s not easy to feel good and great and wonderful. This is why I find so much pleasure in some of the tried and true gifts like flowers when I’m feeling down and out.

You’ve heard the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.” It’s a proven fact that smiling releases chemicals that induce happiness and have a healing effect on the body. Isn’t it amazing what the power of a smile can do? When you know someone that is sick or in need of a cheery smile, send flowers and bid them “get well soon.” Flower arrangements delight the heart and practically induce it to beat happily. Why not pass this feeling along to someone ailing?

There are so many reasons to send “get well soon” flowers with a happy card message. Whether your friend is ailing or just down in the dumps, he or she is going to need a pick-me-up to get them back in a pleasant demeanor. The flowers get them excited and happy, but get well soon card messages send a very specific message of encouragement. Get well soon messages can be funny, humble, peppy, somber or a mixture of these. Whatever you choose to say to your sick friend, wish them well with one of the get well soon card messages in this list compiled by local florists.

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed Get Well Soon Card Messages

1) Hope you’re back on your feet soon.

2) Hoping you feel better.

3) Hang in there. You’ll feel better in no time.

4) Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

5) Sending you healing thoughts and a little sunshine to brighten your day.

6) Wishing you a speedy recovery.

7) Thinking of you lots and hoping for your speedy recovery.

8) We hope you feel better because we miss you so much.

9) Thinking of you during your recovery.

10) Hope you soon feel at your best–Just as good as new, for nothing but the best of health is good enough for you!

Want to view all get well soon enclosure card messages? Follow the link to find more than 25 favorites brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Get Well Soon Flowers, Get Well Soon Messages, Local Florists

Rock A Bye Baby: Top New Baby Card Messages

July 17, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

My best friend recently had a baby. My brother and sister in law are about to welcome a son also. It’s hard to stop the maternal inclination that comes from being around wonderful women like this. It’s also hard to plan a baby shower without thinking about new baby gifts. Of course, it’s easy to opt for the cute gifts with the “ooo” and “awww” factor. It’s just as easy to be practical and get Mommy gifts that she’ll need when little baby arrives. However, the best new baby gift is the one that isn’t about the baby at all-it’s about mommy.

Celebrating the birth of a child, just like with every other occasion, flowers are a great gift for making the woman feel special. Friends of the daddy? Send flowers and you’ll be in momma’s good graces also! The part that most people get stuck on is the card message. It can be difficult to put sentiments into words with new baby card messages. For those of us rather handicapped in regard to this particular ability, the following list makes it easy to say congratulations. Local florists have spoken. Here’s what their top 10 new baby card messages have to say.

Lullabye & Goodnight: Top 10 New Baby Card Messages

1) Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.

2) Best wishes to you and your new little one.

3) Babies are a gift from heaven. You must be special to have one of its angels.

4) Congratulations on your new arrival.

5) May the joy of parenting bring you a lifetime of laughter and happiness.

6) Wishing your family a happy and healthy life together.

7) Cheers to you and your growing family.

8) May your child have a lifetime of health, love, and happiness.

9) Goodbye tummy. Hello Mommy!

10) Congratulations on the new addition to your family.

Want to view all 20 new baby card messages? The next 10 are just a click away. There you can print them to share with your customers or email the link to a friend. Brought to you by FlowerShopNetwork.com.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Baby Gifts, Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Gift Ideas, Local Florists, New Baby Card Messages

We’re Back From the FSFA Convention 2009!!

June 10, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network representatives “took a break” over the weekend and visited the Florida State Florists Association Convention in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists from around the state and the country were there to celebrate the things they love the most — flowers! If you had a chance to go, you already know that this year’s FSFA Convention was cram packed with fun things to do and great people to see.

Joe Hays and Leslie Cox, FSN Network Coordinators

Did you happen to see these two characters at the convention? Flower Shop Network’s own Joe Hays and Leslie Cox had the opportunity to visit with florists, enjoy the other displays and snap a few pictures of the event! Even if you didn’t get the chance to go, you can feel like you were there thanks to the magic of digital photos. Don’t forget to share your photos and comments as well!

FSN Network Coordinator Leslie Cox and John of Lake City Florist in Lake City FL

(l to r) Rodney from Flowerama in Pensacola FL, Joe Hays, Angela from Pink Flamingo At Petals in New Smyrna Beach FL

Flower Shop Network Display at FSFA Convention 2009

Sporting A Flower Shop Network Tote Bag

If you were at the FSFA Convention this year, why not share your photos with the rest of us? We’d love to see your favorite parts of the show and hear about what sparked your interest!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Floral & Flower Shows, Florida State Florists Association Convention, Flower Shop Network, St. Petersburg Florida Florists

Kate Collins Launches New Website For Florist Mystery Series

April 30, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

This week I learned that Flower Shop Network guest writer and best selling mystery writer Kate Collins is about to launch her new website www.katecollinsbooks.com. Many of you will remember the great newsletter she wrote for Flower Shop Network (The Language Of Flowers). While she is exceptionally knowledgeable about the meanings of flowers, Kate’s biggest passion is her mystery series starring Abby Knight, an Indiana florist.

I love mystery novels. If I wasn’t in the flower business, I would love to be a mystery writer. I guess I could combine the two. But, Kate has beat me to it and in such a fabulous way.

Maybe I could solve a mystery instead. Combining my natural curiosity about all things related to florists and discovering the inter workings of a mystery writer. In essence, I want to know “why a florist”? On my quest to find an answer to this mystery, I decided to go strait to the source. So, I called Kate and [Read more…]

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Flower Shop Network, FSN Announcements, Indiana Florists, Kate Collins

Are You Ready For The Spring 2009 Networker?

April 14, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

A little heads-up for all our florists – check your mail at the end of the week for The Networker Spring 2009. The highlight this quarter is the collaboration between FlowerShopNetwork.com and FloristWare. Of course, this edition is full of wonderful tips and some interesting ideas. There are a few article dedicated to helping you increase sales and profits. If you want a sneak peak go to The Networker Spring 2009

Filed Under: The Networker Tagged With: Flower Shop Network, The Networker

Sending Flowers Online, Is It A Good Idea?

April 13, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

Sending flowers is always a good idea. Flowers make great gifts. Flowers create positive feelings and make a great impression. But, is it a good idea to send flowers using a company online? Until I read Stop! Smell the online flower fraud on the Agassiz-Harrison Observer by Michelle Vandepol, I hadn’t given it much thought.

When I send flowers online, I use Flower Shop Network. Since I work for the company, I know that every florist in our directory is a professional florist located in the city to which I am sending or at least one in very close proximity. But, how does the average Joe know if they are dealing with a reputable company online?

As Michelle explains in her article, from a cost value perspective, dealing with the local florist in the recipient’s area will give you the best deal. She details the pitfalls of using an order gatherer or websites that claim to be the local florist in her article.

Michelle also outlines a few ways you can ensure the online florist is the real deal. Look for the following things: the name of the flower shop, the physical address of the shop, the local telephone number.

I would like to add a few extra tips that I use when go to a new vendor website. These tips are a good idea for any website search you do.

1. Look at the “about us” page. You will usually find local information or personal information about the company on this page. I find this very helpful.

2. Make sure the contact page includes a local address and telephone number. Reputable shops will always have a way for you to contact them locally. This information should be consistent with the local information found else where on the site.

3. Check for written or mapped directions to their physical store. Sometimes I call to make sure the person on the phone gives me the same directions.

These are just a few tips I use when searching the world wide web.

I guess I have to say sending flowers online is a good idea. Just make sure you know who is behind that website.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Flower Shop Network, Sending Flowers Online