Need Ideas Quick

[mac78]

So my mom's stepdaughter's funeral service is tomorrow. They had no life insurance, no nothing. The service is at the church, and she is being cremated. Her husband is getting no help with anything from her family, except from my mom. I asked my mom about flowers, and she talked to the husband, and he said "It would be nice to have a couple". The funeral home is not involved with the service at all, and they usually do help with some flowers, so only what some of us provide is all that will be there

So, I have volunteered to do some flowers, I am on a very low budget, so now trying to come up with quick ideas.

Idea 1. Basket with silk flowers with butterflies, as my mom said she really liked butterflies. I could get flowers from Michaels.

Idea 2. Tall clear glass vases from Dollar Tree, fill with pretty seaglass. I could buy 2 bunches of fresh flowers from Walmart from each. Bow and butterflies around the vase.

Idea 3. I want to get an angel at least 12 inches high and do something with it. Any suggestions.

Idea 4. An arrangement with a candle of some sorts.

I want to come up with a couple different things to take.

My dilemma, Are silk flowers a no go for funeral arrangements. I honestly can't afford to go to a florist and get real flowers. My mom says anything I do will be fine. They are not picky people at all. I am fine with fresh flowers from Walmart if need be.

I have looked online at floral arrangements and getting some ideas there. I know you ladies always have great ideas on things. Thanks for anything ideas you can throw my way.

[ChapterTwo]

First of all, Marie, I send my condolences about your mom's stepdaughter's passing. I remember you said she had been seriously ill and the end was near...it's very sad.

As far as flowers, chrysanthemums are plentiful this time of year and around here you can pick up three regular sized pots for about $10. Larger ones are more costly. But they would give seasonal color. I would think that, with the Christmas decorations out already, you might be able to find some sort of angel that could be put on a ribbon covered dowel which could be put in a pretty pot of mums.

I don't believe I have ever seen silk flowers at a wake. If you do opt for them, I think you'd do much better buying them from the dollar store than at Michael's. While they have lovely things, they are more expensive.

Our supermarkets and the Asian fruit markets (don't know if you have them there) often sell three bunches of fresh flowers for $10.
Perhaps you could buy some of those (or two regular bouquets, if the 3 for $10 flowers are not available) and get some baby's breath at the same store, to fill out a vase.
Between that and the mums, I think you'd be okay... It truly is the thought that counts and to me, the fact that you're wanting to do all this means more than someone going to a florist and plunking down $75 for a funeral piece. This is from the heart...

[mac78]

Thanks for the ideas.