Funeral flowers are floral arrangements sent or display during a funeral service to honour the departed and express sympathy to the bereaved family. These flowers represent love, respect, and remembering and are offered in memory of the deceased. Flowers and arrangements are historically chosen for funerals based on their meanings and associations with life, grief, and peace.
Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Wreaths:
Circular wreaths represent eternity and the never-ending cycle of existence. They are often positioned near the casket or at the burial.
Casket Sprays:
Typically, these are made to sit on top of the coffin. They are available in both single-ended and full-length forms, depending on whether the coffin will be closed or open.
Standing Sprays:
These are floral arrangements set on easels, often displayed near the casket or around the venue.
Bouquets and Baskets:
These arrangements can be placed anywhere, allowing family members and friends to contribute to the funeral.
What are funeral flowers called?
Funeral flowers are also called coffin sprays. Close family members or friends usually choose coffin sprays as their primary funeral flowers tribute. Coffin sprays are an important part of the visual presentation of a funeral. They are placed on the casket during a funeral service to symbolize the family’s affection and farewell. They are often incorporated into the funeral’s theme or colour scheme, and the designs can be matched with printed items such as funeral order of service or memorial cards.
Flowers for the funeral
1. Lilies
Lilies are a classic funeral flower, often symbolizing peace for the deceased’s soul.
2. Roses
- Red Roses: Love, sorrow, respect.
- White Roses: Innocence, reverence, purity.
- Pink Roses: Admiration and appreciation.
- Yellow Roses: Friendship, often sent by close friends.
Roses are versatile, conveying various emotions, making them suitable for casket sprays or sympathy arrangement
3. Chrysanthemums
In many regions, chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with funerals and memorials.
- In Europe and Asia, they represent death, mourning, and remembrance.
- In the U.S., they often symbolize honour and sympathy.
4. Carnations
The durability and symbolic significance make carnations popular in funeral wreaths and sprays.
5. Orchids
Orchids, particularly in white and pink, express lasting love and admiration.
6. Gladioli
Gladioli’s tall, striking appearance makes them suitable for large standing sprays, symbolizing a person of strong character.
7. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are often included in sympathy bouquets or baskets, symbolizing the family’s appreciation for support during their loss.
8. Daisies
Daisies can be used alone or combined with other flowers to create a peaceful arrangement, especially fitting for honouring the purity of the deceased.
9. Iris
Irises, especially blue ones, are often chosen for their elegant look and their representation of comfort and hope.
10. Sunflowers
Though less traditional, sunflowers can be used to honour someone who brought joy and light to others’ lives.
Tips for inexpensive funeral flowers
Seasonal Flowers: Choose flowers that are in season to keep costs low, as out-of-season flowers are often more expensive.
Smaller Arrangements: Opt for smaller or simpler arrangements, such as hand-tied bouquets or basket arrangements, instead of large casket sprays.
Use Filler Flowers: Incorporate greenery and inexpensive filler flowers like baby’s breath, or add some pretty leaves and stems to add volume without increasing costs.
What is the etiquette for funeral flowers?
Timing of Sending Flowers:
Funeral flowers are usually sent before or on the day of the service. This makes it possible for the flowers to be on display at the wake or funeral. If you are unable to attend the event, you may still express your sympathies by sending sympathy flowers to the family’s home in the days after the funeral.
Who Should Send Flowers:
Larger displays, such as coffin sprays or standing wreaths, are usually arranged by immediate family members. Close friends and family members may send bouquets or standing sprays, among other arrangements. Colleagues or professional groups may opt for flower baskets or sympathy arrangements to show support.
Appropriate Types of Arrangements:
Casket sprays are often chosen by immediate family members, although standing sprays or wreaths can be sent by extended family and friends. Bouquets, floral baskets, or potted plants are appropriate for anybody to send and are frequently placed around the service or delivered to the family afterwards as a gesture of love and support.
Choosing Appropriate Flowers:
Carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses are traditional funeral flowers; each represents a unique sentiment. The most conventional flowers are white ones, which stand for love and peace. However, pastel colours are equally appropriate. Personalizing the arrangement with the deceased’s preferred flowers or colours is a thoughtful gesture.
Cultural and Religious Considerations:
Each culture and religion has its own customs regarding funeral flowers. For example, Christian funerals often welcome flowers, while Jewish and Muslim funerals may not. It’s important to research or ask about the family’s cultural or religious preferences to avoid sending inappropriate arrangements.
Messages and Cards:
Always include a simple, heartfelt message with your floral arrangement. Expressing sympathy with a brief note showing support for the family. Be sure to keep the message respectful and concise, focusing on comfort and remembrance.
Donations Instead of Flowers:
In some cases, families may request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers. If this is included in the obituary or funeral information, it is important to respect their wishes. An appropriate alternative for flowers is to make a donation in the deceased’s honour.
Follow Family Preferences:
If the family have requested specific types of flowers or arrangements, or if they have mentioned anything about flowers in the obituary, follow those guidelines to ensure your gesture is appropriate.
How much should you spend on funeral flowers?
Here’s a table summarizing how much you should spend on funeral flowers based on your relationship with the deceased:
| Relationship to the Deceased | Type of Arrangement | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Family | Casket sprays, standing wreaths | £150 – £400+ |
| Close Friends/Extended Family | Standing sprays, floral baskets, bouquets | £75 – £150 |
| Acquaintances/Coworkers | Smaller floral arrangements, sympathy baskets | £50 – £100 |
