Funeral Flower Arrangements

About Funeral Flower Arrangements

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences of life. As a friend or family member of someone who is grieving, you want to do your part to help express your condolences and make them feel special at such a sad time. Sending flowers has been an expression of sympathy for a long time. A floral arrangement or plant has the ability to speak what the heart is feeling when words fail or do not seem adequate.

Although customs vary depending on the religion or ethnicity of the family, funeral arrangements for condolence flowers or basket gardens are often sent to the church, the funeral home or the home of the family.

If you prepare a funeral for a dear family member, you should know the meaning of the different flowers so that you can express your exact feelings through your arrangement. If you give your condolences to a relative or co-worker, the last thing you want to do is send something inappropriate. When attending a Buddhist funeral, for example, sending white flowers is a suitable gesture, while red is to be avoided.

What Traditional Funeral Flower Arrangements are there?

Funeral flowers are usually classified by their function; here are some of the most commonly used arrangements to avoid confusion when gifting:

Wreaths

These are circular floral arrangements, which represent eternal life.

Floral arrangements

Any type of floral arrangement, from cut flowers to basket and container arrangements.

Sprays

These are arrangements that allow viewing from one side only.

Casket sprays

These are usually organized by the immediate family and sit on top of the casket.

Inside pieces

These are the items placed inside the casket, such as small floral sprays.

Choosing the Right Funeral Flower Arrangements

There are many steps to arranging a funeral for a loved one, and one of the most poignant ways to add a personal touch to a service or memorial is with flowers. Besides their elegance, many flowers bear their own unique meaning or emotion.

This is particularly important when determining which flowers should play a role in bidding farewell to someone you held dear. Below are some of the most requested funeral flowers and a special message that they convey.

Lilies

As one of the most popular floral choices for funerals, lilies represent the restored innocence of the soul of the departed.

Gladioli

Tall and majestic, gladioli convey the strength of character, moral integrity and sincerity

Carnations

White carnations convey pure love and innocence.
Red carnations represent admiration.
Pink carnations stand for remembrance.

Chrysanthemums

In many European cultures, chrysanthemums are only used as funeral flowers as they are symbolic of death. In the US, chrysanthemums represent truth and are typically regarded as a cheerful way to honor someone who lived a full life.

Roses

This highly popular flower carries different meanings depending on the color:
White roses express reverence, innocence, and youthfulness.
Red roses convey respect, love, and courage.
Pink roses signify love, grace, and gentility.
Crimson roses denote grief and sorrow.
Yellow roses represent friendship.

Orchids

Pink and white are traditional orchid colors used to express one’s sympathy and typically represent eternal love. Phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids are generally the most appropriate types of orchids used as sympathy flowers.