A Funeral Directors Guide to Funeral Flowers: Meaning, Etiquette & Choosing the Right Arrangement
Title: A Guide to Funeral Flowers: Meaning, Etiquette & Choosing the Right Arrangement
Discover the significance of funeral flowers, learn floral etiquette for memorial services, and get tips for choosing the right arrangement to express your sympathy.
Saying Goodbye with Beauty: A Guide to Funeral Flowers
When words fall short, flowers speak. At funerals and memorial services, floral arrangements serve as a beautiful, symbolic gesture of love, respect, and remembrance. Whether you're sending condolences, attending a service, or planning a farewell for a loved one, understanding the meaning and etiquette behind funeral flowers can help you express your emotions with grace.
The Meaning Behind Common Funeral Flowers
Different flowers carry distinct meanings in funeral arrangements. Here are a few of the most popular choices:
Lilies – Symbolise the restored innocence of the soul; a classic funeral flower.
Roses – Love and respect. White for purity, red for deep love, and pink for grace.
Chrysanthemums – A flower of grief and mourning, especially in European and Asian cultures.
Carnations – Long-lasting and fragrant; white for innocence, red for admiration.
Orchids – Represent eternal love and sympathy, often chosen for their elegance.
Gladiolus – Stand for strength of character, integrity, and remembrance.
Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
The type of floral display you choose can depend on your relationship to the deceased and the type of service:
Casket Sprays – Large arrangements placed on top of the casket, usually from close family.
Standing Sprays/Wreaths – Displayed on easels, these are common from friends and extended family.
Bouquets or Baskets – Suitable for delivery to the funeral home or the family’s residence.
Sympathy Plants – Potted plants such as peace lilies or orchids offer a lasting tribute and are ideal for sending to the family home.
Funeral Flower Etiquette
Before sending flowers, keep a few etiquette tips in mind:
Timing Matters – Try to send flowers in time for the wake or service. If you're sending them to the family home, anytime within a week or two is appropriate.
Religious Sensitivity – Not all faiths welcome flowers at funerals. For example, in Jewish traditions, it's customary to send food or charitable donations instead.
Include a Message – A simple, heartfelt sympathy card adds a personal touch. Phrases like “With deepest sympathy,” “In loving memory,” or “Our thoughts are with you” are appropriate.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Your choice of funeral flowers should reflect your relationship and sentiment. For close relatives, larger and more formal arrangements may be suitable. Friends and colleagues might choose smaller sprays, bouquets, or a thoughtful plant.
If you're unsure, many florists offer consultation services and can recommend arrangements tailored to the family’s wishes or the cultural context of the service.
Final Thoughts
Funeral flowers are more than just decoration—they're an emotional expression of compassion, remembrance, and solidarity. Whether subtle or grand, your gesture can bring comfort to grieving hearts and pay tribute to a life beautifully lived.
Holmes & Family Funeral Directors in Aldershot are available 24/7 to discuss funeral arrangements. We are a family run independent funeral service looking after families in the Hampshire area.
