Funeral flowers are a standard part of many end-of-life services. Many flower options are available, but choices are often expected to follow specific etiquette related to the type of flower, arrangement, colour, etc. This article provides a guide to help you understand everything you need to know about funeral flowers.
Funeral flowers are flower arrangements sent to a funeral service. They were first used to help cover the odour caused by physiological changes in a deceased person's body after death. However, with modern preservation techniques, this is no longer prevalent.
Instead, funeral flowers are used as a visual representation of condolences for their deceased loved one and their family. Funeral flowers can also serve as a way to memorialize the deceased and bring beauty and brightness to an otherwise dark time.
Flowers sent for a funeral can be referred to as funeral flowers or sympathy (or condolence) flowers. However, these are slightly different arrangements. As the name suggests, funeral flowers are sent to or used for a funeral. In contrast, sympathy flowers are more commonly sent directly to the home or work of the deceased person's immediate family. However, like funeral flowers, sympathy flowers also are a way to bring light and warmth to grieving families.
When purchasing funeral flowers, there are many types to choose from. However, the most prominent factors include the following:
The types of flower arrangements for a funeral vary depending on purpose and function. Below are a few examples of common types of funeral flower arrangements you might consider:
Many flower colours are suitable for funeral arrangements. However, some colours have specific symbolism. Below are some examples.
Learn more about funeral flower colours in this article.
Many types of funeral flowers also have unique meanings and significance. Examples include:
Roses signify love and respect. However, the symbolism can change slightly depending on the colour. For example, a red rose may be better suited for the death of a spouse or parent, while a yellow rose may be better suited for the death of a friend.
These flowers are long-lasting and fragrant, making them ideal for longer services. Like roses, the significance changes slightly based on the colour.
Lilies are very popular. They are associated with the deceased person's soul, innocence and renewal. It makes them well-suited for religious services. However, lilies are also common sympathy flowers.
These flowers bring brightness and warmth to a funeral service, but symbolism varies depending on background and beliefs. For example, white chrysanthemums symbolize grief in China, Korea, and Japan. In contrast, these flowers are almost exclusively used for funeral arrangements or placed on graves in Europe.
These flowers represent strength, integrity, and character, making them an uplifting addition to funeral arrangements.
Orchids signify sympathy and often represent eternal love. They are often used as sympathy flowers but can be great additions to funeral arrangements.
In general, guests cannot rarely go wrong with sending flowers. However, there are scenarios where flowers may not be appropriate or preferred. Funeral flower etiquette considerations include:
The cost of funeral flowers varies greatly depending on the colour, style, and type of arrangement. For example, a simple condolence bouquet can cost as little as $10, but an elegant wreath can have a price tag of upwards of $500 and sometimes more. Similarly, carnations are long-lasting and fragrant, so they can be more expensive than flowers that wilt more quickly. To learn more about this, see the top longest lasting cut flowers.
Overall, flower arrangements can be somewhat costly, but here are tips to help save money when purchasing or sending funeral flowers:
Funeral flowers can be purchased directly from floral retailers, through a funeral home, online, at grocery stores or flower shops, etc. Many flower retailers also offer delivery services, allowing arrangements to be sent directly to where the funeral will be held. Note that this may incur an extra fee.
The most important factor when purchasing or sending funeral flowers is the intention. It is good practice to consider flower etiquette and symbolism, but the goal of funeral flowers is to remember and honour the deceased. If flowers are sent with good intentions, grieving family and friends will likely appreciate the gesture.
The most important factor when purchasing or sending funeral flowers is the intention. It is good practice to consider flower etiquette and symbolism, but the goal of funeral flowers is to remember and honour the deceased. If flowers are sent with good intentions, grieving family and friends will likely appreciate the gesture.
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