A Guide To Choosing Flowers For A Funeral

- Lilies are often used in funerals for their serene beauty, lilies symbolise purity and the soul's return to innocence. White lilies represent purity, Stargazer lilies express sympathy, and Peace lilies signify rebirth.

- Roses are symbolic and versatile, they suit almost any funeral. Red roses declare love and grief, white roses convey reverence and peace, yellow roses symbolise friendship, and pink roses denote remembrance.

- Chrysanthemums are common in European funerals, they symbolise death and mourning; in Asia, they represent lamentation and truth. Their durability makes them ideal for lasting arrangements.

- Orchids are given for sympathy and suggest an everlasting bond. Pink orchids signify grace and happiness, while white orchids represent eternal love.

- Peonies represent healing and life, perfect for someone who was always caring for others.

- Forget-me-nots symbolise true love and remembrance, ideal for someone who played a significant role in many lives.

- Gladioli represent strength and integrity, suitable for someone who was a pillar in their community.

Popular funeral flower arrangements

Here are some examples of floral arrangements often used in funerals, each serving a unique purpose and conveying specific sentiments:

Wreaths: They are profound symbols in funeral traditions, their circular shape representing eternal life and the unending nature of the soul’s journey. Typically placed on stands near the casket or at the entrance of the service venue, wreaths can be made from a variety of flowers and greens, each adding layers of symbolism. For example, ivy represents fidelity and eternal life, while white lilies within a wreath can symbolise purity and peace.

Casket sprays: These are large, decorative arrangements that lay directly on top of the casket. Chosen typically by the closest family members, they serve as a centrepiece of the funeral service, covering much of the casket in lush and beautiful blooms. These arrangements are deeply personal and can be customised to reflect the deceased’s personality or favourite flowers, serving as a final tribute and a form of farewell from the immediate family.

Standing arrangements: These can include sprays, hearts, crosses, or custom shapes that are displayed on stands or easels. They are ideal for creating a visual impact and can be placed around the venue or near the casket.

Floral letters: These are a deeply personal and visually striking way to pay tribute at a funeral. By spelling out the deceased's name or an affectionate term such as "Mum," "Dad," or even "Love," these arrangements add a highly customised and intimate element to the service.

Tips for personalising floral tributes

Integrating personal items or interests into a floral tribute can transform it into a truly touching and bespoke homage. Here are some ideas on how to personalise arrangements:

Favourite sports team: For a sports enthusiast, consider incorporating the team colours into the floral arrangement. For instance, if the deceased was a fervent football fan, you might use flowers in the team’s colours, perhaps even shaping the arrangement like the team’s logo or a football.

A favourite book: Tuck a beloved book into a larger arrangement, using blooms that remind you of the book's cover or themes, which adds a deeply personal touch reflecting the deceased’s literary tastes.

Cherished accessory: Include items like a scarf or a piece of jewellery woven into the wreath or casket spray, which can serve as a poignant reminder of the deceased's personal style or interests.

For an avid gardener: Utilise a variety of garden flowers such as sunflowers, daisies, and marigolds to convey a connection to nature, reflecting the deceased’s hobby. You could also include vegetables as well.

For an artist: Create a vibrant and colourful arrangement using bright, bold colours, mirroring their creative spirit and artistic legacy.

For a beach lover: An arrangement with gentle blues and greens, accompanied by sea shells and driftwood, can evoke serene memories of the deceased’s love for the ocean or beach.

A love of nature: Local flowers can signify the connection of the deceased to their community or their love for their local environment.

Practical considerations

When selecting floral tributes for a funeral, it's crucial to consider not only the symbolic and aesthetic aspects but also several practical considerations to ensure that your choice fits well with logistical requirements and personal circumstances.

Budget
The cost of floral arrangements can vary widely, making budget a critical factor in your decision-making process. It’s important to communicate your budget constraints to your funeral director or florist, who can then guide you to options that are both beautiful and cost-effective. Here are some tips:

- Seasonal flowers, opt for flowers that are in season as they are generally more affordable and readily available.
- Mixed arrangements, consider arrangements that mix higher-cost flowers with more affordable blooms and greenery to create a full, beautiful bouquet without a high price tag.
- Size and scale, smaller arrangements can be just as impactful as larger ones when chosen carefully and placed strategically.

Longevity
The longevity of the flowers should also be considered, especially if you plan to have the flowers displayed during the funeral service and afterwards in memorial, or if you wish to give the arrangements to family members to take home afterward. Some flowers naturally last longer and are more suitable for warm environments:

- Chrysanthemums and Carnations, these flowers are known for their durability and can stay vibrant for several days, making them ideal for funerals.
- Lilies and Orchids, while slightly more delicate, these flowers can also last through longer services if kept in water and cared for properly.

Delivery
Ensuring that your floral tributes arrive on time and in good condition is another important consideration:

- Coordination, at Hadaway & Denton, we work closely with local florists who understand the logistics of funeral arrangements. We help coordinate the timing and the placement of the flowers, ensuring everything is handled respectfully and punctually.
- Location, consider the travel time to the service location or home. Local florists are preferred as they can provide fresher arrangements and more reliable delivery.
- Setup, some arrangements, like large wreaths or standing sprays, may require a longer time to setup.

By keeping these practical aspects in mind budget, longevity, and delivery you can choose floral tributes that are not only beautiful and meaningful but also appropriate and convenient, contributing to a smooth and respectful funeral service.

What happens to flowers after a funeral

After a funeral, several different things can happen to the flowers, depending on the wishes of the family and the traditions they follow. Here are some common practices:

Gravesite placement: Often, family members will place flowers from the funeral on the gravesite. This can be a part of the burial ritual, where flowers are laid on the grave as a final tribute to the deceased.

Family and friends: It’s common for family members and close friends to take home floral arrangements after the service. This allows them to keep a tangible reminder of the day and the person they are mourning.

Donations to hospitals or care facilities: Some families choose to donate the flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, or care facilities. This gesture can brighten the spaces in these facilities and provide comfort to other patients and residents.

Composting or recycling: Eco-conscious families might opt to compost the flowers if facilities are available, contributing to a sustainable practice that honours the memory of the loved one in an environmentally friendly way.

Pressing or preserving: Some family members may choose to press or preserve flowers from the arrangements as keepsakes, especially if the flowers hold particular sentimental value.

Floating ceremony: In some cultures or personal family traditions, flowers may be used in a floating ceremony, where they are set adrift on a body of water to symbolise the release of the spirit.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right flowers for a funeral is a deeply personal expression of love and remembrance. At Hadaway & Denton, we are here to support you through this process with understanding and care. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance in planning your floral tributes.

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