Your Guide to Funeral Flowers
When choosing funeral flowers, it’s important to remember customs vary from family to family.
Certain ethnicities, religions, tastes and statuses will influence the decision and will also determine whether you choose a bouquet of flowers, a basket or a garland. Funeral flowers are often sent to the church, the family’s home or the funeral home. A card, featuring both your first and last name and a message, should accompany the flowers you choose.
With so many options available, choosing the right flowers can be somewhat overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a complete guide to funeral flowers and funeral etiquette to provide a helping hand.
Conventionally, funeral flowers are given to those who have lost a loved one, as they bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the environment. They also represent new life, growth and forward movement.
In today’s age, funeral flowers are not compulsory, but they are certainly a good way for friends and family to express their love and condolences. When it comes to choosing flowers, most will visit a florist. Be this a brick and mortar store or online, funeral flowers can be ordered from either and delivered to the funeral home or direct to a residence.
It’s important that the chosen flowers arrive at the funeral home prior to the first visiting hours, as this will ensure the floral display reaches the funeral home before the family do. If you’re short on time, it’s better to send either flowers or a plant directly to the home of the bereaved. A potted plant is a great idea as it has symbolic meaning, and will continue to live and flourish.
In most scenarios, funeral flowers are catalogued by their function. With this in mind, there are a number of traditional and non-traditional options to choose from, including the following:
Funeral Arrangements
These comprise any style and design of floral arrangement, including hand cut flowers, designer bouquets and baskets, and container arrangements.
Funeral Baskets
Floral baskets are often sent directly to the funeral parlour, the church or the home of the grieving. They generally surround the casket and are sometimes displayed on top of tables. They come in many styles, shapes and sizes.
Funeral Table Arrangements
The likes of dish gardens, vases and plants are frequently used as table arrangements post funeral events.
They are also often gifted in sympathy, and are generally sent to the homes of those who have lost someone close to them. Visually, they appear similar to flower baskets, however they’re often much smaller in size.
Casket Flowers
The likes of small floral sprays are classed as inside pieces as they are placed directly in the casket.
Funeral Sprays
Funeral sprays only offers a one sided view and is normally positioned against the casket.
Casket or Coffin Sprays
These funeral flowers are usually prearranged by the immediate family and sit directly on top of the casket.