HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FUNERAL FLOWERS

Though you can have any type of flower or style of arrangement at your funeral or memorial service, there are some flowers and arrangements that are commonly used at funerals and memorial services.

Traditional Funeral Flower Arrangements Include:

• Casket sprays, which cover a casket.
• Standing sprays, which are arrangements displayed on an easel and shaped in the form of bouquets, wreaths, hearts, crosses, and other shapes.
• Bouquets in baskets or bases

Common Types Of Funeral Flowers Include:

Lilies Elegant and simple, lilies stand for innocence and purity, specifically that of the soul. They’re probably the most popular type of flower for western burials.

Peace Lily Plant Typically sent as a full, potted plant rather than as part of a cut arrangement, a peace lily symbolizes rebirth and a return to innocence. It makes for a beautiful, long-living houseplant that the family can keep as a peaceful reminder of their loved one.

Roses The color of a rose determines its meaning. In the context of a funeral, red roses represent respect and courage as much as love. White roses denote innocence, reverence, and youthfulness. Yellow roses stand for friendship, and pink roses represent grace, love, and gentility. If you are particularly grateful to the deceased – possibly a teacher, mentor, older relative, or even a close friend – you can express your gratitude with a dark pink rose.

Orchids Although there are many types of orchids, pink and white phalaenopsis and dendrobium are the most appropriate varieties for a funeral. They both represent eternal love.

Chrysanthemums are a vibrant flower that celebrates the life of the departed. In Europe they have become associated with death due to their popularity in funeral arrangements, but that sentiment isn’t common in the U.S. Red and white flowers symbolize love and innocence respectively.

Carnations You can say a lot with carnations, and several colors are appropriate for funeral arrangements. Red carnations express love and admiration, while white carnations signify pure love and innocence. Pink blossoms represent memory.

Hyacinths have multiple meanings in various contexts. As a funeral gift, they can stand for deep anguish or tell the grieving family that you hold them in your prayers.

Hydrangea Popular as both a cut flower and as a potted plant, a hydrangea can emphasize the sincerity and depth of your feelings. Paired with other blooms, it can emphasize other messages.

Gladioli stand for strength and sincerity, particularly of character. They are a beautiful way to encourage grieving family members and honor the soul that has passed.

Meaning Behind Funeral Flowers

RED – strength, respect, devotion, and love.

ORANGE – enthusiasm, joy, and warmth

YELLOW – friendship, warmth and hope

GREEN – nature, wellness, and renewal

BLUE – sadness, sympathy, and peace

PURPLE – respect, sorrow, sympathy, and admiration

PINK – grace, compassion, and innocence

WHITE – elegance, reverence, purity, and eternal love

Here Are Some Funeral Flower Suggestions For More Common Religious Affiliation:

• Buddhist – funerals are held in a funeral home and never in a temple. Sending funeral flowers is considered appropriate for a Buddhist funeral. You can opt for white or yellow flowers, but red flowers are not acceptable. Most floral arrangements are appropriate
• Eastern Orthodox – members are strict about burial after three days. You can send flowers to the funeral home. Most flowers are accepted, but white flowers are seen as meaningful.
• Hindus – funeral flowers are not part of Hindu tradition because funeral service is held on the same day of death before the sun goes down. Garlands are more common in Hindu funeral.
• Jewish – their tradition doesn’t include funeral flowers, it’s more appropriate to send fruit baskets during the period of mourning. You can send flowers to the family members’ homes because funeral homes do not typically display flowers.
• Mormons – or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints appreciate funeral flowers but avoid floral arrangements in the shape of a crucifix because this may offend them.
• Muslim or Islamic – the burial is held 24 hours after the death, so funeral flowers may not be necessary. If you want, you can send flowers to the family home.
• Protestants and Other Christian – Christian faith accept all types of funeral flowers. Most flower arrangements are welcome at the funeral home and the residence of the deceased.
• Roman Catholics – all colors and types of floral arrangements are acceptable. There are no specific recommendations on what styles or colors to avoid.

Needless to say, sending flowers to the correct location is important. The location is likely listed in the death announcement or obituary. Be sure to double-check the name and address of this facility closely. If it’s your first time ordering funeral flowers, it can be a bit confusing. You may be worried that you are going to send the wrong kind. But you now have everything you need to simplify the process and feel confident that you are making the right decision. Simply follow the guidelines above to appropriately show your affection for someone who has passed, while also making a kind gesture to loved ones of the deceased during their time of grieving.