Funeral flowers have been a key part of funeral services for a long time. They are used to show condolences and sympathy. You can send flowers to the family’s home or the funeral home for the service.
If you can’t make it to a funeral, sending flowers is a way to feel connected. The difference between funeral and sympathy flowers lies in their size and where they go.
Key Takeaways
- Flowers have been used in funeral services for around 62,000 years, indicating a long-standing tradition in honoring the deceased.
- Funeral flowers are typically larger arrangements chosen by family members or close friends based on the deceased’s taste, with wreaths and sprays commonly used to decorate the casket.
- Specific types of flowers carry different meanings, such as roses symbolizing love, respect, and courage, providing a guide for selecting appropriate flowers based on their significance.
- Bouquets are the most common type of floral arrangement, while casket sprays are large arrangements laid on top of the casket, each serving a specific purpose in funeral decor.
- Ordering sympathy flowers in advance is crucial to ensure they arrive on time for the service.
The Significance of Funeral Flowers
Funeral Flowers: A Long-Standing Tradition
Funeral flowers have been a part of our tradition for thousands of years. Scientists say we’ve been using flowers to honor the dead since about 62,000 years ago. These traditional funeral flowers are chosen by those close to the deceased, who know what they liked.
Funeral flowers are big displays meant to be seen in the chapel. You’ll often see wreaths, sprays, and heart or cross-shaped arrangements. Sending meaningful funeral flowers is a way to show love and support when words aren’t enough. They add beauty and comfort to the funeral service.
Flowers also carry a spiritual meaning. They represent life, love, and the cycle of life. In some places, like the Midwest, funeral flower etiquette is very important. There, “Flower Ladies” join the pallbearers at funerals.
Funeral Flower | Symbolic Meaning |
Lilies | Purity, innocence, and a return to innocence |
Red Carnations | Respect and admiration |
White Carnations | Remembrance and innocence |
Red Roses | True love and grieving |
White Roses | Humility and youthfulness |
Yellow Roses | Strong relationship bonds |
Over time, sympathy floral arrangements have changed. Originally, they helped mask the smell of death before embalming was invented. Now, they’re still a key part of many cultures’ way of saying goodbye and offering comfort.
Funeral Flowers vs. Sympathy Flowers
Funeral flowers and sympathy flowers are often used at different times and for different reasons. Funeral flowers are big arrangements chosen by the family to decorate the casket and chapel. Sympathy flowers are smaller and sent to the family’s home or the funeral home to offer condolences.
Funeral flowers come from close family and friends of the deceased. They reflect their feelings and honor the person who has passed away. These arrangements, like casket sprays and wreaths, are big to be seen during the service.
Sympathy flowers are smaller bouquets sent by friends, coworkers, and distant family. They show support and care for the grieving family. These flowers are often sent to the family’s home or the funeral home.
Funeral Flowers | Sympathy Flowers |
Larger displays selected by the family | Smaller arrangements sent by friends and loved ones |
Decorate the casket and chapel | Sent to the family’s home or funeral home |
Chosen by close family and friends | Sent by extended family, friends, and coworkers |
Reflect personal sentiments and honor the deceased | Express condolences and support for the grieving family |
When picking funeral flowers or sympathy flowers, think about cultural and religious beliefs. Not all traditions see them as right for mourning. Some families might prefer donations to charity instead of flowers.
Symbolic Meanings of Popular Funeral Flowers
Choosing funeral flowers is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one. Each flower has its own special meaning. From the elegant lilies to the bright roses, they bring comfort and solace.
Lilies, Roses, and More
Lilies are a top pick for funerals, symbolizing purity and innocence. They bring hope and support to those mourning. Carnations are also popular, with white standing for purity and pink for remembering.
Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are important in many cultures, signifying grief and mourning. Gladioli stand tall, representing the strength of the person being honored. Roses, in various colors, symbolize love, respect, and gratitude.
Flower | Symbolic Meaning |
Lilies | Purity, innocence, and the spirit of the departed |
Carnations | Purity (white), remembrance (pink) |
Chrysanthemums | Grief and mourning |
Gladioli | Strength and character |
Roses | Love, respect, and appreciation |
Knowing the meanings of these funeral flowers helps families pick arrangements that honor their loved one. It makes the tribute personal and meaningful.
Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Choosing the right flowers for a funeral is very important. Funeral flowers come in many types, each with its own special meaning. From classic bouquets to elegant casket sprays, these arrangements help honor the loved one and comfort those who are grieving.
Funeral bouquets are a popular choice for sending flowers to someone’s home. They are a beautiful way to show respect and care. Funeral sprays, placed over the casket, are often chosen by the family. They can be single or double-ended, making them a standout tribute.
Wreaths, shaped like circles or hearts, are seen at many funerals. They symbolize life’s eternal cycle. Funeral crosses, made by the deceased’s family, express their faith and love.
Funeral Flower Arrangement | Description |
Funeral Coffin Spray | The main floral tribute, chosen by close family members, available in a range of colors and sizes to suit different budgets. |
Hearts | A symbol of love, generally sent by close family members, available in various sizes and colors for personalization. |
Wreaths | A popular tribute sent by friends, work colleagues, or family, as a traditional sign of respect and eternal life, versatile in styles, colors, and sizes. |
Letter Tributes | Typically ordered by family members as the main flower tribute, can spell out the beloved one’s name or nickname. |
Cross | Sent by immediate family members, representing personal religious sentiments. |
Posies, Baskets, and Sheafs | Often sent by friends or acquaintances, with posies being circular in shape for display from all angles. |
Pillows and Cushions | Symbolize comfort in the final resting place, available in various colors and reflect the deceased’s personality. |
Bespoke/Specialist Tributes | Personalized tributes reflecting hobbies and personality of the deceased, created using flowers and materials like foliage, twigs, feathers, and ribbon. |
Path of Life | A unique funeral flowers design available in various lengths and colors. |
Each funeral flower arrangement has its own special meaning. They let families and friends express their condolences and celebrate the life of the person who has passed. Choosing these arrangements is a personal way to honor the loved one, reflecting their unique life and legacy.
Appropriate flowers for funeral
Choosing appropriate flowers for a funeral means thinking about what the person loved and any traditions they had. Meaningful funeral flowers can show the service’s tone and help the grieving family feel comforted.
Traditional flowers for funerals include lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, gladioli, roses, orchids, hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, and forget-me-nots. Each flower has its own special meaning. White flowers like lilies and carnations are often picked, as they stand for new beginnings and remembering loved ones.
- Lilies are perfect for Christian families at funerals, symbolizing new chapters.
- Carnations are a top choice for wreaths and arrangements, with red ones showing love and support.
- Orchids, in pink and white, stand for innocence, remembering, and eternal love.
- Roses are used worldwide to show love and thanks, great for memorial services and sympathy gifts.
- Daffodils bring the message of spring, rebirth, and new starts, adding a bright touch to funeral arrangements.
- Forget-Me-Nots are chosen to remember and honor the deceased with lasting memories.
For affordable funeral florals, prices range from £40 to £400 for a family wreath or a personalized arrangement. Sending sympathy flowers costs about the same as a regular bouquet, depending on the flowers you pick.
Ordering Funeral Flowers from Local Florists
Working with local funeral florists is key when you want to honor a loved one with flowers. They know the special needs and traditions of funeral services. This ensures your flowers arrive on time and look great.
Funeral Florists Near Me
To find local funeral florists near you, start by searching online or ask the funeral home for advice. Florists like Phoenix Flower Shops have been serving their communities for years. They offer a wide range of funeral flower arrangements, from classic casket sprays to custom bouquets and wreaths.
Phoenix Flower Shops has been delivering funeral flowers in the Phoenix area for over 50 years. They have traditional flowers like roses, lilies, and gladioli, and also unique options like tropical flowers and orchids. Their team can hand-deliver arrangements to local hospitals and funeral homes.
It’s a good idea to order funeral flowers early to make sure they arrive on time. Most florists have deadlines for same-day delivery. This is usually around 3 pm on weekdays and before noon on weekends in the recipient’s time zone.
Funeral Home | Florist Delivery |
A L Moore Ramshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel | Phoenix Flower Shops |
Abel Funeral Services | Phoenix Flower Shops |
Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary | Phoenix Flower Shops |
Conclusion
Choosing the right funeral flowers is a way to honor your loved one and comfort the grieving family. By knowing the meanings of flowers like lilies, roses, carnations, and orchids, you can make a meaningful funeral flower arrangement. This arrangement can show the unique personality and legacy of the person who has passed away.
Whether you’re using a local funeral florist or making your own sympathy floral arrangement, picking the right funeral flowers is important. Traditional white flowers like lilies symbolize peace and innocence. On the other hand, vibrant red flowers show love and respect. This funeral flower etiquette lets you express your condolences in a thoughtful way.
When you’re honoring your loved one, remember that the funeral flowers you choose can bring comfort and solace. By understanding their meanings and picking meaningful funeral flowers, you create a lasting tribute to their memory. This way, you celebrate their life and the impact they had on the world.