Funerals and flowers. It seems the two go hand in hand but when organising a funeral, it’s a good idea to understand the departed’s personality, culture and beliefs and not just assume flowers should be present. However, like most Christian or unaffiliated funerals in the western world, chances are you have some decisions to make about flowers. First step is choosing the type of arrangement.
There are 4 main categories to consider
Vases/Bouquets
Cut flowers, often made up many varieties that are placed around the casket in baskets or on tables and also given/received as condolence.
Sprays
Large flat arrangements of cut long-stemmed arrangements of flowers to lay over the top of the coffin or display on a flower stand.
Wreaths/Crosses
Just as it says, these are shaped arrangements of flowers. They can be circles, hearts or croses to be displayed on stands beside the coffin or even placed inside it.
Live Plants
Where are of the above use cut or fake flowers, it is becoming increasingly popular to include living plants as well. Similar to traditional bouquets, these are often received as condolence and are placed around the coffin in baskets.
Once you know the type of arrangement you want, then comes the talk of choosing flowers. There are so many variables that go into making these decisions. Did your loved one have a favourite flower you want to highlight? Or perhaps a colour scheme you want to carry through all the arrangements? What season is the funeral taking place in and do you want your funeral flowers to convey a specific meaning? Well, here we have ten of the most popular cut and live flowers to help you craft the perfect arrangements for your unique situation.
Cut Flowers
Lilies
The stalwart Lily. Undoubtedly the most popular funeral flower for their calming peaceful representation of a return to purity or innocence. The White Stargazer Lily in particular is a symbol of sympathy, but any lilies can convey grace, dignity and even majesty. They are an elegant choice for any funeral wreath or bouquet.
Carnations
Carnations are popular not only for their ability to mix well in other arrangements but also because they are long lasting. If you are wanting to make carnations the star of your funeral arrangement keep in mind pink means remembrance, white means love and innocence and red means admiration and respect.
Chrysanthemums
Around the world chrysanthemums or ‘mums’ are associated with funerals and mourning. In fact, they are so closely tied to grief and death. In some Asian and European countries, it is considered inappropriate to give this flower at any other time. In the United States, white chrysanthemums symbolise faith and comfort so when combined with their more universal tie to mourning, this makes for the perfect symbolic funeral flower. Growing in widely varied shapes also makes ‘mums’ an easy flower to add to any arrangement, be it a coffin spray or simple basket.
Gladiolus
Related to the Iris and sometimes known as the ‘Sword Lily,’ the tall, elegant Gladiolus is a classic funeral flower. With its long stems and stately look, Gladiolus symbolises integrity, morality, and virtue. They come in a variety of colours which makes them a great addition to any funeral floral arrangement. Yet, we recommend you to make sure to use white or subdued shades, especially if they are going to make up the main body of the bouquet.
Roses
Though more often thought of for romantic occasions, Roses can be used to ‘bulk up’ and add loveliness to funeral arrangements as well. Roses have a nearly universal meaning of love and respect, but bright colours should be avoided for a more sombre occasion. Good options are soft pink, meaning love, grace and gentility or white roses which symbolise innocence., reverence, remembrance, and humility. However, though not used in funerals themselves, don’t be alarmed if you receive a condolence arrangement in dark crimson, as it a way to convey deep shared sorrow and grief. Last, a single rose when placed in a funeral spray is a symbol of eternal love.
Sweet Pea
The stunning and fragile Sweetpea has a very poignant, yet simple meaning ‘goodbye.’ Closest in appearance to perhaps an orchid, these delicate blooms can add a unique look and lovely fragrance to any funeral arrangement. As they come in many colours, for a traditional funeral try to stick to the Sweetpea’s softer colours of white, pink, and lavender to represent the peaceful farewell you are wanting to give your loved one.
Zinnias
The last of the cut flowers on our list is the Yellow Zinnias. Like many others mentioned, Zinnias come in a variety of colours. However, it is only the yellow that symbolises remembrance. Perfect for a more casual service or celebration of life, these long-lasting flowers can lend a cheerful brightness to the day, especially if it is for someone who loved to laugh.
Live Plants
Orchids
The first and probably the most recognisable of live plants is the Orchid. While also used in cut arrangements, it has become increasingly popular to display live flowering plants at funerals with pink and white orchids being some of the most common. Orchids in general, are a symbol of love but white and pink symbolise sympathy and are quite often sent as a plant to a bereaved person. If you want something that says ‘I will always love, you’ then orchids are the funeral flower for you.
Cyclamen
The name of this plant gives its inclusion on this list away. The tiny, yet beautiful cornflower-blue blossoms, are a timeless and charming symbol of remembrance. This annual plant is not typically found in cut arrangements due to the fragility and size of the flowers, but a Forget-Me-Knot makes for a great funeral potted plant, especially if you don’t wish to have it hanging around for decades afterward. To your departed loved one, it is a promise to never forget them and the impact their life had on you.
So, what flowers best suit your needs? If using one primary flower, hopefully these give you an idea of what you can use as accents to fill out your bouquet. When in doubt about colour, white is always the safe option. But where you’re using purple peonies, classic green foliage, or anything your heart desires, another possibility to consider is carrying your floral these through the rest of your funeral. Reflecting the flowers in the orders-of-service, slideshows and décor can be a nice way to honour someone who loved nature.
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