You just lost someone dear to you. This painful time calls for paying thoughtful tribute to honor their memory. Nothing speaks comfort and beauty during bereavement like flowers. Their ephemeral nature reminds us of life’s fragility. Their vivid colors and sweet scents soothe heavy hearts. Read on to discover elegant yet affordable flower arrangements to commemorate your loved one. We’ll explore classic and contemporary options to adorn the funeral and gravesite. You’ll find tips to choose meaningful blooms that capture your loved one’s spirit. With this guidance, you can create a fitting floral farewell to cherish always.
Choosing the Right Flowers for a Funeral Arrangement
When selecting flowers for a funeral arrangement, consider the personal preferences of the loved one you want to honor. Some classic choices include roses, lilies, carnations, or chrysanthemums in white or soft pastel shades like pink or yellow. However, if the deceased had a favorite flower or color, incorporating those into the arrangement can make it extra meaningful.
Another factor to keep in mind is the cultural and religious traditions of the family. For some faiths and ethnic groups, certain flowers or colors hold symbolic significance or are considered inappropriate for mourning. Research or speak to the family’s florist to ensure your selection is respectful and appropriate.
In the end, the most meaningful funeral flower arrangement is the one that pays tribute to the spirit and essence of the loved one you have lost. So please think of the flowers and colors that brighten your memories of them, and create a display that honors the joy and light they brought to your life.
Popular Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings
Certain flowers are commonly used in funeral arrangements, and each has its special meaning. When choosing flowers to honor your loved one, consider these popular options and the sentiments they convey.
Roses
Roses are a traditional funeral flower and a heartfelt way to express love and pride. Red roses signify deep love and respect. White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and reverence. A mixed bouquet of red and white roses combines these touching meanings.
Lilies
With their brilliant white petals and intense fragrance, lilies are perfect for conveying sympathy. They are also tied to rebirth and renewal. The white lily, in particular, is a typical funeral flower meant to honor the departed’s life.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are associated with death and grief in many cultures. Their petals come in muted, somber colors like burgundy, bronze, and rust. Sending a bouquet of chrysanthemums is a way to say you think of the loved ones left behind.
Beautiful Ways to Arrange Funeral Flowers
Florals in the Favorite Colors
Choose flowers in the colors your loved one cherished. If red was their favorite color, arrange red roses, carnations, and gerbera daisies. A bouquet of yellow tulips, sunflowers, and daffodils would be a touching tribute to someone who loved yellow. Adding a ribbon in the favorite color is another meaningful detail.
A Floral Blanket or Wreath
A blanket or wreath of flowers covering the casket creates a peaceful and loving scene. White flowers like roses, lilies, orchids, or chrysanthemums are traditional and symbolic. You can also do an
Arrangement with pastel flowers in pinks, blues, or purples. Another simple but stunning option is a wreath of greenery like eucalyptus leaves and baby’s breath.
A Themed Arrangement
Create an arrangement inspired by your loved one’s hobbies, interests, or profession. For hardeners, include flowers they grew like hydrangeas, iris, or dahlias. For a chef, use herbs like rosemary, thyme and lavender. Pencils, mini chalkboards, and alphabet blocks amidst the flowers would be a heartfelt detail for a teacher. Themed arrangements give friends and family a chance to reminisce about happy memories.
A Frame of Flowers
A frame of flowers, greenery, or branches around a favorite photo of your loved one highlights their memory. You can do a simple frame with a baby’s breath or create an asymmetrical frame with a lush mix of roses, orchids, and eucalyptus. Place the framed photo on an easel beside the casket or at the front of the service. This is a meaningful way for everyone to reflect on the honored life.
Sending Funeral Flowers Etiquette
Sending flowers to a funeral is a thoughtful and poignant way to express condolences to the deceased’s loved ones. However, you should follow a few guidelines when sending funeral flowers.
Choose an Appropriate Arrangement
Select an arrangement that is suitable for a funeral service. Avoid bright colors and choose more solemn hues like whites, creams, or pastel colors. Flower arrangements like wreaths, crosses, or standing sprays are traditional and thoughtful choices. You could always go right with a bouquet of lilies, roses, or carnations.
Include a card
Always include a card to express your condolences. Write a personal message mentioning the deceased’s name and your relationship with them. Offer your sympathy and support to the family during this difficult time. Your kind and comforting words can provide solace. Keep the message relatively short, around 2 to 3 sentences. Sign your full name at the end of the card.
Notify the Funeral Home
Contact the funeral home to provide the details of your flower delivery. Give them your name, the name of the deceased, and the type of arrangement you ordered. Ask if you should be aware of any delivery restrictions or recommendations. The funeral staff can adequately receive the flowers on your behalf and include a card to identify you as the sender.
Consider a Memorial Donation
Instead of flowers, you might consider making a memorial donation to a charity or organization that was meaningful to the deceased. Families often appreciate donations that honor the legacy of their loved ones. Be sure to notify the family that you have donated memory of the dead. They will likely send you an acknowledgment card with gratitude for your thoughtfulness and support.
When sending funeral flowers, following proper etiquette demonstrates your respect for the deceased and your support for the grieving family during this time of mourning. Your thoughtfulness can bring comfort.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how flower arrangements can help honor your loved one’s life and comfort those mourning their loss. With the proper selection of flowers and thoughtful design, you can create a meaningful tribute. Focus on colors, flower types, and arrangements representing your loved one’s spirit. Work closely with your florist to bring your vision to life. The process of choosing the flowers and putting together the arrangement can be very cathartic. When the day comes, the final arrangements will look beautiful and remind everyone of the incredible person they’re there to remember. Let the flowers open hearts to the love that will always remain.
