There are many more things going on at a funeral than meets the eye, and many times, it’s left to the florist to arrange the coffin flowers among other things. Arranging flowers for funeral service proceedings can be stressful, and there’s much more to the art.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what options you have when looking to create a beautiful send off for a loved one or sympathy flowers for someone close to you.
Kinds of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Anyone who has been to funerals in the past will know not every flower arrangement is the same. There is a wide range of options on the market, from miniature baskets to dramatic florals on large display stands.
Wreaths
Funeral wreaths can be stunningly beautiful. They come in various designs that offer an ample variety of flowers that can be used.
Nothing is more poignant than a wreath, as its circular design represents the circle of life.
Wreaths are suitable for funerals, such as coffin flowers or other decorations for the day. With them also being easy to move from the funeral home or church to the gravesite, they can lift both scenes during the day.
A Cross
Crosses are designed similarly to a funeral wreath, only the shape of being a cross is different.
A popular choice if the person and the family are particularly religious.
Casket Spray
If you have seen stunningly beautiful flowers cascading over the top of a casket, that is known as a ‘casket spray’. The arrangement is naturally close to the deceased, and with them being made from only one or two flowers, they can be meaningful to the relatives.
After the burial, it is customary to leave the casket spray and the gravesite for remembrance; alternatively, each close family member can be given a flower as a keepsake.
Easel Spray
Easel Sprays are one of the most common funeral flowers, familiar as they sit perfectly on an easel.
These stunning arrangements tend to be the most popular and contain roses or carnations. Note: Always have them arranged frontways as they lie flat against the easel. A basket of flowers is a good alternative if the venue is more suited for 360-degree views.
Basket
The basket offers versatility. Most basket arrangements are typical of funerals. Using associated flowers such as lilies or gladiolus, they suit every funeral occasion as they vary in size and can be moved around easily during the day.
Funeral Flower Types
Ever been in a situation where you need to order funeral flowers before?
Well, there are no hard and fast rules, but some basic guidelines are good to consider.
There are certain types of flowers that are common at funerals.
Lily
The lily is found at almost all funerals and is a flower that symbolises death. The lily carries a powerful message of innocence, the soul’s rebirth and purity.
Carnation
Carnations are both pretty and inexpensive, making them a go-to for funerals. They hold themselves well in large displays that contain many other flowers.
Carnation represents innocence, and red is the sign of love and admiration, with pink as a remembrance colour.
Gladiolus
The gladiolus is a tall flower with a stalwart option as a spray. Flowers of different heights offer an opportunity to create stunning arrangements.
They are pretty flowers that come in a variety of shades. They symbolise strength in character so that they can act as a complement to the deceased.
Rose
The rose is possibly the most famous flower in the world and has become symbolic of death in many Western countries—deep red acts as sorrow, and its white counterpart representing innocence.
Flower Meanings and Colours
If you have noticed a pattern of specific colours at funerals, they have a particular meaning in death and remembrance, hence why they are common at funerals.
Here we will look at standard colours that a florist would use while making the theme for the funeral.
- White: White is the most commonly used flower for funeral services. White flowers represent purity and innocence, and with the most popular flowers such as lilies, carnations and roses coming in white, it is the most used colour.
- Red: Is a colour that enlightens the senses and represents love, passion and grief, making it a popular choice. The rose is the most obvious choice for red, but carnations also work very well.
- Yellow: Yellow is a friendship colour, so many people would ask themselves does yellow have a place at funerals? Yes, it does. Many of the most intense arrangements and spray will have spatterings of yellow within. Gladiolus flowers represent an excellent yellow option.
- Lavender: Lavender is a colour of humility and respect, so it plays a principal role in many displays.
- Blue: Blue is representative of sorrow, so there will always be a place at a funeral for blue flowers. Larkspurs and delphinium would be the best choice if you wanted blue to be prominent on the day.
SUMMARY
Funerals can be a new experience for many who have never had to organise or contribute with flowers. There are no set rules but guidelines and certain etiquette when choosing flowers as they have a specific meaning. Please don’t order the first thing you see. Please speak to your local florist for advice; it’s what they specialise in.
