Funeral flowers are a very traditional part of funerals and memorials, often adorning the place where the ceremony is held, placed on a coffin or made into a large wreath. This is a comprehensive guide into funeral flowers as we explore if funeral flowers are the right option for everyone.
Types of funeral flower arrangements.
There are a few different kinds of arrangements you’ll see at funerals. These are the most popular types.
Casket sprays
Casket flowers or sprays are what you will typically find placed on top of a coffin or casket. These are specially designed to lay flat on the coffin and cover the surface area, with different kinds of flowers held within the arrangement. Casket sprays can cost from $250 to $600.
Standing sprays
You might have seen a flower arrangement resting upright on an easel or stand, such as a wreath, special bouquet or even shaped in a cross for religious funerals. These are known as standing sprays and can be customised with different flowers or designs. These tend to cost around $100 to $400.
Bouquets
Bouquets of flowers are also a popular choice for funeral flowers, and can be more cost effective. They can be displayed in a vase and cost from $50 to $200.
Different kinds of flowers in funeral arrangements.
Choosing what kinds of flowers to use for a funeral arrangement is a deeply personal decision, and should begin with if the deceased had any favourite flowers. You can discuss this with a florist and they will be able to come up with an arrangement that features the flower. If there is no favourite flower, you have more choice on what you like, or what the florist may suggest.
Some of the most popular flowers used are lilies, roses, orchids, carnations, tulips and chrysanthemums. Some flowers have special meanings that might connect to the deceased. For example, in Europe, chrysanthemums are only used for funerals and nothing else, and in Asia they symbolise grief and sorrow.
Sending flowers as condolences.
Sending a bouquet of flowers as a sympathy gift or condolences is fairly common, and can be a thoughtful way to show your respect. Other sympathy gift ideas can be a care package, sending cooked meals or food delivery vouchers, and even donations to charity on behalf of the deceased.
Religious and cultural considerations for funeral flowers.
Like how chrysanthemums can have different meanings and uses in different countries, many other cultures and religions have their own traditions when it comes to displaying and giving flowers for a funeral.
Jewish Funerals
You won't find any flowers at a Jewish funeral as this is inappropriate. Instead of sending flowers as condolences, consider another gift such as cooking a meal or a donation to charity.
Christian Funerals
Most Christian faiths include flowers at funerals, however some specific religions such as Orthodox will only use white flowers.
Buddhist Funerals
Expect to see only white flowers at a Buddhist funeral. You will not see any red in sight, as red flowers are a symbol of happiness. Food is also not an appropriate gift.
Muslim Funerals
On occasion, white flowers can be appropriate for Muslim funerals, however it’s best to check with the family of the deceased first. Other gifts such as food or a donation to charity are more accepted if you do not want to bother the family.
DIY approach to funeral flowers
If you’re organising a more casual memorial, spending hundreds of dollars on flowers might not feel like the right decision for the deceased.
To bring all the guests together, on the invitation you can request all guests to bring a small bunch or bouquet of flowers. These can be combined on arrival to create one large bouquet or display, creating a unique arrangement filled with the love of friends and family. This is a more cost effective option and all guests get to contribute.
Do you really need flowers at a funeral?
Flowers are a very traditional part of a funeral, particularly with coffins and burials. For a cremation, you may just opt for a single standing spray or bouquet of flowers at the memorial, or you might want nothing at all.
Don’t feel pressured to purchase expensive flowers just because it’s the “traditional” thing to do. If the deceased hated flowers, why would you have them at their funeral? And if they loved flowers, you’d want to put on a ceremony that celebrates who they were, so flowers would be a perfect choice.
To speak with one of our funeral arrangers, please give us a call on 1800 071 176, or head to the Bare Cremation website for more information.
