When a loved one passes, the grief can feel overwhelming. Amidst planning the service, one tradition often brings a moment of quiet reflection: choosing flowers. But which blooms truly honor a life lived? It’s easy to feel lost among roses, lilies, and carnations, unsure if your choice speaks the right message of sympathy and remembrance.
Selecting funeral flowers is more than just picking pretty colors. It’s about finding a meaningful tribute that respects the deceased and comforts the grieving family. Many people worry about choosing something inappropriate or not knowing the traditional meanings behind different arrangements. This pressure adds another layer to an already difficult time.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the most appropriate and meaningful flowers for funerals, explaining what each type symbolizes. You will gain the confidence to select a beautiful, respectful arrangement that perfectly honors your friend or family member. Let’s explore how flowers can offer a final, heartfelt farewell.
Top Flowers For A Funeral Recommendations
- Includes: White Roses + White Lilies + White Asters + Eucalyptus + Free Glass Vase
- To ensure maximum freshness, all orders are delivered directly to your recipient's doorstep, securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Arrival date can be confirmed during checkout.
- Upon arrival, remove flower bouquets from wrap, trim ends of stems and rearrange in vase with fresh water to enjoy a long-lasting, beautiful bouquet. Includes a complimentary flower food packet and simple instructions.
- Fresh flowers are delivered wrapped and secured with a vase in a gift box. Blooms may take 2-3 days to open up and rearranged bouquet may not look exactly like the photos.
- To include a free personalized message to your order, check the box labeled 'This is a gift' in your cart or at checkout. Send a thoughtful, custom note for a special and personal touch!
- For peak freshness, all orders are delivered directly to your doorstep. Please confirm arrival date during order checkout.
- To add a personal message, select "This is a gift" in your cart or at checkout. Add your name to ensure they know who the sender is. When the flowers arrive, peel back the shipping label to reveal the gift message.
- Our fresh flower bouquets arrive to you in their bud stage. This ensures smoother travel & longer lasting blooms. Expect the flowers to open within 2-3 days. Flowers are not for human or animal consumption.
- Remove flowers from the box, trim stems 1 inch & place in a vase with fresh water & flower food. We recommend changing the water often to get more bloom life from the bouquet. Keep out of direct sunlight & extreme heat.
- This fresh flower bouquet includes One Dozen Long Stem White Roses and White Alstroemeria.
- This hand-tied Aquabloom arrangement arrives with fresh-cut White Roses, Disbuds, Mini Carnations, Solidago, Carnations, Lilies, and Mini Poms in a glass vase.
- A Brighter Future: We pride ourselves on our commitment to making your fresh flower delivery as green as possible. Our gorgeous, hand-blown glass vases are made from 100% recycled material by a small, family-operated business so you can feel even better about your fresh cut flower bouquet! Our flowers are sent in recyclable packaging to make things easy on you and your gift recipients.
- A BRIGHTER FUTURE: All of our farms are Rainforest Alliance Certified and our hand-blown glass vases are made from 100% recycled material by a small, family-operated business so you can feel even better about your fresh cut bouquet!
- Stunning Gift: Don’t forget to select “This is a gift” during checkout and sign your name so your loved one can thank you for such a thoughtful gift of fresh flowers! A bouquet of fresh cut flowers is the perfect gift for any occasion. At Arabella Bouquets we have you covered for all your flower needs: birthday, sympathy, anniversary, congratulations, get well soon and more.
- SEND HAPPINESS: At Arabella Bouquets we have you covered for all your flower needs: birthdays, sympathy, anniversary, congratulations, get well soon and more.
- For peak freshness, all orders are delivered directly to your doorstep. Please confirm arrival date during order checkout.
- To add a personal message, select "This is a gift" in your cart or at checkout. Add your name to ensure they know who the sender is. When the flowers arrive, peel back the shipping label to reveal the gift message.
- Our fresh flower bouquets arrive to you in their bud stage. This ensures smoother travel & longer lasting blooms. Expect the flowers to open within 2-3 days. Flowers are not for human or animal consumption.
- Remove flowers from the box, trim stems 1 inch & place in a vase with fresh water & flower food. We recommend changing the water often to get more bloom life from the bouquet. Keep out of direct sunlight & extreme heat.
- This fresh flower bouquet includes 20 Mini Carnations.
- For peak freshness, all orders are delivered directly to your doorstep. Please confirm arrival date during order checkout.
- To add a personal message, select "This is a gift" in your cart or at checkout. Add your name to ensure they know who the sender is. When the flowers arrive, peel back the shipping label to reveal the gift message.
- Our fresh flower bouquets arrive to you in their bud stage. This ensures smoother travel & longer lasting blooms. Expect the flowers to open within 2-3 days. Flowers are not for human or animal consumption.
- Remove flowers from the box, trim stems 1 inch & place in a vase with fresh water & flower food. We recommend changing the water often to get more bloom life from the bouquet. Keep out of direct sunlight & extreme heat.
- This fresh flower bouquet includes Pink Roses and Lilies.
- For peak freshness, all orders are delivered directly to your doorstep. Please confirm arrival date during order checkout.
- To add a personal message, select "This is a gift" in your cart or at checkout. Add your name to ensure they know who the sender is. When the flowers arrive, peel back the shipping label to reveal the gift message.
- Our fresh flower bouquets arrive to you in their bud stage. This ensures smoother travel & longer lasting blooms. Expect the flowers to open within 2-3 days. Flowers are not for human or animal consumption.
- Remove flowers from the box, trim stems 1 inch & place in a vase with fresh water & flower food. We recommend changing the water often to get more bloom life from the bouquet. Keep out of direct sunlight & extreme heat.
- This fresh cut flower bouquet includes Sunflowers, Seasonal Greens, Novelty Poms, Solidago, Statice, Alstroemeria and Seasonal Novelty Flowers.
- ELEGANT WHITE LILIES & ROSES. A graceful 17-stem bouquet of white lilies and white roses, blending timeless elegance and serene charm. Perfect for heartfelt moments, this refined arrangement brings peace and sophistication to any space.
- PREMIUM FRESH FLOWERS. Hand-selected. Enjoy a longer-lasting floral experience.
- ECO-FRIENDLY PRESENTATION. Arrives hand-tied in eco-friendly paper—no vase needed. Beautifully wrapped and ready to gift right out of the box.
- EASY TO CARE FOR. Includes BloomsyBox flower food to extend freshness. Simple care instructions provided to keep your bouquet looking gorgeous.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, thank-you gifts, or just to brighten someone’s day.
- Sympathy Gift: Memorial lanterns are custom memorial gifts for loss loved ones that offer hope, comfort and help to a grieving friend or family member. Flickering flameless candle lights surround us like those we love never leave. Place sympathy lanterns around home to remind you of happy memories. The cardinal pattern on the glass makes us feel that our loved ones are close by.
- Lily Wreath: The memorial lantern is adorned with detachable white lily condolence flowers, which can be chosen to decorate the lantern or by placing a candle in the center, create a beautiful ornament. The white lilies symbolize sanctity and remembrance, sincerely expressing our longing for departed loved ones and friends. This lantern with sympathy flower is also the best sympathy gift for loss of loved one.
- Exquisite Design: Sympathy lanterns are made of solid wood and rust proof iron sheet. The four sides are made of glass, through which the light of the candle shines brightly. The commemorative text on the glass surface is printed by UV printing instead of screen printing, and the definition is 100 times that of screen printing. Size: 12 x 6 x 6 inch, built-in timed LED candle. In memory of loved one gifts.
- 6H Timer: Memory lantern with ON/OFF/TIMER switch for manual or 6-hour auto cycle control, repeating daily, echoing our endless love and remembrance. Battery-operated candles with 2 AA batteries (not included). Offering a flameless, smokeless, and mess-free alternative to traditional candles, Fake candles and sympathy flowers are safe for pets and kids, with no odor. Even if you leave sympathy lanterns next to your bed to miss your loved ones, you can have a perfect night in peace.
- Meaningful Gift: A unique way to treasure loved ones no longer with us. The perfect sympathy gift for loss of father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, son, daughter, brother, sister, friends, husband, wife, etc.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will offer you a satisfactory solution in 24 hours.
Choosing the Right Sympathy Flowers: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
When a loved one passes, selecting the right flowers for a funeral or memorial service can be a meaningful way to show respect and offer comfort. This guide will help you navigate the choices and select arrangements that truly honor the deceased.
Key Features to Look For
When buying funeral flowers, several features matter most.
- Size and Presentation: Consider where the flowers will go. Large standing sprays are great for the service venue. Smaller baskets or bouquets work well for sending directly to the family’s home.
- Longevity: You want flowers that last a few days, especially if the viewing or service spans several days. Look for hearty blooms.
- Appropriate Symbolism: Different flowers carry different meanings. Choosing flowers that reflect the personality or favorite blooms of the deceased is a thoughtful gesture.
Important Materials and Flower Choices
The materials used determine the arrangement’s look and how long it stays fresh.
Common Flower Types:
- Lilies: White lilies are traditional symbols of peace and purity, making them very common for funerals.
- Roses: Red roses show deep love, while white roses signify reverence. Pink roses express grace.
- Carnations: These flowers are long-lasting and come in many colors. White carnations mean pure love, and red ones show deep affection.
- Gladioli: These tall spikes symbolize strength of character and integrity.
Vessel and Structure:
Flowers are often presented in wreaths, sprays (standing arrangements), or baskets. Wreaths symbolize eternal life. Ensure the base material (like foam or water picks) keeps the stems hydrated.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your purchase directly affects how long the arrangement looks beautiful.
What Makes Quality Better:
- Freshness of Stems: Good florists trim stems cleanly before arranging them. Look for firm, green stems, not slimy ones.
- Bloom Stage: Flowers should not be fully open. Slightly closed buds will open over the service days, keeping the arrangement looking fresh longer.
- Color Palette: Muted or traditional colors (whites, creams, soft pastels) are generally preferred for funerals, offering a sense of calm.
What Reduces Quality:
- Damaged Petals: Avoid arrangements showing brown edges or bruised petals. This means they were handled poorly or are old.
- Overcrowding: If the arrangement is too tightly packed, air cannot circulate, causing flowers to wilt faster.
User Experience and Use Cases
The experience of sending funeral flowers should be simple and respectful.
When to Send:
Most flowers are sent directly to the funeral home before the viewing or service. If you are sending to the family home, it is best to send them a day or two after the service, as the family receives many deliveries during the immediate crisis.
Ease of Ordering:
Look for florists who understand funeral etiquette. They should clearly label arrangements suitable for the service versus those meant for the home. Many reputable online services offer clear guidance on delivery times to the funeral venue.
Choosing flowers is a personal act. Focus on sending something that conveys your heartfelt sympathy and respect for the life that was lived.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Flowers
Q: What is the most appropriate color for funeral flowers?
A: White is the most traditional color, symbolizing peace and reverence. However, soft pastels or colors that the deceased loved are also very appropriate.
Q: Do I need to send flowers if I am attending the service?
A: No, it is not mandatory. Your presence is often the most important tribute. If you choose not to send flowers, a sympathy card is always recommended.
Q: Can I send flowers directly to the family’s home instead of the funeral home?
A: Yes, this is often a thoughtful choice. Sending flowers to the home ensures the family can enjoy them after the intense period of the services has passed.
Q: How do I know if the funeral home accepts flower deliveries?
A: Most major funeral homes accept deliveries, but it is always wise to call the funeral home ahead of time to confirm their receiving hours and policies.
Q: What is the difference between a spray and a wreath?
A: A spray is usually a large, one-sided arrangement displayed on an easel. A wreath is circular, symbolizing eternal life, and is often placed near the casket.
Q: Are silk or artificial flowers acceptable for funerals?
A: Artificial flowers are sometimes used, especially if the service is held outdoors where real flowers might wilt quickly. However, fresh flowers are generally preferred as a sign of life and immediate tribute.
Q: Should I include a card with the flowers?
A: Yes, always include a card. State your relationship to the deceased or the family briefly, and offer a short message of condolence.
Q: What if the obituary requests “in lieu of flowers”?
A: If the family requests “in lieu of flowers,” you must honor that request. This usually means they prefer donations to a specific charity or organization instead of floral tributes.
Q: How long will fresh funeral flowers usually last?
A: With proper care (keeping them away from direct heat), sturdy flowers like carnations and chrysanthemums can last one to two weeks. More delicate blooms may last only a few days.
Q: Can I personalize the flowers based on the person’s hobbies?
A: Absolutely. Florists can create custom arrangements, like using sunflowers if the person loved gardening, or incorporating sports team colors. This personal touch is often deeply appreciated.