Flowers for Funerals: A Guide to Flower Options, Ordering Process & More

When a friend, family member, or neighbor has passed away, it can be difficult to know how to best support their loved ones and pay proper respects. One of the most common ways that people acknowledge someone’s passing is with flowers. However, not all flowers are considered appropriate for grieving.

If you’re not sure what types of flowers to buy for a funeral or for a loved one in bereavement, you’re not alone. With so many flowers to choose from, there can be a lot of pressure associated with this decision.

Here is everything you need to know about choosing flowers for funerals and what the ordering process looks like.

Best Flower Types for Funerals and Sympathy Gifts

Different flowers will have various connotations associated with them depending on cultural and religious backgrounds as well as personal preferences. However, it’s hard to go wrong with these classic funeral and sympathy flowers.

• Lilies
• Chrysanthemums
• Orchids

Lilies

Lilies, particularly of the white variety, are one of the most common choices for funerals, memorials, and bereaved households. These flowers are known to represent peace, innocence, and sympathy. Cut lilies can last for up to two weeks when cared for properly, and potted lilies can live for many years.

Peace lilies are also popular in funeral settings. They have a similar look to traditional lilies but are sturdier, last longer, and are easier to care for compared to other indoor plants.

Chrysanthemums

In many cultures, white chrysanthemums symbolize grief. This type of flower can also represent well-wishing and healing, and it pairs well in mixed bouquets with many other types of flowers. Cut chrysanthemums usually last around three weeks.

Orchids

There are many different colors of orchids that symbolize various sentiments, but orchids generally represent wisdom and healing. The best orchid colors for funeral arrangements are often white and purple, which are symbols of innocence, dignity, and respect.

Orchids are ideal to give as potted plants because they can thrive for decades when cared for properly.

How to Order Funeral and Sympathy Flowers

The ordering process for sympathy or funeral flowers is relatively straightforward. Most florists create floral arrangements for funerals, memorials, and bereavement often, so your florist will have many helpful tips and recommendations during the ordering process.

No matter which florist you choose, it can be helpful to keep these key tips in mind:

Read Funeral Announcements Closely

Before you take the time to order flowers for a funeral or memorial, make sure you’ve looked over the funeral announcement carefully. Some cultures and religions are very specific about the types of flowers they’d like when grieving, and this information will likely be laid out in the funeral announcement.

Additionally, many families choose to ask for other forms of donation or assistance other than flowers. Some families request food or other necessities to help through the bereavement process in lieu of flowers, while some encourage friends and loved ones to make charitable donations instead of purchasing flowers.

Most grieving families will still be grateful for a lovely bouquet or basket. If you’re in doubt about whether flowers are the right gesture, consider making a donation to charity in the deceased’s name.

Choose Your Flower Presentation

If you’ve determined that flowers are the right gesture for a grieving friend or family member, take the time to carefully select the right flowers and presentation. You could choose a single-flower bouquet, or you could design a mixed bouquet with many different flowers to symbolize various sentiments.

The bereaved family might have a use for flower arrangements outside of bouquets and baskets. For example, supplying casket wreaths, casket sprays, or floral crosses for the funeral might be more meaningful to your loved ones than a standard bouquet. Depending on the size of the funeral, you may need to order multiple arrangements.

Communicate With Your Florist

Florists work with funeral homes and grieving families often, so your florist will be able to work with you on the best way to present your funeral flowers.

There will be certain details you will want to make sure you communicate to your florist. For example, does your loved one need the flowers for the actual funeral, or are they being sent as a gift after the fact?

These details will affect the types of floral arrangements you should send and when. Provide your florist with all the specifics they’ll need to create beautiful customized arrangements and deliver them in a timely, appropriate manner.

Brighten Your Bereaved Loved One’s Day With Flowers

Selecting the best flowers for a sympathy gift or funeral is an important decision. However, keep in mind that the intention behind your gift is the most crucial part of all. As long as you do your research to the best of your ability and send a gift from the heart, your contribution will mean a great deal to the family of the deceased.