5 Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting Funeral Flowers

Flowers are a common staple at funeral services and serve as a meaningful tribute to a loved one who has passed away.

Whether they’re selected by immediate family members or gifted, flowers are a special way to celebrate the unique life lived. Beyond their beauty, flowers are also a means of expression. They’re a sign of love and respect, and a symbol representing your loved one’s beautiful life.

Below, we outline five factors to consider when selecting the appropriate arrangement for your loved one’s end-of-life celebration.

1. Type of Flower

While any flower can be used for a funeral, there are certain types that are more common than others. Each flower has its own symbolic meaning, which adds an extra layer of significance when selecting floral arrangements.

For instance, lilies are commonly associated with funeral services, representing innocence and purity. Carnations, on the other hand, are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements. Other popular flowers include roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, hyacinths, gladioli, tulips and hydrangeas.

If your loved one favored daffodils or sunflowers, be sure to incorporate those flowers into the arrangements. This is a meaningful way to celebrate the departed’s memory at their service.

2. Style

Every flower, when tastefully arranged, is appropriate for the funeral service of the departed.  

Choosing a befitting floral design can require some thought from family members and friends. Common arrangements include:

• Vases and baskets. Flower arrangements in a vase or basket are designed to either sit on the floor or a tabletop. These arrangements are easily transferrable to a home, church or special place of significance following the service.
• Half/full-couch casket sprays. Casket sprays are designed for the adornment of a casket. A half-couch casket spray is smaller than a full-couch casket spray to accommodate the open casket. Full-couch caskets are typically purchased if the casket is closed.
• Standing sprays. Standing sprays come in many shapes, sizes and designs. While often shaped like an oval, these flower arrangements may also take the shape of a wreath, heart or cross.

A funeral director or florist will walk you through your options and help you select the appropriate flowers for your loved one.

>>> Related Resource: 7 Funeral Personalization Ideas Every Family Should Consider

3. Color

The color of funeral flowers can also hold deep meanings. You can choose flower colors based on your personal preference or your loved one’s favorite color.

One of the most common flower colors you’ll see at a funeral is white, which represents sympathy. Other common colors include red, which represents love and strength; pink, which also represents sympathy; and blue, which represents serenity.

Culturally, colors also play a pivotal role in making funeral arrangements. For instance, family members arranging a Buddhist funeral service will generally choose white flowers, as white symbolizes mourning. They’ll avoid red, as it represents happiness and wealth.

4. Cost

Funeral flowers have a way of transforming a solemn funeral service into a celebration of life.

With a variety of colors and styles available to purchase, the fourth factor to consider when selecting funeral flowers is cost.

A simple arrangement costs anywhere between $50 and $125, while a large casket spray can cost upwards of $700. However, the cost is truly dependent on your own personal budget.

Keep in mind that friends and family of the deceased may choose to send flowers to the church or funeral home in memory of your loved one. You can factor these additional arrangements into the overall design of your loved one’s tribute.

4. Culture

For some cultures, including flowers at a funeral service is considered inappropriate. For instance, it’s uncommon to see flowers at a Jewish funeral. It’s also not customary to send or bring flowers to a Hindu funeral, though flowers still play a significant role in those services. It’s important to keep this in mind when preparing arrangements for a loved one who’s final wish is to abide by their culture’s specific customs.

>>> Related Resource: In Lieu of Flowers: 3 Alternative Funeral Gift Ideas

Let Us Help You At Every Step of the Funeral Planning Process

Planning a flower arrangement is one of the many steps to take when preparing final arrangements. For more help, download our free Funeral Planning Checklist, which offers guidance on planning a service, tackling legal aspects and more.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.