How to Select Funeral Flowers for a Loved One’s End-Of-Life Celebration

“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” –Theodore Roethke

As part of making final arrangements, family members often select flowers to enhance the funeral service for a deceased loved one.

With pops of color, flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate the unique life lived. Beyond their beauty, flowers are a means of expression. They’re a sign of love and respect, and serve as a tribute to the deceased.

To help you and your family select the appropriate arrangement for your loved one, we outline three factors to consider when selecting funeral flowers for an end-of-life celebration below.

1. Significance

While any flower can be used for a funeral, there are certain floral arrangements that are more common than others.

For instance, lilies are most commonly associated with funeral services, representing majesty and purity. Carnations, on the other hand, are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements.

Each flower has its own symbolic meaning, which adds an extra layer of significance when selecting floral arrangements. 

If your loved one favored daffodils or hydrangeas, be sure to incorporate such flowers into floral arrangements to celebrate the deceased’s memory at their service. The types of flowers you select can express specific sentiments of the deceased.

2. Style

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

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.
• Wreaths. Funeral wreaths come in many shapes, sizes and designs. While often circular, flower arrangements may also take the shape of a heart or cross.

The type of arrangement often depends on the size of the flower. For example, funeral service floral arrangements usually have larger flowers to create a dynamic tribute.

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. 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 third 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.

Make Your Loved One’s Service a Personalized Celebration of Life

To bring color and life to your loved one’s funeral service, visit our flower shop for featured arrangements and prices.

Or, if you’ve experienced a death in the family, the Busch team is available 24/7 to answer questions and offer assistance in end-of-life planning. We invite you to contact Busch at any time for questions on cremation, burial, preplanning or grief support.

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