29Oct 2021
Do you need help with a flower delivery for a funeral? The death of a loved one can be an extremely stressful time, and if you are struggling to select the ideal floral tributes, you may need some help. Discover how to choose floral tributes for funerals and alleviate some of the stress associated with organising the funeral of someone you love with our handy guide.
What are floral tributes?
Floral tributes are the flowers that are left at the graveside or flowers delivered for a funeral. These tributes can take many forms, from bouquets, and wreaths, to coffin sprays, and words created using flowers. Choosing the most appropriate floral tributes will depend on certain factors, including your relationship with the deceased, and the religion and culture of the deceased and their family.
Sending flowers to the family of the deceased
Although it is considered traditional in the UK to send sympathy flowers and funeral flower arrangements to the family of the deceased, not all cultures accept flowers during the period of mourning. Christian cultures, such as the Church of England, and Catholicism embrace the gifting of flowers but may ask mourners to donate to charity instead of sending flowers. In Judaism, gifts shouldn’t be given during the period of mourning, and this includes the giving of flowers. After the period of mourning, it is usual for fruit baskets and food gifts to be accepted. If you are sending flowers by post or having flowers sent to a Mormon family, ensure you don’t send flowers in the shape of a cross, as this is not part of their faith. In Hinduism, flowers are an important part of the funeral ceremony, but should not be gifted as it is the family’s responsibility to include certain flowers in the funeral rituals. If you are uncertain about the traditions and customs of the deceased’s family, contact the funeral home or religious leader conducting the ceremony to clarify.
If flowers are accepted at the funeral, as a friend or distant family member, you may want to send flowers ahead of the funeral. Bouquets and wreaths are perfectly acceptable and present a thoughtful way to show respect to the deceased and their family.
Flowers chosen by the family
Floral tributes such as the coffin spray that lies on top of the coffin and words created using flowers should be chosen by the immediate family that is organising the funeral. The family may want to select a full coffin spray or a half coffin spray. Floral words can consist of single letters spelling particular words such as “DAD”, “MUM”, “BROTHER” etc., or “WIFE”, HUSBAND”, or nicknames. A reputable florist will be able to assist with choosing the right flowers for these floral words and help you include any favourite flowers and colours that the deceased would have preferred.
Last-minute funeral flowers
If you are attending a funeral that is being held at short notice, using same day flower delivery or next day flower delivery is a great way to ensure your flowers arrive on time. These flowers should be sent to the funeral home rather than taken with you to the funeral. Make sure you address the flowers using the family name of the deceased, so the funeral organisers know for which funeral the flowers are intended. Online florists are ideal for swift flower delivery should you need to purchase flowers quickly. Popular choices for funeral bouquets include carnations, roses, and lilies. Should you be in any doubt about what flowers to select, choosing traditional flowers is a safe option. White flowers symbolise purity and innocence and red flowers, such as roses, depict everlasting love.
