08Dec 2021
Guide to Funeral Flower Etiquette for Family, Friends and Coworkers
Attending a funeral can prove a little nerve-racking for many. You may be concerned about saying or doing the right things. There is a certain etiquette involved when attending a funeral. That includes knowing what to say, whether to bring gifts, and whether or not to have flowers delivered. As flowers are such a prominent part of many funerals, it is important to know the etiquette associated with flower delivery and whether to send flowers and which florists to use. Follow our guide to funeral flower etiquette and discover which flowers to buy from the florist.
Funeral Flowers Ordered by the Family
Close family members of the deceased are responsible for selecting certain flowers to be displayed at the service and the graveside.
The coffin will often be covered with casket spray. This is a beautiful floral display that lies on top of the coffin during the service. You can select a full casket spray or half casket spray. The full casket spray will be a large arrangement of flowers that covers most, if not all, the casket. A half casket spray will be a smaller display. These sprays provide a focal point at the service. You may want to select traditional flowers such as white roses, lilies or orchids. Alternatively, you may want to choose flowers that reflect the preferences of the deceased. Your florist will be able to help you should you not know what flowers to choose.
Floral letters are also a popular choice for funerals. The family of the deceased may want to purchase flowers that show the relationship of the deceased to the family. For example, floral tributes such as Grandad or mum can be created. Non-immediate family members can also purchase wreaths to show respect to the deceased and their immediate family members.
Funeral Flowers from Friends
Choosing flowers to send to the funeral of a friend can be a grey area. However, only family members would send letter tributes, and there are other options for friends to select. Should you be a close friend of the deceased and want to show this through floral letters, it is best to ask the family first. Wreaths are perfectly acceptable flowers to send to the funeral of a friend. Sending flowers to the family is also a way to show respect. These flowers can be in the form of a sympathy bouquet or plant.
Funeral Flowers from Colleagues
When a colleague dies and you are attending their funeral, there are certain rules of etiquette you should adhere to. Some religions, such as Judaism prefer not to receive flowers following a death, especially during the period of mourning. It would be wise to learn the religion of your colleague before sending flowers. However, if you learn that their religion does not prohibit the gifting of flowers following a death, it is courteous to send sympathy flowers to the family of the deceased. Rather than organise for the flowers to be sent to the funeral director, they can best send where the flowers will be placed. Ensure you put the name of the family on the flowers, so the funeral directors know for which funeral the flowers are to be used.
