21Jan 2022
The Significance of Flowers for a Funeral
Flowers have long been used to show respect and to adorn coffins and venues at funerals, but what is the significance of flowers at a funeral? Discover why florists recommend certain flowers for funerals and the meaning behind certain colours and types of flowers in our handy guide to funeral flowers and their significance.
Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings
Just as a flower can live a vibrant, colourful life, so too can people, and just like a flower, we will all perish one day. This simple comparison is one of the reasons that flowers are chosen to decorate funeral venues and the final resting places of those we love. Colour plays an important part in choosing, and having funeral flowers delivered. For example, deep red roses convey long-lasting love, which is what the bereaved will be feeling for the person they have lost. It can seem unusual that roses, which are mostly seen as romance flowers, or flowers you would gift as anniversary flowers or use as wedding flowers would feature at a funeral. However, red roses symbolise not only romantic love but a deep love that cannot be broken.
White roses are another popular choice as the rose symbolises love, and the whiteness of the blooms convey purity, innocence, and hope. It is most common for white roses to be used at the funeral of a younger person or children owing to the meaning behind these beautiful flowers.
One of the most common flowers delivered to funerals, or used in the funeral service, are lilies. White lilies are said to portray the innocence of the soul departing the body to rest in heaven. The white stargazer lily is also believed to be the perfect way to show sympathy to the bereaved.
What Cheap Flowers Appropriate for Funerals?
You may need to stick to a certain budget when planning a funeral, and it can be difficult to know how to combine buying affordable blooms with making sure they convey the dignity and respect your loved one deserves. Many flower shops offer deals when buying several bouquets and arrangements, and any good florist should try their best to work within your budget. Carnations are wonderful flowers that are available at reasonable prices. The carnation also holds significant meaning for funerals as they signify strength, love, healing, and protection.
The Meaning Behind Specific Floral Arrangements for Funerals
Besides bouquets, there are many different ways in which funeral flowers can be arranged. Funeral pillows are popular as they represent a soft place for the deceased to lay their head. These can be arranged into heart shapes or traditional pillow shapes.
Funeral wreaths symbolise everlasting life as the circle never ends. These have long been a traditional choice of funeral flower arrangement and can adorn the coffin and the graveside. Wreaths have been used in many guises since Ancient Greece and convey respect and reverence at this sad time.
Crosses are used by religious people, specifically, Christians to symbolise the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe, that like Jesus, they will join God in Heaven when they die. As floral funeral crosses are specific to Christian religions, it is important that you ascertain the appropriateness of your gesture before arranging for a funeral cross to be delivered to a funeral.
Worded tributes created using flowers are usually only organised by close family members. These types of funeral flowers can spell out words such as “Mum”, “Dad”, “Grandpa”, etc. These are usually displayed in the windows of the hearse as the coffin travels to the service and then to the grave. They can, of course, be sent by close friends too, but if you are unsure if your flowers will be appropriate, check with the family or funeral organisers.
