Choosing the Right Flowers For A Funeral or Memorial Service

When did it become commonplace for flowers to be sent to families after a loved one has passed? Actually, the rituals associating flowers with funerals goes way back in time, some 60,000 years ago, to the prehistoric era when flowers were placed around bodies after death. But for more recent history, flowers became the “gift” of choice for grieving families during the Victorian Era. Flowers remain today as a thoughtful way to express sympathy, honor a loved one, and offer comfort to a grieving family. Whether you are sending flowers to a service or the family’s home, a few simple guidelines can help you choose an appropriate arrangement.

Flowers for a Funeral Service – Larger arrangements such as standing sprays, wreaths, crosses, and casket sprays are traditional choices for a funeral service. These arrangements are designed to be displayed prominently and can help create a beautiful, comforting setting. The higher cost can be tempered by sharing the arrangement with friends or co-workers. Smaller display options are also available such as a floral basket, spray, or bouquet. It’s best to consider the person being remembered when making your selection. Their favorite flowers or colors can make an arrangement especially personal. If there is a graveside service that follows, flowers from the funeral service may be taken to the gravesite and placed around the casket or urn. Family members and friends may choose to place individual flowers on the casket or at the grave as a final gesture of farewell.

Sending Flowers to the Home – A smaller bouquet, floral arrangement, or flowering plant can be a thoughtful way to offer sympathy at home. Plants can be especially meaningful because they continue to provide beauty long after the service. Sending an arrangement after the funeral is perfectly acceptable and actually a very kind gesture. Once the service is over and the initial support has quieted, flowers can remind the family that they are still being remembered. Before sending flowers, check the obituary or funeral home website for the family’s preferences. If the family has requested charitable donations in lieu of flowers, consider following their wishes.

A Few Etiquette Tips – If sending flowers to a service, make sure they are delivered to the funeral home or designated location in time for the service. For flowers sent to a home, include a personal message so the family is aware who sent the arrangements. It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes arrangements arrive with no personal notes and just add to confusion for the family.

It’s important to remember that there is no perfect flower or arrangement. A sincere gesture of remembrance and support is what matters most.

For our next blog, we explore just what happens to all the flowers after the services are over.