How to Choose the Flowers for a Funeral
Flowers have been used for centuries to convey sympathy and remember those who have passed on. They’re an important part of traditional funeral services today, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the huge variety of options available. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right flowers to memorialize a loved one.
Common Types of Funeral Arrangements
- Casket spray: These arrangements are designed to be laid across a casket. Full-size sprays are generally used on top of closed caskets, while half-size sprays are designed to be used for open caskets and placed over the closed portion.
- Inside pieces: These are flower arrangements designed to be placed inside an open casket. They are sometimes designed to fit in the corner or made in the shape of a pillow.
- Standing spray: This is a (usually large) arrangement that’s prominently displayed on an easel near the casket. It can be a general arrangement similar to a casket spray, or the flowers can be arranged in the shape of a cross, heart, wreath, or other shape.
- Funeral baskets and bouquets: These flowers either come in baskets to be placed around the area where the service will be held, or they come arranged in bouquets designed for vases. These flowers can also be used as table decorations for post-funeral events.
Types of Flowers
There are many different types of flowers that work well for a funeral. Of course, choosing the deceased’s favorite varieties is always appropriate.
Flowers often used for funeral arrangements include:
- Lilies: Probably the most popular for funerals, lilies symbolize the innocence that has been returned to the departed’s soul. White stargazer is the variety most commonly used.
- Roses: Each color has a different meaning, but overall roses are used to convey reverence and humility. A single rose included in a bouquet is a symbol of enduring love.
- Gladioli: These tall flowers are striking in sprays and can measure up to four feet tall. They symbolize sincere strength of character and integrity.
- Carnations: These are especially popular because they last a long time and smell very nice. Depending on the color, carnations stand for remembrance, admiration, or pure love.
Costs
Expect to pay from $60-75 for a simple, small casket spray or standing spray, all the way up to a few hundred dollars for a more elaborate arrangement with more exotic flowers. Bouquets and baskets can also vary widely in price, but a range from around $40 to $250 is typical.
Many florists offer funeral packages that include several different types of coordinated arrangements. This is a good way to save some money if you plan to purchase those items anyway.
Most types of funeral flowers, like the casket sprays, inside pieces, and standing sprays, are chosen and paid for by the family of the deceased. Other mourners sometimes purchase basket or bouquet arrangements.