Choosing an Appropriate Gift

When ordering flowers for a funeral (and especially when ordering funeral flowers online), you may be wondering what type of flowers you should buy. The answer to that question typically depends on several different factors with the most important being your relationship with the deceased. Close family members are usually responsible for the biggest and most important flowers such as the casket spray, heart-shaped arrangements, wreaths, and large floral tribute sprays on stands. Very close friends and extended family may also buy sprays for display. For friends and colleagues, smaller arrangements like vases, baskets of flowers, or small to medium-sized live plants are appropriate. Of course, what you ultimately decide is up to you, but here are the key factors to consider when deciding to order flowers for a funeral.

Relation

Your relation to the deceased is typically the primary factor for determining what type of funeral flowers you should get for them. The closer you are, the more elaborate it should be.

The close family members typically buy the biggest and most important flowers such as the casket spray, heart-shaped arrangements, wreaths, and large sprays on stands. Very close friends and extended family may also buy sprays for display.

Those who are further from the person, such as casual friends and colleagues, typically send smaller arrangements like vases, baskets of flowers, or small to medium-sized live plants.

Funeral type

It is very important to consider what type of service it will be (funeral, memorial, etc.) because sometimes there are different needs for flowers. For example, if it’s a cremation service with no burial, then flower baskets, green plants, and flowers that can easily be taken home are more appropriate.

Traditional burial services would involve the same flowers but sometimes with more emphasis on a flower stand that can be left at the cemetery. Carefully read the invitation and, when in doubt, check with the planners.

Personalization

Think about the nature and vibe of the funeral. Is it traditional or more of a unique celebration? In some cases, you may be asked to stray from the classic white lilies or red roses to include flowers that are more representative of the person.

For example, if someone loved sunflowers and had a bright personality, the planners may request that arrangements feature that flower.

Religious considerations

If the person who has passed was religious, be sure to take their beliefs and preferences into consideration. The funeral traditions of most religions involve flowers and most all arrangements and flower types are acceptable.

However, be sure to check with the family if you aren’t sure. For example, if the person is of the Mormon belief, you don’t want to send arrangements featuring crucifixes or crosses. Or, if the person is of the Greek Orthodox faith, white flowers are often preferred. Knowing these little preferences will ensure your flowers are appropriate.

After the order is placed and filled, the funeral flowers will be delivered to the recipient which is often the funeral home.

How to order flowers for a funeral:

• Choose a casket spray or wreath if you are from the immediate family.

• Choose a standing spray or informal arrangement if you are a member of the extended family.

• Send a spray, wreath, basket arrangement, bouquet in a vase, or a live plant if you are a close friend or colleague.

When should you send funeral flowers?

If you are a member of the immediate family, it is appropriate to send your flowers to the funeral itself, or you may prefer to take your flowers to the graveside.

Do you send flowers to the viewing or the funeral?

If you’re close family or knew the deceased very well, it’s customary to send flowers for the visitation and funeral and in some cases, even to the family’s home. If you’re more an acquaintance, work colleague, distant friend, etc then sending sympathy flowers to their home or the viewing is a polite thing to do.

What color flowers are appropriate for a death?

White flowers are traditionally considered a sign of sympathy and can include include lilies, roses, orchids and irises. It is usually best to avoid bright our loud colors or designs for a more traditional service, however in some cases you may wish to stray from the classic white lilies to include flowers that are more representative of the person. For example, if someone loved sunflowers and had a bright personality, the planners may request that arrangements feature that flower.

Types of funeral flowers

Floral Arrangements

If you are not an immediate family member but still wish to honor the deceased with flowers, you can choose from a variety of floral arrangements featuring cut flowers in a bouquet or arranged in a vase or basket. You can even have flowers arranged into various shapes such as a cross, heart, or something custom like a letter. You can also personalize the design by choosing colors that symbolize important, such as red, white and blue flowers to represent military service.