You want to honor a loved one who has passed away, but you’re unsure how to choose the right flowers? Are you wondering what color would be appropriate to show your support for the bereaved family?
I will help you.
As a florist, arranging flowers for funerals and supporting those who are grieving is an important part of my everyday work.
Today, I’m sharing my professional expertise so you can choose the floral arrangement that best honors someone special to you.
First of all, there are no specific cut flowers for mourning. Anything can be used; what matters is the choice of color. For an elderly person, you might choose vibrant colors, while for a tragic loss or a young person, I would recommend softer shades. If you didn’t know the deceased very well, you can also opt for an arrangement in tones of white and green. Beyond bouquets, there are various floral pieces you can give in memory of the departed: casket covers, hearts, cushions, or even an everlasting rose.
Would you like to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- Which shades of flowers to choose for a tribute
- Which flowers are used for creating funeral arrangements
- Floral pieces that can be made for a death
- When and how to give flowers in the case of a funeral
What Color Flowers for a Funeral?
Following a death, it is common to pay tribute to the deceased during their funeral by bringing flowers. However, since this is a special moment, choosing the right flowers can be a delicate task.
In the following lines, I will explain what is traditionally done so that you can select a suitable floral arrangement.
For Older Men and Women
When an elderly person passes away, it is customary to select flowers in bright colors to commemorate the beautiful moments they experienced throughout their life.
🔹 For a man, we would prefer to choose warm colors like yellow, orange, and red. These lighter colors will be beautifully contrasted by complementary shades of lavender and purple.
🔸 For a woman, the preferred colors are usually shades of pink, ranging from pastel to fuchsia. These hues can be paired with orange, purple, or green to add more depth to the composition.
For a Young Person, a Tragic Death
When someone’s death occurs suddenly, or when it involves the funeral of a young person, the focus is on the tragic nature of the situation.
Brightly colored flowers can remind us of the harsh and sudden nature of death. To show respect for the deceased’s loved ones, it is better to choose light colors, or even white.
For a Child, an Infant
When such a tragedy occurs, the choice of light flowers, completely white, will emphasize the purity of the soul that has departed.
I also recommend having small, delicate floral arrangements made to gently support those closest to the child in their time of mourning.
For Someone You Didn’t Know Well
If it’s the funeral of someone close to a family member or a friend, even if you didn’t know them well, you can bring a white and green bouquet to show your support during this difficult time.
This type of floral arrangement is also suitable for a death related to your professional life: a close colleague, client, or patient…
👉 If you were very close to the deceased, you might also choose flowers that remind you of the moments you shared together, without worrying too much about the colors:
- A single red rose 🌹, as the ultimate symbol of love for a husband or wife
- A wildflower bouquet, for a grandma or grandpa with whom we loved to stroll through the countryside during our childhood
- Wheat, vine tendrils, grasses… for someone who feels close to nature.
What Flowers Are Used for Mourning?
Contrary to what one might think, florists do not favor certain flowers over others for funeral arrangements.
Any cut flowers can be used for this type of arrangement; just make sure to select ones that complement each other both in shape and color.
However, if you want to give your flower arrangements a symbolic meaning, you can certainly use the language of flowers. Here are a few concepts to consider:
The Rose brings majesty:
- Red symbolizes love and passion.
- Pink is associated with tenderness.
- Yellow and orange represent friendship and convey a message of hope.
The Lily is associated with purity. It is a noble flower that shows the respect you had for the deceased.
The Chrysanthemum is connected to mourning and remembrance, as it blooms for All Saints’ Day.
Rose / Lily / Chrysanthemum
What can be done for this occasion?
When clients come to see me at the shop for a funeral, they often initially have the idea of creating a bouquet.
However, there are many options for floral arrangements that can be created for a funeral. Depending on their shape, size, and the connotations associated with them, they carry different meanings.
In the following lines, I’ll provide details so you can choose a meaningful floral arrangement that reflects your relationship with the deceased and conveys the message you wish to share.
A bouquet or a spray of flowers to show your support and affection
If you didn’t know the deceased very well, or if you’re on a tight budget (under $50), you can consider getting a bouquet of flowers.
To keep it fresh until the funeral, you can have it wrapped with a water source, which will also have the benefit of highlighting it by keeping it upright.
If you like, for around fifty euros, you can have a floral arrangement made. This is a bouquet designed to be laid flat directly on the grave of the deceased.
If the funeral takes place in the summer, you might consider using a floral arrangement nestled in floral foam, so the flowers stay hydrated for several days.
A Cushion, to Honor Someone Who Was Dear
Starting at around sixty euros, you can choose a cushion. It is a flower-shaped half-sphere on which you can, if you wish, place a ribbon with an inscription in memory of the deceased.
👉 If you have a bit of a budget, you might also consider having a floral crown made, which is typically a bit more elegant and delicate than a cushion.
A Casket Top to Honor the Departure of a Loved One
This mourning piece is meant to be placed on the casket during the funeral.
The arrangement is typically reserved for the close family of the deceased, as it is the floral display that will be most prominently featured during the funeral. Since it is large, it is somewhat expensive and requires a budget of at least a hundred dollars.
➡️ If you can’t afford to have a custom piece made, it’s perfectly acceptable to place a flower arrangement on the casket. However, I recommend letting the person creating it know, so they can tailor their arrangement for that purpose.
A Heart, for a Sweet and Intimate Memory
Usually reserved for spouses, children, and grandchildren, this heart-shaped floral arrangement will express your affection and deep feelings for the departed loved one.
This is a piece of great purity, where the form is just as important as the chosen flowers.
A plant trim for sustainable blooming
If you want to give a natural floral arrangement that lasts for several weeks or even months, I recommend choosing a cut flower bouquet.
At the end of the ceremony, it can be placed on the grave and will honor the memory of the deceased for a long time.
An Eternal Rose: A Symbolic Gift
Finally, if you’re looking for a way to honor someone in a lasting and meaningful way, you might consider choosing an eternal rose.
This preserved flower can be placed either directly in the casket or on the grave. Its everlasting nature and vibrant color will symbolize the eternal memory you have of the departed, as well as the strength of the feelings you held for them.
⚠️ If you place it on the grave, make sure to choose a rose under a dome to enhance its durability. However, these flowers are sensitive to light and won’t last as long outdoors as they would if kept indoors at home.
When Should You Send Flowers for a Funeral?
Once you have chosen your flowers and created your funeral arrangement, you can either bring it yourself or have it delivered:
- Before the funeral, at the funeral home. They will accompany the deceased to the church.
- For the funeral, if you know the exact time and location of the service. For church funerals, florists usually place the flowers on the steps of the building. They are then picked up and arranged by the officiants of the ceremony.
- After the funeral, if you did not attend the burial. In this case, you can place the flowers on the grave. If you are having them delivered, make sure to specify the aisle and grave number in the cemetery to ensure everything goes smoothly.
👉 Whenever you give flowers, don’t hesitate to include a short note of condolence with your contact information. This way, the family of the deceased can thank you if they wish.
What Budget Should Be Allocated for Flowers at a Funeral Ceremony?
To properly choose flowers for a funeral, it’s important to establish a budget that works for you. The cost of funeral flowers varies based on several factors, including:
- The Nature of Flowers: When a loved one passes away, you may choose to buy either natural or artificial flowers. If you’re on a tight budget, go for artificial flowers as they tend to be less expensive. You can find various shapes and styles of synthetic flowers, allowing you to create a composition that you like. In addition to being very affordable, they withstand the elements and have a long lifespan. If you have a more generous budget for funeral flowers, consider arranging natural flowers. Choose them based on the season. Keep in mind that natural flowers need to be watered and replaced regularly, but they play an important role in the grieving process.
- Floral Arrangements: The more elaborate the arrangement, the higher the cost. For rose petals to place on the casket, expect to spend around $50. For a bouquet or a simple spray of flowers, budget about $100. Floral cushions and stands typically range from $100 to $200. With a budget of around $400, you can have floral crosses, and for $600 and up, you can treat yourself to a standing flower wreath, for example.
I hope this article has provided you with the guidance you needed to choose flowers for a funeral.
If you’re wondering what flowers to place on a grave during winter, feel free to check out our article on this topic.