Are you going to a funeral and would like to bring a rose to honor the deceased? Are you wondering how to choose one? What color is appropriate for this occasion?
I will help you.
As a florist, I support my clients during both the best and the most challenging times. Choosing flowers in memory of a loved one can help navigate the grieving process, whether for yourself or to show your support for those close to the person who has passed away.
That’s why today I’m offering you a guide to help you select a rose (or an arrangement featuring this flower) for a funeral.
For a funeral, choose a rose that is fully open and free of blemishes on the petals. If you want to pay tribute to the deceased with simplicity and respect, a white rose is a suitable choice. If the person who passed away was your spouse or one of your parents, you might consider a red rose, which symbolizes the love you will always hold for that person. For the passing of a woman, a light pink rose will express the tenderness you felt for her and the affection you have for her family. For the loss of a man, a pastel orange or peach rose will convey similar sentiments. Lastly, if you wish to express your sorrow, a black rose would be appropriate. Also, consider everlasting roses that can last for years and would be perfect for a tribute.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:
- How to choose a rose at the florist for a funeral,
- What is the meaning of each rose color in the context of mourning,
- Which one to give based on your closeness to the deceased,
- What arrangement or bouquet of roses to choose to pay tribute, with photo examples.
Why and How to Choose a Rose for Mourning?
When attending a funeral, it is often customary to bring flowers to honor the deceased and support their loved ones during this difficult time. If you wish, you can bring a rose, either in addition to a bouquet or on its own. This rose can be:
- placed in the casket during the funeral service, which is typically reserved for close family,
- laid on top of the casket during the ceremony,
- scattered in the ground during the burial.
The rose, flower of universal love, will symbolize the affection you had for the deceased and the everlasting memory you will hold of them. If you are coming as a family, you might consider bringing one rose for each person.
👉 When selecting your rose at the florist, choose a fully bloomed flower, free from any spots on the petals, and with some foliage. Don’t hesitate to explain to the florist why you are buying this flower: they can create a suitable wrapping based on your needs.
What Color of Rose Should You Choose for a Funeral?
In the language of flowers, the color of the rose is crucial for conveying the meaning of your floral message. Additionally, in the case of mourning, there are customs and traditions that suggest certain flowers are more appropriate for specific situations.
A White Rose
This flower represents honesty, loyalty, and purity. It is frequently used in funeral arrangements as a sign of respect. It is also suitable if you did not know the deceased very well and want to offer something neutral as a gesture of support.
Finally, when the death occurs tragically or at a young age, a white rose is used as a solemn tribute to the deceased.
A Red Rose
Often regarded as the flower of romantic love, the red rose is actually reserved for those who have lost their spouse, symbolizing eternal love. However, it can also be given by children or grandchildren, the fruits of that love, who wish to symbolically express their affection for a family member who has just passed away.
A Pink Rose in Memory of a Woman
If the person who has just passed was a woman, you can bring a pink rose to the funeral in memory of the good times you shared together. This flower will symbolize the affection you felt for her.
The intensity of the pink color you choose should reflect her age at the time of passing: for an older woman, you might opt for a vibrant pink. Otherwise, it’s more respectful to select a softer, pastel pink flower.
An pastel orange or peach rose in memory of a man
Just as pink is the preferred color to honor a lady, shades of orange are typically reserved for men. If the gentleman has passed away due to old age, you can pay tribute by choosing a bright orange rose. Otherwise, you might opt for a lighter flower in peach or even yellow hues.
A Black Rose
More rare than the previous flowers, the black rose is typically available by special order at florists or as an everlasting rose. For funerals, it symbolizes the sadness felt after the loss of a loved one, embodying the void they leave behind. This exceptional flower serves as a unique and heartfelt tribute to someone who meant a lot to us.
What floral arrangement with roses is suitable for a funeral?
At a funeral, you can bring a rose or a floral arrangement. This creation can be accompanied by a brief message of condolences and allows you to support the loved ones of the deceased during their time of mourning.
A bouquet
If your budget is between $20 and $60, you can have a bouquet of flowers made to bring to the ceremony. You can choose a single color of rose or create a mix of shades for a gradient effect. You can also add other flowers if you’d like.
👉 Make sure to tell the florist that the bouquet is for a funeral, so they can prepare an appropriate arrangement. Water bubbles, which help the bouquet stay intact and eliminate the need for a vase, are ideal for this type of occasion.
A Pillow or a Wreath
The pillows have the same shape as the bouquet but are shorter, as the flowers are directly secured in water-retaining foam, which ensures great preservation. Generally, a pillow can be made starting at $50, just like a spray of flowers, which is simply a bouquet laid flat.
A floral-shaped piece: cross, heart, crown, or something that represents the deceased
Roses are perfect for creating a special and unique floral arrangement that represents what the deceased meant to you or reflects their passions and characteristics. For a beloved family member, you can have a heart made of roses. If Catholic faith was significant in their life, a cross can also be incorporated. Finally, there are many creative floral designs to remember what made the person unique: a motorcycle, a guitar, a book, a ship’s anchor… Don’t hesitate to ask your florist for advice!
A Coffin Top or a Grave Marker
This last type of arrangement is often reserved for immediate family: these are grand pieces that symbolize their tenderness and affection for the deceased. Since they are noble and beautiful flowers, roses are perfectly suited for this type of arrangement.
Why Choose an Eternal Rose for Funerals?
Everlasting roses are real flowers that have been chosen for their beauty and preserved with a special solution. They look like fresh flowers and maintain their color without wilting for years.
Thanks to their everlasting nature, these flowers convey a powerful symbolic message: just like the affection they represent, they will never fade.
The eternal rose is, however, a flower sensitive to moisture and sunlight exposure, making it more suitable for being placed directly in the coffin to accompany the deceased, or in a cloche arrangement, which helps protect it.
👉 Discover our creations under glass featuring everlasting roses! A wide variety of styles and colors are available to properly honor your loved ones or even to gift for other occasions.
I hope this article has helped you find the right type of rose for this challenging event, for which I wish you all the strength.
If you want to accompany your flowers with a condolence message and are unsure of what to write, feel free to check out our article dedicated to this topic, which includes several examples of supportive messages.