Floral etiquette at funerals: how and what flowers to choose

Flowers are a sign of deep sympathy and respect for the departed loved one. There is a certain flower etiquette that should be followed in such situations.

Flowers are a traditional element during funerals for most religions and faiths. However, if the deceased person was a follower of a rare religion or culture, find out in advance whether it is customary in this case to come to the memorial ceremony with flowers. Perhaps the person may have adhered to different traditions.

Usually mourners send flowers to the funeral home, whose staff takes care of how to place them in the room where there will be a farewell. Most often the flower arrangements are placed on high stands so that they are visible to all those who come. As a rule, large compositions or wreaths are sent to the funeral home, but small plants, bouquets or arrangements are sent home to relatives. Flowers, which are placed in the coffin, are usually chosen by the closest relatives.

After the farewell ceremony, the flowers are transferred to the cemetery. Such transportation in most cases is organized by a funeral home. Employees of this bureau decorate the place of burial with these flowers. They usually know all the requirements of specific cemeteries, as some of them may be specific. In most cases, cemeteries allow flowers that are placed on stable supports and do not interfere with cemetery visitors in any way. Such arrangements can stay there 1-2 days, but you should consider the local climate: if the weather is unstable and rainy, it is better to refrain from flowers with ribbons, which may fly away.

What do I need to know about ordering flowers?

To find out what flowers or floral arrangements to choose for the ceremony, visit the website of the funeral home that is handling the arrangements. These same websites may also have information about the florists that the funeral home cooperates with. This way you can ask them for help in composing the composition directly.

Sometimes it happens that relatives of the deceased ask not to buy or send flowers, but instead make a donation to a charity organization with which the deceased was somehow connected. It is likely that the relatives will purchase the flowers for the ceremony themselves, so your job is to respond to their request and deposit the right amount into the organization’s account, especially if the charity was important to the deceased.

If you were unable to attend the funeral, or learned about it too late, you can send flowers to relatives within one or two weeks.

What flowers to buy for the funeral?

A flower is first and foremost a symbol, so it certain flowers symbolize a special relationship between best friends, a mother and child or a married couple.

Carnation

This flower represents the special bond between a child and a mother or close relative, an aunt. You can choose carnations of any color, but it is better to give preference to the deceased’s favorite color.

Gladiolus

This flower will be a symbol of remembrance and grief for your father or someone who was as close to you as your father was. These flowers express a boundless respect for fortitude, fortitude and justice. This connection dates back to ancient Rome: there, these flowers were associated with gladiators because they had the outline of a sword.

Iris

A flower that shows friendship, admiration and devotion. Iris is a way to show your love and respect for a friend or girlfriend.

Rose

This flower has always been associated with a tender feeling of love, so it will be appropriate to present it to your late spouse, spouse or someone close to you. Choose any color that you like or might in your opinion like the person whose memory you want to honor.

Orchids or forget-me-nots

Choose these flowers for those you loved and will always remember. A husband or wife, for example, can include both orchids and forget-me-nots in their floral arrangements for partners. It will turn out gentle and very beautiful. By the way, orchids bloom for quite a long time, while other flowers fade quickly. Therefore, orchids have become a symbol of eternal memory and tenderness.

We have listed the main types of flowers that are customary to bring to funerals, but perhaps you will remember more unusual options that the deceased or the deceased loved. Then include these flowers in wreaths, baskets and other arrangements.