Losing a loved one is painful. It can be difficult to find the language to communicate your feelings when you’re grieving. Fortunately, flowers have long acted as a way to express condolences and respect to those who have passed without even speaking a word. In ancient times, fragrant flowers were used to cover the odor of the body. Today, flower arrangements are a customary and highly symbolic part of the funeral and bereavement process.
If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, you may have questions regarding what flowers are used in funeral arrangements, the symbolic meanings of flowers and flower color meaning. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing flowers for funerals:
Sympathy Flowers Vs. Funeral Flowers
Both sympathy flowers and funeral flowers are intended to signify love and support for the bereaved, but the difference lies in where the flowers are delivered and the size of the arrangement. Funeral flowers consist of the large floral arrangements sent directly to the church or funeral home and are placed around the coffin at the funeral service. Sympathy flowers, on the other hand, are smaller bouquets sent to the home of the deceased’s loved ones.
Flower Arrangements for Funerals
When selecting flowers for funerals, you’ll be faced with choices not just in the type of flower and color, but in the arrangement. These are a few of the most common choices:
Bouquets. The most popular floral arrangement, bouquets are well-suited for any occasion, including funerals.
Wreaths. Because of their shape, funeral wreaths represent the circle of life and continuity of the soul. Wreaths typically last one to two weeks.
Sprays. Funeral sprays are a type of flower arrangement that can come in many forms, such as a casket spray or standing spray.
Baskets. A floral basket is an easily transportable arrangement that is ideal to send to a mourner to express your condolences.
Flowers and Their Meanings
Any type of flower can be used for a funeral, particularly if that flower held meaning to the deceased. However, the following are some of the most popular choices for flowers used in funeral arrangements:
Lilies. The most common funeral flower by far, lilies are seen as pure or heavenly. They symbolize a return to the earth, making them a perfect choice for a funeral service.
Roses. Like in life, roses at a funeral symbolize love. However, depending on the color, roses can hold a variety of meanings. White, red, yellow and pink roses are all acceptable as part of a funeral flower arrangement.
Daisies. Traditionally used to honor the life of a child who has passed, daisies signify a heartfelt farewell.
Chrysanthemums. Mums are commonly associated with truth and integrity. Using them in a funeral arrangement is a way of paying respect to the deceased. In some European countries, chrysanthemums symbolize grief and are used exclusively at funerals.
Carnations. Due to their pleasant smell and long-lasting nature, carnations are an ideal choice for sympathy flowers. Carnations symbolize affection and fascination.
Gladioli. Representing strength and integrity, gladioli are an uplifting, powerful choice for funeral flowers.
Orchids. Orchids represent eternal love. If you’re using orchids as sympathy flowers, pink and white are the classic color choice.
Flower Color Meanings
Flower symbolism can change based on the color, meaning your color choice can be equally as important as the kind of flowers you select for an arrangement.
White flowers’ meaning: Innocence, purity or faith
Pink flowers’ meaning: Gratitude, grace
Red flowers’ meaning: Love, passion
White flowers’ meaning: Innocence, purity
Yellow flowers’ meaning: Friendship, compassion
Purple flowers’ meaning: Elegance, success
Blue flowers’ meaning: Serenity
Final Expense Insurance
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