Funeral Flowers Explained: Wreaths, Sprays, Hearts, Posies & Coffin Tributes

Choosing funeral flowers is very different from ordering flowers for almost any other occasion.

When someone has died, families are often making many decisions in a very short space of time. If you've never arranged funeral flowers before, terms such as coffin spray, wreath, posy, heart tribute and funeral spray may mean very little to you.

You may also be unsure about which flowers are appropriate, what size tribute you need or whether particular arrangements are traditionally ordered by close family members.

These are completely normal questions.

At Urban Design Flowers in Hall Green, we've created funeral and sympathy flowers for families across Birmingham and Solihull for many years. Our role as florists isn't simply to make an arrangement. It's also to help families understand the choices available and create something that feels appropriate for the person being remembered.

There are traditions surrounding funeral flowers, but there are very few absolute rules.

A meaningful tribute might be elegant white roses and lilies. It could equally contain someone's favourite bright yellow flowers, represent a football team, spell a family name or incorporate flowers that remind you of their garden.

This guide explains the main types of funeral flowers, who commonly sends them and how you can make a tribute more personal.

What's the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?

These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a useful distinction.

Funeral flowers are generally arrangements intended to form part of the funeral itself.

They might be delivered to:

• a funeral director;
• the family home;
• a place of worship;
• the funeral service;
• another agreed location.

These include wreaths, coffin sprays, hearts, crosses, letters and other formal tributes.

Sympathy flowers, on the other hand, are usually sent directly to the bereaved family as an expression of care and support.

A sympathy bouquet might be sent when you hear about someone's death, during the days before the funeral or even afterwards.

Neither is more appropriate than the other.

They simply serve slightly different purposes.

If you're uncertain whether the family would like flowers at the funeral, it's worth checking the funeral notice or asking the funeral director. Some families request donations to a charity instead of flowers, while others specify family flowers only.

Those wishes should always be respected.

What is a funeral wreath?

A traditional circular floral tribute

The funeral wreath is one of the most recognisable forms of funeral flower arrangement.

Wreaths are traditionally circular and are usually created with flowers and foliage arranged around a ring-shaped base.

The circular shape is commonly associated with continuity and remembrance, which is one reason wreaths have remained such a traditional funeral tribute.

Wreaths can be created in many different styles.

A classic design might use:

• white roses;
• lilies;
• chrysanthemums;
• carnations;
• seasonal foliage.

But there's no requirement for a wreath to be white.

Pink, purple, yellow, red, blue-toned or mixed-colour designs can all be appropriate depending on the person being remembered.

Wreaths can be sent by family members, friends, colleagues or organisations, making them one of the most versatile formal funeral tributes.

What is a funeral spray?

A beautiful arrangement designed to be viewed from the front

A funeral spray is generally a more elongated arrangement than a wreath.

Depending on its design, it may have a teardrop, diamond or naturally flowing shape.

Sprays work well because they can incorporate a wide selection of flowers while maintaining a formal appearance.

They're suitable for:

• family members;
• friends;
• colleagues;
• neighbours;
• clubs or organisations.

The arrangement can be soft and understated or much more colourful.

A funeral spray can therefore be a good choice when you want something more substantial than a small tribute but aren't responsible for choosing the main coffin flowers.

What is a coffin spray?

The main floral arrangement placed on the coffin

A coffin spray — sometimes called a casket spray — is usually the largest and most prominent floral tribute at a funeral.

It is designed specifically to sit on top of the coffin.

Because of its position, this arrangement is normally chosen by the immediate family or by the people arranging the funeral.

Coffin sprays vary considerably in size and style.

Some families choose traditional white and green arrangements, while others want something much more personal.

The design could include:

• favourite flowers;
• meaningful colours;
• garden-style flowers;
• roses;
• lilies;
• seasonal flowers;
• foliage with personal significance.

The size of the coffin spray should also be considered carefully. Bigger isn't automatically better.

The right proportions depend on the coffin, the setting, the flowers selected and the overall style the family wants.

This is one of the reasons we recommend discussing coffin flowers directly with your florist rather than simply choosing based on a photograph.

What is a funeral heart tribute?

A personal symbol of love and affection

Heart-shaped funeral flowers are among the most personal tributes we create.

Unsurprisingly, the heart represents love and affection.

Heart tributes are therefore frequently chosen by:

• partners;
• children;
• parents;
• grandchildren;
• close family members.

They can be designed in different ways.

A traditional heart might use a closely arranged base of flowers with a contrasting spray across one side.

Alternatively, an open heart leaves the centre visible and creates a lighter, more contemporary shape.

Modern heart tributes can also be designed much more naturally, using roses and seasonal flowers to create texture and movement.

The style should reflect the person you're remembering rather than simply following convention.

What is a funeral posy?

A smaller, compact floral tribute

A posy is usually a smaller, rounded funeral arrangement.

Because it's compact, it can be viewed well from different angles and is an appropriate choice for many relationships.

Posies are often selected by:

• grandchildren;
• extended family;
• friends;
• neighbours;
• colleagues.

A smaller tribute doesn't mean it carries less meaning.

This is worth emphasising because people sometimes feel pressure to purchase a large arrangement simply because it's a funeral.

There is no competition between tributes.

A thoughtfully chosen posy with a heartfelt card can be every bit as meaningful as a much larger arrangement.

What are funeral letter tributes?

MUM, DAD, NAN, GRANDAD and personalised lettering

Floral letters are designed to spell a name, word or relationship.

Common examples include:

MUM

DAD

NAN

GRANDAD

SON

DAUGHTER

But personalised letters can also spell someone's first name, nickname or another meaningful word.

Letter tributes are particularly personal because they immediately show the relationship between the person sending the flowers and the person being remembered.

Traditional letter tributes often use a closely based floral design with ribbon edging and a contrasting flower spray.

However, they can also be made in more contemporary colours and styles.

If you're considering lettering, speak to your florist early because personalised tributes require more planning than a standard bouquet.

What is a funeral cross?

Cross-shaped flower tributes have long been associated with Christian funerals.

They can be created using traditional white flowers or personalised with different colours and flower varieties.

A cross may be selected by immediate family, extended family or a church community.

However, because of its religious symbolism, it's important to consider the beliefs of the person who has died and their family.

A cross is appropriate when that symbolism has meaning.

It shouldn't simply be chosen because it's considered a traditional funeral shape.

Can funeral flowers be colourful?

Absolutely.

One of the biggest misconceptions about funeral flowers is that they must be white.

White flowers remain popular because they can create an elegant, peaceful and understated tribute.

But a funeral is about remembering an individual.

If that person loved bright colours, why shouldn't their flowers reflect that?

We've created funeral flowers using many different colour palettes.

A person who loved their garden might be remembered with colourful garden-style flowers.

Someone whose favourite colour was pink might have a tribute filled with pink roses.

A passionate supporter of a sports team might be represented through carefully selected team colours.

Flowers can help tell someone's story.

That can be far more meaningful than automatically choosing white because it seems like the expected thing to do.

Which flowers are traditionally used for funerals?

There isn't a definitive list of “funeral flowers”, but certain varieties are commonly chosen because of their appearance, symbolism or suitability for formal arrangements.

These can include:

Lilies

White lilies are strongly associated with funeral and sympathy flowers and are often chosen for their elegant appearance.

Their fragrance can be strong, however, so they're not necessarily the right choice for everyone.

Roses

Roses are extremely versatile.

White roses can create an elegant tribute, while pink roses introduce softness and red roses can represent deep love.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are widely used in funeral floristry because they're available in many colours and forms and can work particularly well in formal designs.

Carnations

Carnations are another traditional choice, particularly for based tributes such as letters, hearts and wreaths.

But you aren't limited to these flowers.

Seasonal flowers can make a funeral tribute much more individual.

Should funeral flowers represent the person who has died?

Where possible, we think they should.

Some families know immediately what they want.

They might tell us:

“Dad loved red roses.”

“Mum's garden was always full of colour.”

“She hated white flowers.”

Those small pieces of information are incredibly useful to a florist.

Other families understandably have no idea where to begin.

In that situation, we'll usually talk about the person's personality.

Were they:

• traditional or contemporary?
• quiet or outgoing?
• someone who loved their garden?
• known for wearing bright colours?
• passionate about a particular hobby?
• associated with a particular colour?

Even seemingly small details can inspire the design.

A funeral tribute doesn't need to explain someone's entire life.

Sometimes one meaningful reference is enough.

Bespoke funeral tributes: when flowers tell a story

Some families want something completely individual.

Bespoke funeral floristry can go far beyond traditional wreaths and sprays.

A tribute might be inspired by:

• a hobby;
• a profession;
• a favourite object;
• a sports team;
• an animal;
• a cultural tradition;
• a particular flower;
• a meaningful colour.

At Urban Design Flowers, bespoke funeral work is an important part of what we do.

These designs usually require more consultation because the florist needs to understand not only what shape is required but why it matters.

The goal shouldn't be novelty.

It should be recognition.

When family and friends see the tribute, it should immediately remind them of the person they're there to remember.

Funeral flowers for different cultures and traditions

Birmingham is an exceptionally diverse city, and funeral traditions vary enormously between families, religions and cultures.

Flowers that are entirely appropriate for one funeral may not form part of another tradition at all.

That's why assumptions should be avoided.

Urban Design Flowers creates funeral flowers for families from many different communities across Birmingham and Solihull, including bespoke and Asian funeral tributes.

The most important thing is understanding what the family wants.

If you're sending flowers to a funeral outside your own cultural or religious tradition and aren't sure what's appropriate, ask.

A florist, funeral director or family member can usually advise you.

Respecting the family's wishes is always more important than following a generic rule about funeral flowers.

What should you write on a funeral flower card?

This can be one of the hardest parts of ordering funeral flowers.

People often feel that they need to find the perfect words.

You don't.

Simple and sincere is usually best.

Examples might include:

“With love and fond memories.”

“Forever in our thoughts.”

“Thinking of you and your family.”

“Thank you for all the wonderful memories.”

For someone you knew personally, a more individual message can be especially meaningful.

Rather than searching for an elaborate quotation, think about what you would genuinely like to say.

The flowers are part of the tribute.

Your words make it yours.

When should funeral flowers be ordered?

Whenever possible, don't leave funeral flowers until the last minute.

Formal arrangements such as coffin sprays, lettering, hearts, crosses and bespoke tributes require preparation.

Specific flowers may also need to be ordered specially.

When contacting your florist, have as much of the following information as possible:

• date of the funeral;
• time of the service;
• name of the person who has passed away;
• funeral director;
• delivery location;
• type of tribute required;
• preferred colours or flowers;
• card message.

If you don't know everything yet, that's fine.

Start the conversation and provide the remaining details when they're confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Flowers

Who normally buys the coffin spray for a funeral?

The coffin spray is usually chosen by the immediate family or the people arranging the funeral because it forms the main floral tribute placed directly on the coffin.

Other relatives, friends and colleagues more commonly send wreaths, sprays, posies or other individual tributes.

However, these are traditions rather than strict rules.

What funeral flowers should I send if I'm not immediate family?

If you're a friend, colleague, neighbour or more distant relative, a wreath, spray, posy or sympathy bouquet can all be appropriate.

Before ordering, check whether the funeral notice contains instructions such as “family flowers only” or requests charitable donations instead.

If flowers are welcome, don't worry too much about choosing the “correct” arrangement.

Consider your relationship with the person, your budget and whether you know anything about their favourite flowers or colours.

A thoughtful smaller tribute with a sincere message is entirely appropriate. You don't need to order something large simply to demonstrate how much you cared.

There is no single right way to remember someone

Funeral flowers are deeply personal.

Tradition can provide a useful starting point, but it shouldn't prevent you from creating something that genuinely represents the person you've lost.

A wreath can be traditional or colourful.

A coffin spray can be white and elegant or filled with someone's favourite flowers.

A heart can be soft and understated or incredibly personal.

A bespoke tribute can represent something that instantly brings back memories.

The important thing isn't choosing the arrangement someone tells you you're supposed to have.

It's choosing flowers that feel right for your family and for the person you're remembering.

An experienced florist should help make that process easier at a time when you already have enough decisions to make.

Need Help Choosing Funeral Flowers?

If you're unsure which tribute is appropriate, speak to our team. We can guide you through the different options and help you create something personal and meaningful.

Urban Design Flowers creates funeral and sympathy flowers from our Hall Green shop for families throughout Birmingham and Solihull.