Funeral Flowers – Questions & Helpful Guidance

What is the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?
Funeral flowers are often large tributes (wreaths, sprays, casket pieces) sent to the funeral service or venue.
Sympathy flowers are usually bouquets or arrangements sent to the home of the bereaved, before or after the service.
How much should you spend on funeral flowers?
It depends on the type of tribute, size, and flower choices. In the UK, you might expect to pay from £40 for smaller tributes to several hundred for bespoke displays.
What types of floral tributes are available?
Common types include wreaths, sprays, sheaves, casket / coffin sprays, crosses, cushions, letter or name tributes, posies, baskets, and bespoke shaped tributes.
Which flowers are traditionally used for funerals?
Lilies, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, gladioli and chrysanthemums are common. White blooms are especially common as a symbol of purity and peace.
Are there flowers that should be avoided for funerals?
Not strictly — tasteful arrangements are usually acceptable. However, avoid overly fragrant or dramatic flowers in some settings; also, check cultural / religious preferences.
What is the best colour for funeral flowers?
White or pale colors are traditional symbolizing respect, calm, purity. Muted tones or accent colors (soft pink, lavender, green) are also popular.
How do you choose a funeral flower arrangement?
Consider relationship to the deceased, the size of venue, the type of service, the deceased’s tastes or favourite flowers / colours, and budget.
Do you need to place the order in advance?
Yes — ideally 1–3 days ahead. For bespoke or large tributes, more notice (3–5 days) is safer. In urgent cases, many florists will try to help.
Where do you deliver funeral flowers?
Usually to the funeral home, chapel, crematorium, church, or place of service. Also sometimes to the family home, depending on arrangement.
Can you deliver flowers directly to crematoriums or cemeteries?
Yes — many florists handle this, but check the venue’s rules (some have restrictions on when and how tributes are accepted).
Is it appropriate to send flowers after the funeral?
Yes. Sympathy flowers / tributes sent to the bereaved home after the funeral can be a comforting gesture.
Who should send funeral flowers?
Anyone can send them (friends, relatives, colleagues), unless the family has requested “no flowers, please donate to [charity]”.
What message should you write on a floral tribute?
Keep it short, respectful and personal. E.g. “In loving memory,” “Forever in our hearts,” “With deepest sympathy — [name]”.
Should the message be addressed to the deceased or the family?
Typically addressed to the deceased (e.g. “To John / Dad”) with a “from” line. But either is acceptable; sometimes the family is named.
Can I request specific flowers or colours?
Yes—most florists allow you to request certain blooms, colour schemes, or favourite flowers (subject to availability and season).
What if the family requests “no flowers — donations only”?
Respect their wish. Instead consider sending a plant, condolence card, or making a donation to the specified charity.
How soon will the tribute arrive / be placed?
On the day of the funeral, usually a few hours before the service starts. The funeral director often coordinates placement.
Do florists provide the floral tribute placement / installation?
Many will arrange transport and placement at the venue or graveside, working with funeral directors.
Can letters or shapes (e.g. “Mum”, “Dad”, hearts) be made in floral form?
Yes — bespoke letter / name / shape tributes are often offered (e.g. “MUM”, hearts, crosses).
What happens to flowers after the funeral / service?
They may stay on display for some hours or a few days. After that, venues may dispose of them (or allow family to take or distribute). Sometimes flowers are reused by hospices or gardens.
Can funeral flowers be preserved or kept?
Some people dry or press parts, flatten petals or keep single blooms. However, full tributes usually cannot stay intact long-term.
Are funeral flowers delivered outside business hours / weekends?
Many florists can arrange early morning or weekend deliveries if booked in advance.
Do you offer same-day funeral flower delivery?
Many florists (especially local ones) do — subject to cut-off times, stock, and distance from venue.
Are there religious or cultural rules for funeral flowers?
Yes — for example, in Jewish tradition, fewer flowers are used, or none; some Muslim families prefer no flowers; Buddhist / Hindu ceremonies have variant customs. Ask family or funeral director.
What are common etiquette rules for sending funeral flowers?
• Don’t send until you see if the family has requested donations.
• Don’t send overly large or cumbersome tributes without asking.
• Always include a card with your name.
• Ensure the florist knows the full address, name of deceased, service time, and venue.
Do you need to specify the funeral director / venue when ordering?
Yes — florist needs full address, arrival time, contact details of funeral director or venue to ensure proper delivery and placement.
Can colleague/friend orders be grouped or combined?
Sometimes — a group of colleagues may chip in to order a larger tribute. Check with florist if group orders are possible.
What size tribute is suitable?
For family: large sprays or coffinsprays; for friends / colleagues: wreaths, sheaves or posies. The size depends on venue scale and budget.
What’s included (vase, stand, card) in a funeral flower order?
Usually the stand, card, and basic supporting structure (foam, wire) are included. Additional extras (vase, ribbon, extras) may cost more.
Can I see examples of previous funeral tributes?
Yes — good florists often provide galleries or portfolios of past tributes so clients can choose or get ideas.