Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers
Flowers are a timeless way to express sympathy and honor a loved one’s
memory.
Explore our guide to find the perfect arrangement.
Choose flowers that convey the right sentiment with these popular options:
| Flower | Meaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lilies | Purity, Peace | Traditional funerals |
| Roses | Love, Respect | Personalized tributes |
| Chrysanthemums | Honor, Sympathy | Memorial services |
| Carnations | Remembrance | Budget-friendly options |
Shop Lily Arrangements
| Arrangement | Description | Symbolism | Typical Use | Suitable For | Common Flowers | Cultural Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wreaths | Circular arrangements symbolizing eternal life and continuity, often displayed on easels or placed on caskets. Their unbroken shape reflects the eternal cycle of life and remembrance, making them a profound tribute. | Eternal life, unending love, continuity of spirit. | Prominently displayed at funeral homes, memorial services, or gravesites; often used as a centerpiece for caskets or memorial tables. | Family, close friends; suitable for formal tributes due to their symbolic weight. | Roses (love, devotion), lilies (purity, peace), carnations (remembrance), chrysanthemums (grief in some cultures), greenery (life). | Widely accepted in Christian and secular services; may be less common in Jewish or Muslim funerals where flowers are often discouraged.[1] |
| Sprays | Large, often fan-shaped or crescent arrangements designed for prominent placement, such as atop caskets or on stands at funeral homes. Their bold presence conveys deep respect and honor, offering a striking visual tribute. | Strength, respect, heartfelt sympathy; vibrant colors can symbolize hope or celebration of life. | Used as casket sprays (full or half-couch) or standing sprays at funeral homes or memorial services; ideal for high-visibility settings. | Family, friends, colleagues; especially appropriate for family due to their prominence on caskets, or colleagues for formal respect. | Roses (love, honor), gladioli (strength), lilies (innocence), snapdragons (grace), hydrangeas (heartfelt emotions). | Common in Christian and secular services; check cultural preferences, as some traditions (e.g., Hindu) may favor specific colors like white or yellow.[10] |
| Baskets | Versatile arrangements in woven baskets, filled with a mix of blooms and greenery, offering a warm and approachable tribute. Their portability makes them suitable for multiple settings, from services to homes. | Comfort, warmth, shared memories; conveys a personal and nurturing sentiment. | Displayed at funeral homes, memorial services, or sent to the bereaved’s home as a lasting gesture of support; adaptable for various settings. | Friends, family, colleagues; ideal for friends due to their comforting and less formal nature, or colleagues for a thoughtful group gift. | Carnations (remembrance), daisies (cheer), roses (love), stock (sympathy), ferns (sincerity). | Broadly acceptable across cultures; in Buddhist funerals, white or yellow baskets may be preferred; avoid in some Jewish services.[3] |
| Bouquets | Smaller, hand-tied or vase-arranged collections of flowers, designed as personal and intimate tributes. Their delicate size makes them a heartfelt gesture for close relationships, often given directly to the bereaved. | Personal love, tenderness, intimate remembrance; often reflects a close bond with the deceased. | Presented at funeral services, memorials, or sent to the family’s home; often placed near the casket or urn as a personal touch. | Close family, dear friends; best for those with a deep personal connection to the deceased due to their intimate nature. | Roses (love, devotion), lilies (purity), orchids (eternal love), baby’s breath (everlasting love), lisianthus (appreciation). | Suitable for most Christian and secular services; in Hindu funerals, white bouquets are appropriate; avoid in traditional Muslim funerals.[41] |
Respect traditions with these insights:
- Christian Funerals: White flowers like lilies or roses are common.
- Buddhist Funerals: Red and white blooms are traditional.
- Jewish Funerals: Flowers may be less common; consider donations or simple arrangements.
Find meaningful flowers for any budget:
- Affordable Options: Carnations or seasonal blooms start at $50.
- Premium Choices: Orchids or mixed arrangements for a luxurious touch.
- Group Contributions: Pool funds for a larger flower arrangements.
Make your tribute unique:
- Add a custom ribbon with a heartfelt message.
- Choose the deceased’s favorite flowers (e.g., blue delphiniums for ocean lovers).
- Incorporate colors that reflect their personality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Flowers
Find answers to common questions to help you choose the perfect sympathy flowers.
Lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums are popular choices for their meanings of peace, love, and honor, respectively. Lilies are ideal for traditional funerals, while roses suit personalized tributes.
Browse Sympathy FlowersFuneral flower prices vary by type and size.
Simple bouquets start at $50, while
larger wreaths or sprays can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on
customization.
Yes, most florists offer direct delivery to funeral homes.
Ensure you provide
the funeral home’s address and service date, and order by 2 PM local time for
same-day delivery in many areas.
Choose versatile flowers like white lilies or roses, which symbolize peace and love.
Alternatively, select an arrangement based on the family’s preferences or
cultural traditions.
Avoid overly bright or festive flowers like sunflowers unless requested, as they may
not suit the somber tone.
Stick to muted tones like white, cream, or pastel shades.
Most florists allow you to add a free or custom card with your arrangement.
Write
a short, heartfelt message like ‘In loving memory’ or ‘With deepest sympathy.’
Yes, flowers are appropriate for cremations or memorials. Smaller arrangements like baskets or personal bouquets work well for these settings.
Shop BasketsChoose locally sourced, seasonal flowers or biodegradable arrangements to reduce
environmental impact.
Some florists offer potted plants as sustainable
alternatives.
Condolence Messages for Funeral Flowers
A heartfelt condolence message can bring comfort and honor a loved
one’s memory.
Choose from our 20 examples below to pair with your funeral flowers.
Keep your message short, sincere, and personal—mention the deceased’s name or a cherished memory if possible.
Below, we’ve compiled 20 common condolence messages to inspire you, perfect for including with your sympathy flowers.
- With deepest sympathy, may these flowers bring comfort in memory of [Name].
- In loving memory of [Name], may their light shine on through these blooms.
- Our hearts are with you during this time of loss.
- May [Name]’s memory be a blessing, surrounded by love and these flowers.
- With heartfelt condolences, we honor [Name]’s beautiful life.
- Sending love and strength to you in memory of [Name].
- May these flowers offer peace during this difficult time.
- In remembrance of [Name], with our deepest sympathies.
- Forever in our hearts, [Name] will be cherished always.
- With love and prayers for comfort in [Name]’s memory.
- May [Name]’s spirit live on through these flowers and your memories.
- Our thoughts are with you as we honor [Name]’s life.
- In sympathy, may these blooms bring solace and love.
- With caring thoughts for you and in memory of [Name].
- May peace and love surround you, in honor of [Name].
- In loving tribute to [Name], with our heartfelt condolences.
- May these flowers reflect the beauty of [Name]’s life.
- With sorrow for your loss and love for [Name]’s memory.
- Sending comfort and peace in remembrance of [Name].
- May [Name]’s legacy bloom forever in our hearts.
Personalize these messages by adding the deceased’s name or a specific memory to make your tribute even more meaningful.
Ready to pair a message with your flowers? Explore our arrangements to create a lasting tribute.
Shop Funeral FlowersPro Tip: Not sure where to start? Our interactive quiz helps you find the perfect arrangement based on your budget and preferences.