Complete Guide to Funeral Flowers
Everything you need to know about choosing, sending, and understanding sympathy flowers — from types and meanings to etiquette and cultural traditions.
Why Send Sympathy Flowers?
Express Sympathy
Flowers convey your love and support when words aren't enough.
Honor Their Memory
A beautiful tribute that celebrates the life of someone special.
Show You Care
Even from a distance, flowers let the family know you're thinking of them.
Common Funeral Flower Types & Their Meanings
Lilies
Purity, peace, and the restored innocence of the departed soul
Colors: White, pink, orange
Shop LiliesRoses
Love, respect, and courage. Red for love, white for reverence, pink for grace
Colors: Red, white, pink, yellow
Shop RosesChrysanthemums
Loyalty, devotion, and honor. In many cultures, exclusively a funeral flower
Colors: White, yellow, burgundy
Shop ChrysanthemumsCarnations
Affection and remembrance. Pink for remembrance, white for pure love
Colors: Pink, white, red
Shop CarnationsOrchids
Everlasting love and eternal beauty. A sophisticated, long-lasting choice
Colors: White, purple, pink
Shop OrchidsGladioli
Strength of character, integrity, and sincerity
Colors: White, pink, red, purple
Shop GladioliTypes of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Standing Sprays
Large, flat-backed arrangements displayed on an easel. A prominent tribute visible during the service.
Best from: Friends, extended family, colleagues, organizations
Casket Sprays
Elegant arrangements designed to rest on top of the casket. The most personal floral tribute.
Best from: Immediate family only
Wreaths & Crosses
Circular wreaths symbolize eternal life. Cross-shaped arrangements express faith and hope.
Best from: Family, close friends, religious organizations
Basket Arrangements
Versatile floral arrangements in baskets that can be displayed at the service or taken home.
Best from: Anyone — a universally appropriate choice
Plants & Gardens
Living plants and dish gardens that serve as a lasting tribute the family can nurture at home.
Best from: Anyone — especially thoughtful after the service
Bouquets & Vase Arrangements
Classic flower arrangements in vases, suitable for the service or the family home.
Best from: Friends, neighbors, acquaintances
Cultural & Religious Considerations
Christian
Flowers are widely welcomed. Lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums are popular. Wreaths and crosses are common. Send to the funeral home or church.
Jewish
Flowers are generally not sent to the funeral service. Instead, send a fruit basket, food, or make a donation. If flowers are appropriate, send them to the family's home after shiva.
Buddhist
White and yellow flowers are traditional. Chrysanthemums and lilies are preferred. Avoid red flowers, which symbolize celebration. Send to the funeral home or temple.
Hindu
White flowers are preferred. Wreaths and garlands are traditional. Avoid bringing flowers to the family's home during mourning — send to the funeral venue.
Islamic
Flowers are sometimes acceptable but not the primary tradition. When sent, choose simple, modest arrangements. Check with the family first.
Budget Tips
Affordable ($35–$75)
Plants, small basket arrangements, and single-variety bouquets are beautiful and budget-friendly. A thoughtful card matters more than the price.
Shop Under $50Mid-Range ($75–$150)
Larger arrangements, mixed flower baskets, and premium plants. A great balance of impact and value.
Shop $50–$100Group Contributions
Pool funds with coworkers, friends, or neighbors for a larger, more impressive arrangement. One meaningful tribute from the group.
Shop $150+Personalization Ideas
Their favorite flowers. If you know what flowers the deceased loved, incorporating them into the arrangement adds a deeply personal touch.
Meaningful colors. Choose colors that had special significance — school colors, a favorite hue, or colors that represent their personality.
Add a keepsake. Some arrangements can include a small angel figurine, photo frame, or memorial ornament that the family can keep.
Custom ribbon. Request a personalized ribbon banner with a message like “Beloved Father” or “Forever in Our Hearts.”
Funeral Flower Etiquette
When to send. Order flowers as soon as you learn of the passing. For the service, ensure delivery to the funeral home at least 2 hours before. For the home, send after the funeral or during the weeks that follow.
Where to send. Address flowers to the funeral home with the deceased's name and service date. For home delivery, address to the surviving spouse or next of kin.
What to write. Include your full name on the card. A simple, sincere message is best: “With deepest sympathy,” “In loving memory,” or share a brief, warm memory of the deceased.
Check the obituary. Always read the obituary before ordering. Some families request donations in lieu of flowers. Respect their wishes — a charitable donation is equally meaningful.
Any flowers are welcome. While white lilies and roses are traditional, there are no strict rules. Choose flowers that feel right to you or that the deceased would have loved.
Seasonal Flower Guide
Choosing in-season flowers often means fresher arrangements and better value. Here's what's at its best throughout the year:
Spring
March – May
Tulips, daffodils, irises, peonies, hyacinths
Summer
June – August
Sunflowers, roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, zinnias
Fall
September – November
Chrysanthemums, marigolds, asters, autumn roses
Winter
December – February
Poinsettias, amaryllis, white roses, evergreen arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
Flowers are typically sent to the funeral home before the visitation or service. If you want to send flowers to the family's home, it's best to wait until after the funeral. Many florists offer same-day delivery if you order early enough.
Yes, sending flowers is one of the most common ways to express sympathy. However, always check the obituary first — some families request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers. Respect their wishes.
Keep your message sincere and brief. Examples: "With deepest sympathy," "In loving memory of [name]," or "Thinking of you during this difficult time." Sign with your full name so the family knows who sent the flowers.
White lilies are the most traditional funeral flower, symbolizing the restored innocence of the departed soul. Roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and gladioli are also popular choices. There are no strict rules — choose something meaningful.
There's no set amount. Smaller arrangements and plants start around $40–$60, while larger standing sprays and casket sprays can range from $100–$300+. Many people contribute to a group arrangement, which is a thoughtful and affordable option.
Absolutely. Sending flowers is a wonderful way to show you care when you can't be there in person. Include a heartfelt card message, and consider sending them to the family's home after the service as a lasting reminder of your support.
Arrangements are placed in vases or baskets and can be displayed at the service or taken home. Sprays are flat-backed designs displayed on an easel — standing sprays are tall displays for the service, while casket sprays rest on top of the casket.
Yes. White lilies symbolize purity and peace. Red roses represent love and respect. Chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty and devotion. Carnations express affection. Orchids convey everlasting love. Gladioli represent strength of character.
Same-day delivery available in most areas