Appropriate Funeral flowers
Choosing appropriate flowers to convey your feelings for the deceased is a difficult process. Here is a list of some flowers that are usually sent to a funeral:
Chrysanthemums
Many people associate chrysanthemums with funerals. They are regarded as traditional funeral flowers in many countries worldwide. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. It is also available in various colors such as yellow, orange, pink, white, purple and burgundy. A few are bicolored. However,white is the most popular color. Double chrysanthemums are also popular since they can be used as basing material for massed wreaths, pillows, posies, and name tributes. It can also be sprayed any color that is desired.
Carnations
As a Funeral flowers, Carnations have great visual appeal. Where a red base is required for massed tributes carnations are used. The strongly fragrant flowers are available in many colors. The most popular colors are red, white, and pink. You also can find bicolors with different colored petal edges. In addition, white flowers are often tinted into any color imaginable for special occasions.
Roses
As a funeral flower, there is nothing to surpass the beauty of a rose. Roses are available in a wide spectrum of colors. However, White roses are usually preferred. Yellow, pink, and white are also used for that stunning visual impact.
Iris
The iris is also used in many flower funeral arrangements. Irises come in colorful hues of blue, purple, white, yellow, pink, orange, brown, and red. The blue iris is usually chosen for floral arrangements.
Lilies
Another traditional funeralflower is the lily. The use of lilies at flowerfunerals symbolizes the restored innocence of
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the soul at death. There are several types of lily and the colors available are white, orange (salmon) yellow and pink. White lilies are preferred over other colors for funerals.
However highly personalized sympathy tributes that depict the person's essence are a growing trend. So if the deceased was a vibrant and energetic person you can even send exotic wild flowers of bright hues as a special tribute. You could also include his or her favorite flowers or colors, or a flower that had special significance in your relationship with that person.
Colors
Many people and cultures also attach a special significance to the colors of the flowers used in funerals. Here is a list of some popular colors used:
Blue: Blue flowers represent peace, openness, and serenity.
White: Often associated with purity, innocence, modesty, and reverence, white flowers evoke simple and sincere beauty
Pink: Pink is a symbol of youth and represents grace, gentility, innocence, and happiness
Red: Red is the expression of Love, Respect, Passion, and Courage.
Lilac: Represents a sincere love, without the need for anything in return. It can refer to the love felt for lovers, family, or friends.
Lavender: Representing refinement, grace, and elegance, lavender symbolizes feminine qualities.
Most people opt for somber colors to show respect and sympathy. But you can even use vibrant colors as a tribute to the deceased's love of life and vibrant personality.
Meanings of different Funeral flowers
Traditional Funeral flowers often have special meanings associated with them. You can even convey your feelings for the deceased by choosing a flower that sends a sincere and appropriate message.
• Chrysanthemum: Rest.
• Carnation (Pink): I'll never forget you.
• Carnation (Red) : Admiration
• Camellia: I admire you
• Lily (White): Purity
• Rose (Dark Crimson):Mourning
• Rose (Red): Love
• Rose (Tea): I will remember, always.
• Rose(White): Innocence and purity
• Forget-Me-Not :True love, memories
• Poppy : Eternal Rest
• Zinnia: I Mourn Your Absence
Who sends what
Traditional etiquette rules dictate what types of floral arrangements are suitable based on the sender's relationship with the deceased.
Flower baskets or living plants are gifts that can be given for virtually all occasions by anyone. They are especially appropriate when the sender has a closer relationship to the bereaved than to the deceased. These baskets are sent to the family’s home or workplace.
Floral wreaths, crosses, and sprays are appropriate when sent by people who had a deeper or formal relationship with the deceased. They are also used by associations like military to honor the deceased for service during their lifetime. Wreaths should never be sent to the departed’s family home.
Traditionally the flowers placed on the casket are provided by family members. Coffin sprays are provided by the main mourners, close family, or friends responsible for the funeral arrangements. If you wish to send flowers for the coffin, ask the family first.
Floral tributes are generally chosen by good friends or family members. You may send a design that reflects the personality of the dear departed.
You can even send flowers in a vase. If you pick a glass vase, remember that many funeral homes and cemeteries have rules about glass containers.
Sending funeral flowers as a group allows you to combine resources and choose one very special arrangement with a greater impact. Such pieces can include standing sprays and wreaths. However, if the list of names is very long, you may choose to identify yourselves by family, group, or department. Make sure to include a contact name and address on the card so the family knows whom to thank.
Things to remember
• Never send flowers to an Orthodox Jewish funeral.
• If the family requests flowers to be omitted, you should honor the request.
• Some people will request you to make donations instead of spending for flowers. If this is the case, you should respect their sentiments.
• If you are unsure about what flowers to send, consult the local area florist.
• Enquire about restrictions the funeral home or cemetery might have.
• Florists will give you specific suggestions based on the type of service.
• You can send flowers even weeks or months after the funeral to show your care and support to the bereaved. Sending flowers is a beautiful way of honoring someone's life.