Expressing Your Sympathy: All You Need to Know About Traditional Funeral Flowers

In 2018 alone, the funeral industry had a revenue of $16 billion. This industry is large because funerals are so common. Are you prepared for a funeral?

Whether you're attending in person or trying to send your condolences when you can't attend, sending flowers is always a good choice. However, it's helpful to know some tradition first, so you can send the right message.

There are some traditional funeral flowers you can send to make the statement you want to make. Not sure which ones to choose, or how to send them? We've put together a complete guide to help you decide -- keep reading so you can express your sympathy in the best way.

Funeral Flower Arrangements

First, let's break down the different arrangements you might find on your search for grieving flowers.
There are two main types of funeral flowers: those that will be used as part of the service, and those that are sent to show sympathy to the grieving family.Flowers for the service can include:

• Bouquets
• Wreaths and hearts
• Standing Sprays
• Crosses
• Casket arrangements
• Urn and photo arrangements

These will beautify the space during the service.
Flowers for showing sympathy might include:

• Floral baskets
• Bouquets
• Wreaths
• Other arrangements including things like fruit

There's more freedom for choosing these flowers as a gift.

What to Send and When

Wondering how to navigate the expectations surrounding funeral flowers? Just follow these guidelines.

Funeral Service Flowers

These flowers tend to come in pre-arranged sets to match the look for the funeral. Most funerals aren't decorated with a random assortment of flowers from loved ones. Instead, they'll have bouquets and arrangements that are designed to all look nice together.

It's not expected or encouraged for you to show up to most funerals bearing flowers. However, if you're planning the funeral, you might need to have the right arrangements sent to the funeral home.
The family members, or those planning the funeral, will be the ones to choose the casket arrangement and other important floral decorations. But if you want to help out, and you're close to the family, you could offer to take care of the casket arrangement for them.

Generally speaking, it's always best to ask the family before sending or bringing flowers to a service. You want to make sure you won't disrupt their plans for decorating. Flowers can offer a beautiful way to pay a tribute to a loved one, which is why funeral service flowers are a beloved tradition.

Flowers for Mourning

If you want to send an individual message to the family or loved ones of the deceased, you can send them your own floral arrangement.

You can send them to a specific person or address them to the family. You can expect that they will be receiving lots of flowers at the time, so bigger isn't always better. Instead, send a tasteful arrangement that will fit nicely in a crowded home.

Sometimes, you might even choose to send a potted flowering plant, rather than cut flowers. This can send a message that lasts longer than your usual bouquet.

However, keep in mind that grieving families tend to be busy, and might not have the time or energy to care for a new plant. When in doubt, cut flowers are always a good choice.

Even if the funeral is over, but you just heard about it, you can still send flowers. This gesture is welcome at any time.

Traditional Funeral Flowers to Choose From

Now that you know what to send or bring and when, which flowers should you choose?
The good news is that you have a range of options. Funeral flowers don't have to be all somber and serious. Funerals are meant to be times of celebration, not just mourning, so many bright and luscious flowers can work well.

Here are three popular funeral flower types, and the meanings they convey.

Carnation

This traditional choice for standing sprays and wreaths comes in many different colors, so you can pick which one suits the moment best.

Red, for example, symbolizes affection. Pink carnations were once believed to have sprouted where the Virgin Mary's tears fell, making them appropriate for Christian and Catholic funerals.

However, flowers mean different things in different cultures. For example, in Buddhist culture, white is the color of mourning, and sending flowers of another color may not be appropriate. It's important to know enough about the family to choose the right flowers that will show respect.

Roses

If you choose a white rose arrangement, you're making a statement about peace, innocence, and purity. Red roses can show love and affection, while yellow is associated with friendship.

But no matter which color you choose, roses tend to be a good choice for traditional funeral flowers. They look beautiful alone or mixed with different flowers.

Lilies

Lilies remain one of the most popular funeral flower choices. Their strong scent combined with their beauty can help make the funeral space feel even more celebratory.

Some people may also choose to send a peace lily plant, which is associated with rebirth, as well as peace.

Sending Lilies to a home is a good choice, but be careful if the mourners have pets. These flowers are very toxic to cats, so they aren't a good choice for all households.

Sending the Right Flowers for Loss

Traditional funeral flowers remain the top way to show love, respect, and sympathy at the time of a funeral. Whether you're choosing arrangements for the casket or just sending a bouquet to someone's home, this guide will help.

Wondering where to get your arrangements? Check out our sympathy and funeral options here.