Choosing Funeral Flowers: A Complete Guide to a Personal Farewell

Flowers play an important role in saying goodbye to a loved one. They bring comfort, express feelings that are sometimes difficult to put into words and add a personal element to a farewell ceremony. In this blog, we will take you through the various options for funeral flowers and help you make a suitable choice for a dignified farewell.

The meaning of funeral flowers

For centuries, we have used flowers to express our grief and to commemorate our loved ones. They symbolize the beauty and transience of life. Just as described in our article “Why do we lay flowers on the grave”, flowers are a way to maintain our connection with the deceased and to show our feelings of love and respect.

Funeral flowers come in many shapes, colors and styles. The choice depends on the personality of the deceased, your relationship and the way of saying goodbye. Let’s take a look at the different options.

Choosing funeral flowers – types of funeral flowers

1. Funeral bouquets

A funeral bouquet is a tied bunch of flowers, often a mix of one or more main flowers, surrounded by supporting flowers and greenery. Funeral bouquets are versatile and can be arranged in both classic and modern styles. Funeral bouquets can be ordered in different sizes; if you choose a larger size, the bouquet will not be longer, but more flowers will be incorporated.

Care: A funeral bouquet requires more care after delivery than other funeral flower arrangements. If there are one or more days between delivery and the funeral, the funeral bouquet must be placed in water in between. Because the flowers are in water, this must be refreshed regularly. The stems should preferably be cut diagonally every two days for optimal water absorption. Store the bouquet in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.

Perfect for: Personally handing over to relatives or to place at a condolence.

2. Funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements are floral arrangements made on floral foam, often in a specific shape such as a heart, cross or drop shape. These arrangements are sturdier and more dimensionally stable than bouquets. The floral foam absorbs enough water to provide the flowers with sufficient moisture for a few days.

Care: Funeral arrangements require less intensive care than bouquets. The floral foam retains water, which keeps the flowers fresh for longer. It is important to keep the floral foam moist by regularly sprinkling it with water.

Perfect for: Placing on or next to the coffin during a funeral ceremony. Funeral arrangements can also be placed on the grave after the funeral.

3. Funeral wreaths

A funeral wreath is a round arrangement of flowers and greenery. Traditionally, the round shape symbolizes eternity and the cycle of life.

Care: Just like funeral arrangements, wreaths are made with floral foam as a base and require relatively little care. The floral foam must be kept moist.

Perfect for: Placement at the grave or monument. Wreaths are also often used at memorial services.

4. Coffin decoration

Specially designed to be placed on a coffin or grave, grave pieces are often elongated in shape. Just like funeral pieces and wreaths, coffin decorations are made with floral foam as a base and require relatively little maintenance
Care: Casket decorations are designed to cover the casket completely or partially, because there are often many flowers in it, casket decorations require more care. The floral foam must be kept moist.

Perfect for: Placement on the casket or on the grave, both during and immediately after the funeral and at later memorials or special days.

5. Individual flowers

Sometimes there is nothing as powerful as a single flower. A single rose, lily or sunflower can be just as expressive as an elaborate arrangement.

Care: Individual flowers need water to stay fresh. For a funeral ceremony, they can be placed in small water tubes.

Perfect for: Handing out to those attending the funeral, who can then place them on the casket as a personal farewell.

Choosing Funeral Flowers – Choosing Colors and Flowers

Traditional Colors

Traditionally, white flowers are associated with mourning, symbolizing purity and peace. However, today we are increasingly seeing colorful funeral arrangements that reflect the personality and zest for life of the deceased.

Personal preferences

Was the deceased fond of sunflowers? Did he or she have a favorite color? These personal preferences can be a good guideline when choosing funeral flowers. It makes the farewell extra meaningful.

Seasonal flowers

Flowers from the season are not only more sustainable, but often also more powerful and have a longer shelf life. In spring, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are beautiful choices, while roses, peonies and sunflowers shine in summer. In autumn, chrysanthemums, dahlias and autumn asters are popular, and in winter, amaryllis, hellebores and various types of green branches can make a beautiful funeral arrangement.

Choosing Funeral Flowers – Practical Considerations

Budget

Funeral flowers come in different price ranges. Feel free to discuss your budget with deBloemist, who can advise on options that fit within your financial framework without sacrificing meaning or beauty.

Location

Consider where the flowers will ultimately end up. Different arrangements are suitable for a cremation than for a burial. Outside on a grave, different flowers are more sustainable than inside during a service.

Finally – Choosing funeral flowers

Choosing funeral flowers is a personal process that can provide comfort in a difficult time. Take the time to think about what suits the deceased and you as relatives. A well-chosen floral arrangement, bouquet or wreath can be a beautiful tribute to a dear life.

At deBloemist we understand how important this moment is. We listen to your wishes and are happy to advise you on the options that suit your situation. Whether it concerns a traditional funeral arrangement or a contemporary, personal bouquet – together we ensure a dignified floral farewell.

Do you have any questions about choosing funeral flowers or would you like personal advice? Feel free to contact us. We are here for you in this difficult time.

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