Flowers for Funerals: Choosing Funeral and Sympathy Flowers

Wondering about the appropriate flowers for a funeral?

Sending flowers for a funeral can be a meaningful way to show your sympathy and express your condolences during a difficult time. With so many options to choose from, it can be confusing and overwhelming to choose the right flowers or floral arrangement. Below are some tips to help guide your selection of flowers for a funeral.

Choosing Flowers for a Funeral: Religious Considerations
While flowers are a traditional expression of sympathy for many, sympathy flower etiquette varies by religion. Flowers are generally not appropriate for Jewish and Muslim funerals, for instance. Instead, gifts of food are suitable expressions of sympathy. And for Buddhists, avoid using red flowers – opt instead for white flowers, as white symbolizes mourning.

Choosing Flowers for a Funeral: Relationship Considerations
There is a huge selection of floral arrangements available to individuals looking to send flowers to a funeral service or the home of a grieving family. Generally, larger pieces for the casket and specialty pieces like floral hearts and crosses and wreaths are sent by immediate family members only. Friends and colleagues generally send floral standing sprays, fireside baskets, or flower baskets to the funeral home for display during the service. For those who are unable to attend the funeral service, it may be appropriate to send an elegant vase of flowers, a floral basket arrangement, or a blooming plant to the home of the bereaved.

Choosing Flowers for a Funeral: Symbolic Considerations
While there are no specific sympathy flowers that should be sent to a funeral home or to the bereaved family, many people do take into account the symbolic meaning of the flowers they are giving. The most popular choices for funeral flowers include:

• Carnations – Carnations come in a variety of colors, although many choose the red, white, or pink varieties. Red carnations symbolize strength and admiration, while white carnations signify truth and innocence, and pink carnations stand for remembrance.
• Chrysanthemums – Also known as mums, these flowers are frequently used in funeral service floral arrangements. White chrysanthemums symbolize grief and truth.
• Lilies – Many people opt for white lilies as they express peace, purity, and majesty.
• Roses – Like carnations, roses come in a variety of colors. White roses symbolize innocence and youthfulness, while red roses signify love and respect, and pink roses stand for grace.

Sending sympathy flowers can be a great way to express your condolences. We hope this guide has been helpful, but if you do have any additional questions regarding flowers for funerals, please list them in the comments section below.

You can find more articles, videos, and tips relating to funeral planning  and grief at eFuneral.com.