Funeral flowers with a deeper meaning: practical advice to guide your choice

Different kinds of funeral flowers are common, but have you ever wondered what meaning they have? At Áltima we explain why certain types of flowers are used when a loved one dies and how to choose the most appropriate ones.

History and symbolism of flowers at funerals

Flowers at a funeral are an integral part of many cultures and traditions. Sending or arranging flowers for a deceased loved one is part of mourning the loss of that person.

Flowers represent respect for the deceased and have been traditionally used for centuries. Originally, it was more of a practical matter, because of the scent of the flowers, but later it came to have a deeper meaning.

Nowadays, funeral flowers are used to pay tribute to our loved one, to express feelings and emotions and to show support to relatives.

However, as we will see, each flower can have a particular meaning, so it is important to choose the most appropriate one in each case so that the wrong message is not conveyed.

Meaning of different types of flowers in funeral arrangements

What different kinds of funeral flowers are there? There are many different options available and the meaning that can be conveyed by each type of flower should always be considered.

Roses

Roses are very common funeral flowers. They have different colours all with different meanings:

• Red symbolises love and respect so it is the most suitable choice if you had a close relationship with the deceased person (your partner for instance).

• Pink expresses gratitude and appreciation for the deceased person and their family.

• White symbolises purity and peace and is mostly used at religious funerals to express condolences.

 

Lilies and irises

Both lilies and irises are elegant and delicate funeral flowers and represent the innocence of the eternal soul. They also bring hope in farewell ceremonies.

Depending on their colour, lilies can also express different things:

• White conveys serenity and peace and is used to honour the deceased.

• Pink or peach (pastel shades) convey calm and comfort and they are used to express condolences to family members.

 

Chrysanthemums

Other common funeral flowers are chrysanthemums. They represent mourning and convey a desire for eternal peace. This makes them ideal for expressing our condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

Their colour can also have a number of different meanings. For example, the meaning of yellow alters depending on different cultures. While in some cultures it symbolises mourning, in others it is a sign of life and joy. It is important to know this so as not to send contradictory messages to the family.

 

Orchids

Orchids are another very common funeral flower. Different colours again convey different emotions:

• White symbolises beauty, purity and serenity. It conveys respect for the deceased and comfort to their relatives.

• Pink, purple or yellow (vibrant colours) represent joy and celebration of life. They are used to remember the deceased with gratitude and appreciation.

 

Daisies

Daisies represent purity and loyalty. They are simple flowers commonly used to pay tribute to a young or joyful person and also provide support and comfort to family members.

 

Carnations

Carnation funeral bouquets are among the most common funeral flowers. They are also used in wreaths and centrepieces to express admiration and appreciation for the deceased.

 

Gladioli

Gladioli are used to show sincerity, affection and respect for the deceased. They are widely used in funeral arrangements such as wreaths because their long stems are so elegant.

Tips for choosing the right flowers for a funeral

What is the best way to choose flowers for a funeral? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

Consider meaning and symbolism

Your choice of funeral flowers will depend on what you want to express and should represent the feelings you are trying to convey. Now that we have seen the meaning associated with each type of flower, you should find it easier to make the right choice.

Remember that when in doubt about the meaning a particular flower has for a particular culture or tradition, it is best not to take any chances. There will always be other options to help you convey the right message.

Choose appropriate colours

As we have seen, colours also play an important role in choosing the most fitting funeral flowers. Which colour of funeral flowers should be chosen? That depends on the message you want to convey.

Accompany flowers with a message

When you send funeral flowers to the relatives of a deceased person, choosing the right words to express your sorrow and offer support is just as important as choosing the right flowers. Don't forget to accompany your flowers with a message. This should be brief, concise and meaningful. You should also write your name so that the relatives know who is sending the flowers.

How much does a funeral bouquet cost?

Different factors will influence the price of flowers for a funeral such as the type of flowers, the type of decoration and the size of a bouquet, for example.

At Áltima we have a comprehensive florist service. How much does a funeral bouquet cost? You can check our prices and choose the option you prefer.

You can also use our flower delivery service in order to show your condolences for the death of a loved one. Get in touch!