| Choosing Funeral Flowers | | | | posies, shaped arrangements (e.g. crosses, hearts, |
| Finding a suitable florist is one of the many tasks | | | | teardrops, chaplets, pillows, teddy bears, letters, |
| involved in arranging a funeral, whether you are | | | | names, personalised emblems or symbols, etc.), |
| guided by the funeral directors' recommendation | | | | sprays (single or doubled ended), tied sheaves and |
| or decide to commission a florist yourself. | | | | traditional wreaths (the latter being symbolic of |
| Funeral Flowers that Set the Tone | | | | eternal life). |
| Selecting a suitable floral theme and the most | | | | Flowers for Funerals |
| appropriate style of flower arrangements requires | | | | When selecting flowers for a funeral, be guided by |
| careful thought and consideration; this is where | | | | the chosen funeral format as well as the wishes |
| the advice and guidance of a professional florist | | | | and desires of those nearest and dearest. Above |
| who specialises in funeral floral arrangements can | | | | all, however, the funeral floral arrangements you |
| prove invaluable. | | | | choose should pay a profound and heartfelt |
| An experienced florist will be more than happy to | | | | tribute to the unique personality of the deceased. |
| talk you through the various options and floral | | | | Traditional funeral flowers in various colours which |
| packages available. Importantly, any reputable | | | | are always well-received include: carnations (white |
| florist will always take the time to listen carefully | | | | to signify truth, red for passion); chrysanthemums |
| to your individual requirements to ensure that | | | | (white is particularly popular and symbolises truth |
| your final tribute is thoughtfully personalised and | | | | and honesty); roses (generally accepted as the |
| perfect in every detail. | | | | most beautiful floral tribute of all); irises (symbolise |
| Floral Arrangements | | | | hope and faithfulness); Calla lilies, Oriental or Asiatic |
| Essentially, the design of the funeral flowers used | | | | (represent innocence, purity and enlightenment). |
| to dress the coffin and hearse is determined by | | | | More unusual suggestions, with a contemporary |
| personal preferences as well as such practical | | | | twist include: delphiniums, green anthuriums, |
| matters as the size of the coffin. The aim is to | | | | hydrangeas, orchids, strelitzia (also known as bird |
| choose flowers that reflect the age, personality | | | | of paradise flowers) and sunflowers. |
| and fond memories of the deceased. Other issues | | | | Practical Advice |
| such as the type and style of funeral involved | | | | Finally, and on a practical note, do ask your funeral |
| (e.g. traditional or contemporary) also play a | | | | service provider to recommend a florist in your |
| central role. | | | | area who has local knowledge of any regional |
| Types of Floral Tributes | | | | cemetery, crematorium or funeral parlour |
| Suggestions for floral tributes include: bouquets, | | | | restrictions. |