The passing of a loved one or friend can be one of the toughest times in a person’s life. We try, and so all we can to deal with the emotions and provide support to one another. A very traditional way to show sympathy is through the giving of flower arrangements. There are some well-established customs when it comes to floral bouquets. These include white roses, lilies, and carnations. While those may be the expected flowers, there are new customs forming that allow for some flexibility. This flexibility allows for the passed person’s personality to shine during the funeral. The purpose of a funeral is to honor the fallen, so do your best to pay tribute to their unique life through unique floral arrangements.
In this article, we discuss:
* Bouquets with bright colors
* Potted plants
* Flowers with meaning
* Wreath or floral basket arrangements
Bouquets with Bright Colors
Traditionally, funeral flowers are white in color. White is often used to symbolize purity, love, and sympathy, which speaks to why they are appropriate funeral flowers. However, it is now acceptable to use more cheerful colors in funeral flower arrangements. Funerals are always sad occasions, but they are also a celebration of a person’s life. It is okay to celebrate this person with bright colors like yellows, pinks, and reds. These colors reflect the happiness a person felt and spread throughout their life. So honor the profound and positive effect this person had on your life through a brilliant flower arrangement.
Potted Plants
Giving someone a potted plant to show sympathy is a newer trend. Potted plants may be very appropriate when you do not know the deceased directly. Perhaps your co-worker or friend lost someone in their lives. This is when you can give a potted plant. Consider choosing a peace lily. Peace lilies are easy to grow but have a calm beauty about them.
Potted plants may also be appropriate if the person who passed was an avid gardener. Honor their hobby by giving family members a beautiful perennial or shrub. This plant can be placed somewhere in the garden. Over the years, this plant can live on and provide comfort and joy to others.
Flowers with Meaning
Many flowers carry special meanings and references. Think about your friend and their personality traits and then try to find a flower that reflects them. Though it used to be only certain flowers were included in funeral arrangements, it is now more acceptable to choose more unique, less traditional flowers in order to pay a fitting tribute to your loved one.
Perhaps you know what your friend’s favorite flower was. Consider including these in your bouquet. Changes are their family knows their favorite flower and can find peace in those flowers.
Daisies symbolize innocence, purity, fertility, and love. They can also mean fertility and motherhood. This makes daisies an appropriate choice for people who fit these traits. Daisies also have whimsical appeal, so if whimsy describes your loved one, this may be a great choice.
Alstroemerias represent friendship. These are beautiful flowers with multiple blooms on each stem. They also come in a wide range of colors, which makes for an easy way to truly personalize the flower arrangement.
Asters in themselves are a unique choice for funeral flowers. Asters symbolize patience. Patience is a special trait that not everyone possesses. So honoring a patient person with this flower can be very appropriate. Daffodils are another unique choice for funeral floral arrangements.
Daffodils celebrate rebirth and new beginnings. These flowers may be very fitting for someone’s who’s faith believes they are starting a new life with greater meaning.
Wreath or Floral Basket Arrangements
Wreath or basket arrangements are easily transportable and can live on for quite a long time. They are self-contained arrangements that work well for display in the funeral parlor and work well once they are brought home. These types of arrangements can be very unique in terms of flower selection, shape, and size. This is another time where brightly colored flowers can be used. Baskets may also be a great way to include flowers that have some symbolism tied to them. In addition, you may be able to choose the actual basket the arrangement is displayed in. Consider using a basket that you know the passed person would like. Or, if the florist allows you to, provide the basket yourself. It may bring loved ones a sense of comfort to see reflections of the person’s essence during this difficult time.
Standing Spray
Standing sprays are a more traditional funeral arrangement. This is a large arrangement that is usually displayed on a mount or easel. Often they are placed quite close to the front of the parlor or the casket. Because of its prominence, this may be an arrangement that is better suited for immediate family someone very close to the family.
While this is a traditional arrangement, it can still be made unique. Melding new and old may be the perfect way to honor an individual person. Perhaps you know someone who is that ideal blend of an old soul with a new heart. Taking a traditional bouquet and adding a modern twist can pay the ideal tribute to this person.
The way to blend old and new is through flower selection and flower color. Choose flowers that you feel present the person who has passed. Or choose flowers that represent this person through symbolism. The same is true for color choice. Perhaps you want to include cheerful flowers to celebrate the person’s life. Or maybe you want to choose flowers that are the person’s favorite color. Whatever you select, please do your best to make it as personal as possible.
During the difficult period of the death of a loved one, sympathy from others goes a long way. Use your intimate knowledge of the person who passed to give a personalized bouquet. People appreciate seeing reminders of their loved ones in any way possible. When you put thought and effort into the flower selection, others take notice. Take your time, do your research, and choose the arrangement that best suits your fallen friend.
