Choosing funeral flowers can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the different types of arrangements. This simple guide will help you select a meaningful tribute based on the service, where the flowers will be displayed, and your relationship to the person being remembered.

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Casket Sprays

A casket spray is the main floral tribute placed on top of the casket. It is generally ordered by a spouse, children, or other immediate family members.

Front-facing casket sprays are ideal for a church, chapel, or funeral-home service where the flowers will mainly be viewed from the front.

All-around casket sprays are designed to look beautiful from every direction. They are recommended for burial or graveside services and settings where guests will see the casket from different sides.

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Standing Wreaths

A round standing wreath is a thoughtful tribute from relatives, friends, colleagues, or an organization. Its circular shape represents everlasting love and remembrance.

Wreaths display beautifully beside the casket and help frame the service area. A custom ribbon with a personal message can be added in any language.

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Standing Crosses

A floral cross is a traditional religious tribute representing faith, hope, and remembrance. It is especially suitable for a Christian funeral service and may be sent by family members, relatives, friends, or a church community.

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Standing Hearts

A floral heart expresses deep and personal love. It is often chosen by a spouse, partner, children, or grandchildren as a meaningful tribute to someone especially close to them.

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Flowers for the Signing or Memorial Table

A vase arrangement is a practical and beautiful choice for the guestbook or signing table.

A large vase arrangement can become the main floral feature in the centre of a large memorial table.

A smaller round or square vase arrangement can be placed beside a framed photograph, guestbook, memory box, or candles.

These arrangements can also be taken home by the family after the service.

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Flowers Around a Photograph

Picture-frame flowers are designed to decorate and draw attention to a favourite photograph of the person being remembered. Flowers may be arranged around the entire frame or placed along one side for a softer, more natural look.

They are beautiful for a memorial table, welcome area, altar, or celebration-of-life display.

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Roses for a Burial Service

Individual rose stems may be provided for family members and guests to place during the burial ceremony.

Ask your florist to arrange the roses in a glass vase. Before the burial, they can serve as a beautiful vase arrangement at the service. The vase also keeps the stems hydrated until they are needed.

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Pedestal and Urn-Shaped Arrangements

Tall pedestal arrangements or flowers designed in elegant urn-shaped containers are ideal for framing a church altar, chapel, casket, urn, photograph, or ceremony entrance.

A matching pair creates balance and makes the front of the service feel complete. Their height allows the flowers to remain visible even when guests are seated. After the ceremony, they may be moved to the reception, graveside, or family gathering.

They are an excellent choice when you want to create a meaningful floral setting without placing every arrangement directly beside the casket.

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What Should I Send to the Family?

When sending flowers to a grieving family, consider where the arrangement will be delivered.

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Sending Flowers to the Funeral Service

A round wreath, floral cross, standing heart, or vase arrangement can be delivered directly to the funeral home, church, or service venue.

Standing tributes are appropriate when you want your flowers to become part of the ceremony. A vase arrangement is a simpler and more versatile choice that can be displayed during the service and taken home afterward.

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Sending Flowers to the Family’s Home

A vase arrangement is usually the most practical choice for a private residence. It arrives ready to display, does not require the family to find a container, and can provide comfort for several days.

Choose a manageable size unless you know the family has space for something larger. Include a personal card expressing your sympathy and relationship to the person being remembered.

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Choosing Flowers and Colours With Cultural Traditions in Mind

Culture can provide helpful guidance, but every family is different. Religion, personal preference, and the favourite colours or flowers of the person being remembered may be more important than general tradition. When possible, ask the family, funeral director, or florist before ordering.

Persian families: White, cream, soft pink, or gentle pastel arrangements are usually elegant and respectful. White roses, orchids, gladiolus, carnations, and seasonal flowers may be used. Some families prefer a formal all-white design, while others welcome colour.

Croatian families: White flowers and traditional, formal designs are often suitable. Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, and gladiolus may be used. Red-and-white flowers may also be meaningful to some families, but it is best to confirm.

Italian families: White arrangements, wreaths, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies are traditional choices. Deep red may express love, especially from close family members, but white remains the safest option when you are unsure.

English, Canadian, and American families: White and green, soft pastels, or the person’s favourite colours are all appropriate. Roses, hydrangeas, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids, and seasonal garden flowers may be included.

Spanish or Spanish-speaking families: Traditions vary considerably by country and religion. White flowers, roses, carnations, lilies, and formal wreaths are commonly appropriate, particularly for Catholic services. Ask before choosing very bright colours.

Chinese families: White and yellow flowers are traditionally associated with mourning. White chrysanthemums, carnations, orchids, and lilies may be appropriate. Bright red is traditionally connected with happiness and celebration, so it should generally be avoided unless the family specifically requests it.

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When You Are Unsure

A white-and-green arrangement is a respectful and versatile choice for most services. Your florist can also create a design using gentle, low-fragrance flowers if the family or guests have sensitivities.

Lilies, lavender, garden roses, peonies, eucalyptus, and other fragrant materials may have a noticeable scent. This does not mean they are unsuitable, but it is worth asking about allergies, asthma, migraines, or fragrance sensitivity—especially for an indoor chapel or family home.

If fragrance is a concern, request a low-scent arrangement and ask the florist to avoid strongly perfumed lily varieties, lavender, eucalyptus, and other highly aromatic flowers or foliage.

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Still Not Sure?

Tell us your relationship to the person being remembered, the type and location of the service, and any colours, flowers, cultural traditions, or sensitivities we should consider. Our funeral florists will guide you toward the most suitable tribute.