Understanding Funeral Flowers and Their Significance

Guest Writer
May 11
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

At a time of loss, finding the right words can be incredibly difficult. Often, it's through gestures and symbols that we express our deepest emotions. Funeral flowers are a powerful and enduring way to convey love, sympathy, and respect for the departed. Each bloom, color, and arrangement carries its own unique significance.

The Tradition of Funeral Flowers in the UK

In the UK, the tradition of sending funeral flowers has a long history. These floral arrangements offer comfort to the bereaved and visually represent the community's support. But what common types of flowers are chosen for funerals? And what messages do they convey? Let's explore the delicate language of funeral flowers.

Popular Flowers and Their Meanings

Lilies: Perhaps the most iconic funeral flower, lilies symbolize purity, sympathy, and the soul's return to innocence. White lilies evoke feelings of peace and serenity. Their elegant form makes them a popular choice for casket sprays and standing arrangements.
Roses: A timeless symbol of love and respect, roses hold various meanings depending on their color.
Red roses express deep love and grief
White roses signify purity, innocence, and remembrance
Pink roses convey gentle love, grace, and sympathy
Yellow roses are often chosen by close friends to symbolize friendship and remembrance
Carnations: These long-lasting blooms are both popular and versatile.
Red carnations represent love, pride, and admiration
White carnations symbolize pure love and innocence
Pink carnations often signify remembrance
Chrysanthemums: In the UK, chrysanthemums, also known as "mums," are traditionally associated with mourning. White chrysanthemums are particularly used to express sympathy.
Gerbera Daisies: Though their bright appearance may seem unconventional, gerbera daisies symbolize the beauty of life. They offer comfort and hope and are often chosen to celebrate the life of someone vibrant.
Orchids: Elegant and exotic, orchids represent enduring love and sympathy. Phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids are common choices, conveying a sense of lasting affection.
Forget-Me-Nots: These delicate blue flowers are a poignant symbol of remembrance and enduring love. They serve as a gentle reminder that the departed will always be in our thoughts.

The Significance of Color in Funeral Flowers

Beyond the type of flower, the colors chosen for funeral arrangements also carry symbolic weight:

White: Represents purity, peace, innocence, and spirituality. White flowers symbolize the soul's journey.
Red: Evokes deep love, respect, courage, and grief. It's a powerful color for expressing profound emotions.
Pink: Signifies gentle love, sympathy, grace, and remembrance. Pink flowers offer a softer expression of affection.
Yellow: Can symbolize friendship, remembrance, and new beginnings. In a funeral context, it often represents the warmth of the relationship.
Blue: Represents peace, serenity, sympathy, and stability. Blue flowers can provide a sense of calm during a difficult time.
Purple: Associated with dignity, respect, admiration, and remembrance. Deeper shades of purple can convey a sense of loss and sorrow.

Creating a Meaningful Tribute

When choosing funeral flowers, there are no strict rules. The most important factor is selecting flowers and colors that hold personal significance. Consider the deceased's favorite flower or a color they loved. You might also choose blooms that evoke cherished memories. Such thoughtful selections can transform a floral tribute into a beautiful reflection of a life lived.

Finding the right words can be tough, especially in times of grief. Funeral flowers serve as more than mere decoration; they become an expression of love. They create an emotional bond and signify that the departed will always be remembered.

Choosing the right flowers can offer comfort to the bereaved. It can ease their pain and help them feel less alone in their sorrow. Ultimately, funeral flowers bridge the gap between words and emotions, making them an essential part of the mourning process.