How to Choose Flowers for a Funeral​

Selecting meaningful funeral flowers ensures a beautiful, fitting tribute.

Floral Arrangements: How to Choose Funeral Flowers

Planning a funeral involves many delicate decisions, and choosing the right flowers can be one of the most meaningful yet challenging tasks. Flowers have long been a way to express sympathy and respect for the deceased, providing comfort to those in mourning. Here, we’ll guide you through the considerations and options to help you decide on the perfect floral arrangements for a funeral.

Understanding the Significance of Flowers in Funerals

Flowers have been used in funerals for centuries, symbolising different aspects of life, death, and remembrance. Each flower type and arrangement can convey unique messages and emotions:
 
  • Lilies: Often associated with funerals, lilies symbolise the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased.
  • Roses: Each colour carries a different meaning; for instance, red roses express love and grief, while white roses signify reverence and purity.
  • Carnations: These are often chosen for their durability. Red carnations represent admiration, while white carnations symbolise pure love and innocence.
  • Orchids: Signify eternal love and are a beautiful way to express everlasting remembrance.
  • Natives: Australian native flowers can reflect the natural beauty of the local environment and can symbolise strength and resilience.
  • Gerberas: These cheerful flowers can symbolise purity and innocence, adding a vibrant touch to funeral arrangements.
  • Tulips: Represent elegance and grace, and can convey a message of deep love and respect.
  • Sweet Williams: Often symbolise gallantry and can be used to honour a courageous individual.

Consider the Preferences and Personality of the Person who has Died

Reflect on the personality, preferences, and life of the person who has died when selecting funeral flowers. Did they have a favourite flower or colour? Perhaps they had a particular style or theme they loved. Incorporating these personal touches can make the floral arrangements more meaningful and a true reflection of their individuality.

Types of Funeral Floral Arrangements

There are various types of floral arrangements suitable for funerals, each serving a different purpose and location within the service. Our Funeral Planner can assist you in selecting the most appropriate arrangements from our popular choices:

 

Casket Sprays:

These are placed on top of the casket and can be chosen by the immediate family. We offer single-ended and double-ended casket sprays, which can include the deceased’s favourite flowers or colours.

Standing Sprays and Tributes:

These tall arrangements are displayed on easels around the casket. We show a selection of floral tributes that can be displayed on an easel or stand, including:

    • Heart: Symbolising love and loss.

    • Cross: Reflecting faith and remembrance.

    • Letters: Any letter of the alphabet to personalise the tribute.

    • Circle Wreath: Representing eternal life and continuity.

    • Bouquet Style: Traditional and elegant, suitable for various settings.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Different cultures and religions have specific customs and traditions regarding funeral flowers. It’s important to respect these traditions to honour the deceased appropriately:

  • Christian Funerals: Commonly include a variety of flower arrangements such as crosses, sprays, and wreaths.
  • Jewish Funerals: Typically, flowers are not a traditional part of Jewish funeral customs. Instead, donations to charity are often preferred.
  • Buddhist Funerals: White flowers are preferred as they symbolise mourning and purity.
  • Hindu Funerals: Garlands are often used, and white is the colour of mourning.

Practical Considerations

When selecting flowers, there are practical aspects to consider to ensure the arrangements are appropriate and manageable:

  • Seasonality: Choose flowers that are in season to ensure they are fresh and available.
  • Durability: Opt for flowers that will remain vibrant throughout the funeral service and any subsequent gatherings.
  • Allergies: Be mindful of any known allergies among family members or close friends who will be attending the service.

Working with our Funeral Planner

Collaborating with an experienced Tobin Brothers Funeral Planner can greatly ease the process of selecting funeral flowers. Our Planner can provide valuable advice on suitable arrangements, flower types, and customisation options. 

While we show a selection of the most popular choices, we are always open to discussing more personalised options to ensure the arrangements truly reflect your loved one’s personality and preferences.

Please speak to your Funeral Planner if you’d like to organise something custom for the service.

Final Thoughts

Choosing flowers for a funeral is a deeply personal task that requires thoughtful consideration. 

By understanding the symbolic meanings of different flowers, considering your loved one’s preferences, respecting cultural and religious traditions, and addressing practical concerns, you can select floral arrangements that honour and celebrate the life of a person in a meaningful way.

Remember, flowers are a powerful way to convey love, respect, and sympathy during this difficult time. With careful selection, they can provide comfort and beauty, serving as a fitting tribute to the person you are commemorating.

For more information on funeral planning or to discuss your needs, please feel free to contact our Funeral Advice Line on 13 19 34.

We are here to support you through every step of this journey.

Explore the Range

Below is a selection of our most popular arrangements, featuring a wide range of blooms, colours, styles, and presentations. If you’re looking for something different or have any questions at all regarding our selection, please contact your funeral planner or reach out to our Funeral Advice Line.

Picture of Tobin Brothers Funerals

Tobin Brothers Funerals

Celebrating Lives Since 1934

Looking for Support?

See our Support and Resources for information and resources.
Scroll to Top

Search

Search

Founded in 1934

The first funeral conducted by Tobin Brothers Funerals was for Ena Margaret Price in 1934. In its first year, the company conducted 53 funerals and after the payment of creditors and the collection of debts, it made a modest profit.