What Kind of Flowers Should I Send to a Funeral?

When you’re sending flowers to funeral homes, you may not be aware that there is a language associated with the kinds and colors of flowers that are traditionally used for funerals.

Sending flowers as a symbol of sympathy to a funeral is one of the most common practices associated with death. However, it may be difficult to decide what kind of flowers to send. Flowers say something about the deceased, so if you’re unsure what to send, this guide should help.

The language of funeral flowers was developed in 1800s during the Victorian era. This language, which is also known as floriography, associates certain types of flowers and certain colors with very specific sentiments.

Roses are a very popular funeral flower. They can be sent as buds, fully bloomed, or placed in a wreath. Dark crimson roses are sent to signify grieving. White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and a new life waiting for the deceased’s soul. Yellow roses symbolize friendship.

White lilies are the most common sympathy flower that is sent to funerals. They can either be cut or they can be sent as a plant, which the family can take home as a remembrance after the burial. White lilies express purity and innocence, and they are also associated with angels. Centerpieces of coffin sprays often contain stargazer lilies.

Another popular funeral flower is chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are available in a wide variety of colors. White or yellow chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are used in Eastern cultures to symbolize mourning.

The gladiolus is a brightly-colored flower that is often used in sympathy bouquets that include white roses or white lilies. The gladiolus is associated with strength. This can be moral strength, strength of character, or physical strength. It is a very nice tribute to someone who has lived an exemplary life, overcoming obstacles, and persevering in spite of them.

Another flower that you’ll often find at funerals is carnations. Red carnations symbolize love, while pink carnations communicate that the deceased will never be forgotten. White carnations, like lilies and white roses, represent a return to innocence the purifying of the soul, and the hope of the new life after death.

One of the lesser-known flowers that are often included with funeral flower arrangements is rosemary, which symbolizes remembrance of the deceased. Rosemary, which you may know as a fragrant spice that is used in cooking grains and meats, has a flower that produces a very delightful smell. You can either include cut rosemary in a funeral bouquet or you can send it as a plant. The plant can be used by the family as an herb garden. Since rosemaries are perennial plants, they will produce flowers and herbs year after year.

Heliotropes are purple flowers that are commonly used to express sympathy. These flowers, which have a delightful fragrance, say, “You are loved.” This flower can be cut and included in a funeral bouquet or spray. You can also send it as a plant, which the family can keep as a memorial to their loved one.

While ivy is not a flower, it makes a beautiful addition to any funeral arrangement. It also symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and faithfulness.

If you need more information about sending flowers to funeral homes, our empathetic and knowledgeable staff at Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home can assist you. You can stop by our funeral home at 483 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901, or you can contact us today at (607) 722-4023.