Funeral flowers have played an important role in all cultures, all throughout history. When words aren’t enough, these arrangements serve as a beautiful expression of your condolences, comfort, and support. But how do you know what type of flowers to send—and how can you ensure they reach the right place at the right time?
Funeral Flowers vs. Sympathy Flowers: What’s the Difference?
First, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Flowers for the funeral service go directly to the funeral home. As such, funeral arrangements are often more grandiose. They provide funeral home or graveside decor and serve as a tribute to the deceased. By contrast, sympathy flowers are sent directly to the bereaved family’s home. These arrangements are generally smaller and simpler, bringing subtle beauty and peace to an abode.
What is the Meaning Behind Each Type of Funeral Flower?
Every life is different—and thus nearly any type of flower may hold significance to the deceased or their family based on beliefs, customs, and personal preferences. However, some of the most common funeral flowers and their meanings include:
- Lilies: The most common funeral flower, white lilies symbolize a departing soul returning to innocence after death.
- Roses: Red roses symbolizes love; yellow represents friendship and caring; white represents purity and innocence. However, roses of any shade make for a beautiful funeral arrangement.
- Carnations: These are a popular choice for funeral arrangements because they are long-lasting and fragrant. Red carnations suggest admiration; pink carnations stand for remembrance and white carnations symbolize pure love.
- Gladiolus: The tall, orchid-like gladiolus conveys sincerity, strength and integrity. Choose from red, white, pink, purple, yellow, orange, peach or even green.
How to Send Funeral Flowers
There are many large national florists that claim to do funeral flower arrangements and delivery. But funerals are an incredibly time-sensitive and highly personal matter—which is why it’s important to go through a local merchant that knows the community and perhaps even knows the family.
At Vay-Schleich & Meeson, we make it easy to purchase fresh, beautiful funeral arrangements online. We have years of experience in designing unique tributes, from elegant, somber creations to more vibrant flowers. And because we are coordinating your loved one’s funeral services, you can rest assured that your order will arrive at the right location at precisely the right moment.
Browse our online flower shop today to learn more about what we have to offer.