Funeral flower arrangements are a common practise in traditional funeral ceremonies all over the world. They are also an essential component of the ways in which we honour the lives of those who have passed away.
They assist us in honouring our loved ones in ways that we frequently are unable to describe and provide a significant means by which we may say our goodbyes.
When planning flowers for a memorial service, it is important to select them with care, taking into consideration a variety of factors such as the kind of flowers you want and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve with your arrangements.
This essay takes a look at the many kinds of flowers that are typically used in funeral arrangements and bouquets.
The species of the flower.
When selecting appropriate floral arrangements for a funeral, it is very important to keep in mind that different flowers each have their own unique meaning. Because each type of flower has its own unique meaning in the floral lexicon, choosing flowers for a memorial service or a funeral may not always be as straightforward as one might think. Certain types of flowers are more commonly associated with these types of ceremonies.
Carnations, for example, are a flower of remembrance and also express appreciation; as such, they are an acceptable and meaningful option for remembering loved ones who have passed away.
The following are some more typical options for funeral flowers, as well as the message that they convey:
- Tulips: Care
- Hyacinth is a symbol of honesty.
- Orchids symbolise love.
- White lily: An emblem of loss
- Iris: Confidence and companionship
The colour of the flowers, in addition to the type of flower that is chosen, also communicates a particular message. Since white is a hue that is commonly associated with spirituality and purity, it is customary to select white flowers to display during funerals and memorial services.
In the context of a funeral, the following colours have specific connotations that you should be aware of:
- The colour red symbolises esteem and loyalty.
- Orange symbolises warmth.
- The colour purple symbolises grief and sympathy.
- Yellow is the colour of hope.
- Pink symbolises compassion.
Given that the meaning behind these flowers and what they represent might change depending on the culture and religion of the recipient, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a knowledgeable florist in order to select a suitable flower arrangement.
Symbols and the cultural values they represent
The cultural and spiritual beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones are an additional factor that should be taken into consideration when funeral arrangements are being made. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are making funeral flower arrangements on behalf of someone who does not share your faith or values.
For instance, members of the Protestant Christian and Catholic faiths may be open to receiving most varieties of flowers and their corresponding arrangements, but members of the Jewish faith often do not show flower arrangements during their funerals.
The following is a list of cultural differences that you might want to take into consideration:
- Yellow and white flowers are the most popular choices for memorial flower arrangements for funerals in many Asian cultures. In these societies, most memorial flower arrangements for funerals are approved. On the other side, you should stay away from red flowers.
- The majority of flower types can be given to Mormons, but the arrangements themselves must not take the form of crosses or crucifixes.
- Funeral arrangements for members of the Greek Orthodox faith often include white flowers, although they are open to receiving flowers of other colours as well.
- The arrangement of the flowers in the vase
- After you have selected flowers that are appropriate for the funeral, the next step is to figure out how they will be delivered.
The following are some of the most popular ways that flowers are presented during funerals:
Vases
Putting flowers in vases makes it possible to display them in a variety of settings without any effort. When everything is said and done, these kinds of floral arrangements are also simpler to transport to the location of the memorial or a holy site, as well as back to the homes of loved ones.
Casket sprays
In this particular kind of floral arrangement, the flowers are laid directly on top of the coffin. It’s possible that the size of the arrangement will change depending on whether or not the coffin will be open or closed during the funeral.
When a funeral is held with a closed casket, the spray will normally cover the majority of the lid. In contrast, sprays that are used for funerals with open caskets will cover the lid less completely so that the casket may be opened for viewing.
Arrangements of flowers in vases
At funerals, standing arrangements are undoubtedly the type of floral arrangement that are used the most frequently. These are often big arrangements that are displayed on easels near to or occasionally even below the coffin where the deceased was laid out.
The significance of funeral floral arrangements much beyond our current understanding.
Traditional funerals often feature prominent use of floral arrangements. In challenging circumstances, they frequently succeed in conveying a wealth of feeling and emotion in a way that words are unable to.
Given that choosing the best arrangements at the passing of a loved one can be challenging, consider seeking the support of a professional funeral home for your flower arrangement and other funeral planning requirements.