Sending Funeral Flowers

Everything you need to know about funeral flowers: Options to consider from Legacy of Love funeral planning services.

Why Send Flowers For a Funeral?

Traditionally, flowers represent growth, new life, and movement forward. They also signify compassion, love and warmth. While it is not mandatory that people send funeral or condolence flowers, many people choose to express their love and respect for the deceased and their families in this way.

Flowers are often sent to the church, the funeral home, or the family’s home. The use of funeral flowers can vary among cultures so it is important to keep that in mind when considering sending funeral flowers.

Flowers that consistently rank as the most popular choices for funeral arrangements due to their symbolic meanings and classic beauty include:

• Lilies: Often considered the most traditional funeral flower, lilies, particularly white Stargazer and Oriental lilies, are chosen in an estimated 30%-40% of funeral arrangements. They symbolize the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed.
• Roses: A versatile and highly popular choice, roses are included in approximately 25-35% of funeral floral tributes. The color of the rose carries specific meaning:
  • White: Purity, reverence, and new beginnings.
  • Red: Deep love and grief.
  • Pink: Gratitude and remembrance.
  • Yellow: Friendship and support for the grieving family.
• Carnations: Known for their longevity and fragrance, carnations are a common feature in funeral arrangements, found in about 20-30% of designs. White carnations symbolize pure love and innocence, while red evokes admiration.
• Chrysanthemums (Mums): In many European and Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are exclusively used as funeral flowers. In the United States, they are a popular choice for their beauty and variety, featured in roughly 15-25% of arrangements. They generally symbolize honor and respect for the deceased.

Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements

There are a variety of funeral flower arrangements to choose from, each with their own function:

• Wreaths - Circular floral arrangements that represent eternal life
• Floral Arrangements - General floral arrangement that can be anything from cut flowers to potted flowers
• Sprays - Arrangements that are viewed from one side only and are positioned near the casket
• Casket Sprays - A central flower arrangement that sits on top of the casket (usually organized by the immediate family)
• Inside Pieces - Placed inside the casket such as satin hearts, nosegays or small sprays

Funeral Flowers Industry Trends

Recent years have seen shifts away from what might be viewed as "typical" for funeral flowers trends:

• Decline in Traditional Arrangements: Industry reports from sources like the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) indicate a slight but steady decline in the percentage of families opting for traditional, large-scale floral tributes. This is partly attributed to the rise in cremation services, which may have less formal memorial services.
• Rise of "In Lieu of Flowers": An estimated 15-20% of obituaries now include the phrase "in lieu of flowers", suggesting that families prefer charitable donations. However, many people still choose to send flowers as a personal expression of sympathy directly to the family's home.
• Growing Popularity of Living Plants: There is a discernible trend towards sending living plants, such as orchids, peace lilies, and small trees. These are seen as a lasting and eco-friendly tribute to the deceased and are chosen in approximately 10-15% of instances where a floral gift is sent.
• Average Spending: The average expenditure on funeral flowers can vary widely, but typically falls between $50 and $200 for arrangements sent by friends and family. Larger pieces, such as casket sprays and standing sprays from the immediate family, can range from $250 to over $700.

It is important to note that cultural and religious customs can significantly influence the choice of flowers. When in doubt, consulting with your local florist or trying to accommodate the family's expressed wishes is always the most respectful course of action.

Do you have further questions about sending flowers for funerals? We would be happy to help. Call 833-888-0355 or fill out our online form.

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