The Different Types of Funeral Flowers and How to Choose Them
Coffin flowers are a beautiful focal piece for the funeral. They sit on the coffin in the final farewell for the person who has passed, which is a great way to reflect on and remember the deceased's life.
As design styles progress, people are increasingly asking for non-traditional funeral arrangements. The traditional arrangements, such as big commercial chrysanthemums or spread-out red Carnations, are still popular, but that's the type of flowers that would go from the funeral to the cemetery or get thrown away. Most grievers want something creative, such as a well-thought ball of Roses and Hydrangea in a vase or pot - something with more than funereal meaning that can be taken home after the service.
However, all flowers don't convey the same message. You need to be aware of the meaning of the color before sending the flowers to the bereaved family. Take a glance at these types of flowers below and their meaning:
Roses (white and dark pink)
White roses are used to express spirituality, recognizing that there's something greater than yourself, something to being a human being than your sensory experience, and the conviction that we are all divine and part of the cosmic. The dark pink ones are used for conveying gratefulness to the deceased. It is common to mix roses with several other flowers and present them in wreaths or standing sprays.
Daisies
Daisies make appropriate funeral flowers due to the fact that they signify "goodbye." If you want to invest in funeral flowers that can function as sincere goodbyes, daisies may work out in your favour. These flowers are staples on top of graves all over the globe. Note, too, that daisies, in many cases, are considered to be flowers of youth and innocence. If you're looking for flowers suitable for a young individual's passing, they may be a sensible choice. White daisies are frequently seen at funerals. The same applies to daisies that are more vivid and striking in coloration.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth comes with a sweet fragrance, and that's why they are almost always added to assorted flowers instead of being used alone. The main message sent by White Hyacinth is "you are in our prayers," but it can also represent regret and sorrow, which makes them one of the best flowers to express your condolences. If you were great friends with the deceased, use Blue Hyacinth to show your close and loyal friendship.
Lilies
Lilies bloom with huge open-faced flowers that symbolize the radiance and purity of the soul. Their large brilliant bloom and fragrance have earned them a near-permanent presence in funeral services. The best thing about Lilies is that they last longer than the assorted version. They bloom in various colors and represent the soul returning to rest in peace whenever they are used.
Hydrangea
Just like Lilies, the plant version of Hydrangea lasts longer than their assorted arrangement. Hydrangea is typically used as accent flowers in funeral services and sympathy arrangements to express heartfelt feelings and emotions. Another thing that makes them perfect for sympathy flower arrangements is that they come in various flowers, from blue to pure white and even pink.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums bloom in at least six colors: white, orange, white, purple, red, or lavender; bicolor flowers are also relatively common. Chrysanthemums generally express honour and sympathy in Europe and North America. White specifically symbolizes innocence, whereas red stands for love. These uses differ slightly from East Asia, where they are native and widespread - their florets signify rebirth.
Peace Lily Plant
Like its flower arrangement, the lily plant (with white flowers) conveys rebirth and innocence. Furthermore, the plant can last longer than the floral arrangement, meaning the grieving person can keep it in the office or at home in remembrance of the deceased.
Carnation
Carnations bloom with detailed yet delicate petals perfect for sympathy and funeral services. Just like roses, their meaning depends on the color you choose. White carnations bring the spiritual dimension your deceased loved one deserves, whereas red conveys deep affection and love. Lighter pastel colors stand for rebirth and innocence.
Irises
Irises are frequently spotted in use as flowers for soldiers who have passed away. These flowers signify things like hope, bravery, respect and adoration. Irises have been considered "sympathy" symbols for longer than many people can even grasp. They were considered these kinds of symbols all the way back in Ancient Greece. Iris was a goddess who was thought to be a bridge between the planet and heaven. She had the power to help souls get to heaven and the afterlife.
Orchids
Orchids are the least traditional flowers discussed on this list, but they are increasing in popularity as one of the top sympathy florals. Another thing about orchids is that they last longer than most other flowers, a quality that makes them perfect for expressing everlasting love amidst sympathy. If the deceased left a distinctive mark on your life, Orchids are the best way to show that the dead won't be forgotten.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus grow tall and are great for spray arrangement. They produce a scent similar to what you get from Carnations, Almonds, Honeysuckle, or Clove. They are preferable for sprays because the flowers grow to different heights, which can be brought together to make visually stunning arrangements. The showy funnel-like bloom shows the strength of character. As such, they are a glorious compliment to the deceased individual.
As you may have noticed by now, the color of the funeral flower makes a louder statement than its nature (size and shape of the petals). As such, regardless of the type of flower you use, the statement made by these colors remains the same in virtually every option you choose:
- Yellow: Anyone might think yellow would be inappropriate for a funeral. Think again! Although yellow is a cheerful color, no other color is universally associated with friendship, which is perfect for showcasing your close relationship with the deceased. The most touching flower arrangements have a touch of yellow mixed in them. Yellow gladiolus is particularly common in church-held funeral services.
- Lavender: This color stands for humility and respect, especially for someone you consider your mentor or senior. The popular option is the Lavender flower.
- Blue: Blue flowers convey deep sorrow. Popular options are Larkspur and Delphinium.
- White: Whether you use white alone or mix it with other colors, white signifies purity and innocence. White flowers are so common in funeral services that many people are oblivious to the statement they make. Popular options are Carnations, Lilies, Carnations, Roses, and Mums (chrysanthemums).
- Red: All red flowers, regardless of the specie, stands for thoughts of love amidst grief, especially the deep, velvety reds such as roses, conjure thoughts of love and grief. However, dramatic reds such as carnations and mums should be avoided.
Conclusion
While there isn't a particular color that signifies grief, there surely are some flowers that serve as a means to express your feelings towards the grieving. Funeral flowers commonly include daffodils, carnations, gladioli, lilies, and daisies. White lilies symbolize peace, and red roses symbolize love. It would be quite soothing for the bereaved to get an arrangement that includes these blooms, especially if the deceased loved being in the garden and had a favourite flower and color.
Get in touch with Bloomen to get funeral flowers delivered on time and with zero delivery costs. Please feel free to speak to our team at (844) 256-6636 to get flower deliveries in Toronto and the surrounding areas.