Funeral flowers are among the last things you can give to a loved one who recently passed away. So, we understand the feeling of wanting it to be as special as possible, as meaningful as it can be, and as beautiful as the life they lived.
That’s why picking the right floral arrangement can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already grief-stricken. It’s like trying to find the perfect words for a eulogy but with flowers instead.
In this guide, we’ll help you prepare the perfect flower arrangement that can show your loved one just how much you love them. From unique ideas to classic ones, these floral arrangements can speak the words and emotions you can’t say yet.
What are the common flowers used for funerals?
Common flowers used for funerals include lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids, roses, and gladioli. Most of these flowers symbolize love and mourning.
Oversized Funeral Wreath

Floral wreaths are among the most common funeral flowers, and while there isn’t anything wrong with them, you can totally upgrade them. Instead of sending a small one, prepare a giant wreath that can act as the funeral service’s main floral centerpiece.
An oversized funeral wreath can also minimize the number of flowers needed for the whole funeral service. Rather than preparing multiple medium-sized arrangements to decorate the entire place, a giant one and a few small ones can do the trick.
This can also be symbolic of your huge love, respect, and admiration for the deceased. You can also use flowers that symbolize mourning, like chrysanthemums, or love, like carnations, to amplify the symbolism of the funeral wreath.
Funeral Spray with Personalized Ribbon Message

Funeral sprays are classic funeral flower arrangements, especially in East Asian countries like South Korea. As with classic arrangements, you can never go wrong with sending them, whatever your relationship may be with the deceased.
These sprays are versatile and can be customized to match the vibe of the person you’re honoring, whether they love simple, elegant arrangements or over-the-top ones. The message can even be customized to match your relationship with the deceased.
Plus, they come in a variety of sizes and can be placed just about anywhere, from funeral homes to gravesites.
Suspended Wreath with Candles

Another great way to present funeral wreaths is by hanging them and incorporating candles in the arrangement. This is typically a great idea if the funeral service will take place outdoors, especially when there are trees where the wreaths can be suspended.
This can give a more magical atmosphere to the funeral service and make it more of a celebration of the deceased’s life.
This arrangement is usually best prepared by the family as they know better what kind of service they want to give to their loved one. If the service is more formal and traditional, sending this type of arrangement might not be the best choice.
Floating Floral Arrangements

Floating floral arrangements aren’t actually floating; they’re just arranged in a way that gives you the illusion that they’re floating. Florists typically use transparent pedestals or plexiglass to make the arrangements look like they’re floating.
While floating floral arrangements might not defy the laws of physics, they definitely have a magical quality that can’t be denied. They’re simple yet stunning, versatile yet impactful—the perfect way to honor someone special.
These are relatively easy to set up and display, requiring minimal space and infrastructure. You can place them just about anywhere, whether it’s indoors at a funeral home or outdoors in a garden.
Floral Cross

The cross is a powerful symbol in many cultures and religions, representing faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Incorporating it into a funeral arrangement reinforces these representations and sends comfort to the bereaved.
Most florists now arrange flowers in a cross shape to make the arrangements more symbolic and appropriate for funerals, so it’s pretty easy to find a place that can help you with this arrangement.
If a cross-shaped flower arrangement isn’t your cup of tea, you can also just ask the florist to make a wreath or any other arrangement that can be attached to a cross.
Heart-Shaped Floral Arrangement

The heart is a universally recognized symbol of love and affection, making heart-shaped funeral flower arrangements one of the best ways to express deep love to the deceased.
This kind of arrangement is typically best given by lovers or close friends of the deceased, as it can symbolize their special bond.
Aside from the symbolism, heart-shaped floral arrangements are visually appealing and attention-grabbing. Every mourner who attends the service will likely notice it and remind them of how loved the deceased was.
Bright and Bold Casket Topper

It used to be taboo to use bright colors in funeral flowers, but not anymore! Nowadays, funerals are all about celebrating the vibrant life of the person who passed, which is why we’re seeing more and more lively and bold casket toppers.
Bright and bold casket toppers honor the joy and vitality that the person brought to the world instead of mourning their death. Often, the colors used are the favorite colors of the deceased to ensure that their final moments remain all about them and their love.
In addition, bright and bold casket toppers can also provide comfort to mourners. The lively colors remind mourners that while the person may no longer be present physically, their spirit lives on in the memories and hearts of those who knew and loved them.
FAQs about Funeral Flower Arrangements
How do you display flowers at a funeral?
How funeral flowers are displayed depends on the bereaved’s wishes. They can sometimes be placed near the casket, at the entrance or altar, or at a memorial corner designated by the family.
What color of flowers should we use for funeral flower arrangement?
The most common color used for funeral flower arrangements is white, but florists have now started incorporating brighter-colored ones into the arrangements.
Before choosing a color, take into consideration the deceased’s culture and the family’s wishes. If you’re not quite familiar with them, go for a white arrangement to be safe.
How far in advance should I order funeral flower arrangements?
It’s best to order funeral flowers as soon as possible, ideally as soon as you get confirmation that the family will be accepting them. This will give the florist enough time to create an arrangement, as they will most likely have other commitments to attend to.