The choice of flowers for a funeral depends on the closeness to the deceased and their family, as well as the mood of the funeral. Peonies are a classic funeral flower, symbolizing healing and compassion, and are often used in sympathy arrangements. Roses, with their many subspecies, are also popular for their beauty and fragrance.
Carnations are known for their unique scent and gorgeous ruffled petals, often used in funeral wreaths and memorial arrangements. Red roses are a symbol of love and respect, while pink roses signify appreciation and grace. Peonies symbolize a deep emotional connection and are a powerful representation of remembrance.
Chrysanthemums are popular funeral flowers, but they may not be appropriate for every situation, especially when the funeral takes place in places of worship or includes faith-based services. Peonies are a delight to grow in the garden and carry a rich history of meaning, medicinal use, and myth.
In terms of flowers for funerals, peonies are one of the most expensive, but if you know that that really mattered, two stems of lily of the valley can be used. Roses have a universal meaning, making them ideal as a funeral flower. Red roses express love and respect, while pink roses are a sign of appreciation and grace.
In summary, choosing the right flowers for a funeral depends on the closeness to the deceased and their family, as well as the mood of the funeral.
📹 Choosing funeral flowers
Leanne Tennenini from Ambrosia Floral Designs talks us through choosing funeral flowers, with some helpful tips.
What is the bad meaning of peonies?
The peony, deriving its name from the Greek mythological figure Paeonia, is traditionally associated with bashfulness. In this context, the flower is believed to bring curses or bad luck if it dries out.
What is the flower for grief?
Hyacinths, like roses, have various symbolic meanings, with the purple hyacinth being a popular symbol of sorrow and regret. Sympathy flowers, like the purple hyacinth, are a great way to show support and condolences to a grieving family. Flowers convey love and help express emotions. For centuries, people have assigned different meanings to flowers, with the general message of sympathy being understood in any context.
Seven popular types of funeral flowers include the lily, which is often interpreted as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, and the rose, which symbolizes a loved one’s spirit, offering hope and encouragement to a grieving family. By understanding the meanings of these flowers, individuals can better support and express their emotions during a difficult time.
Are peonies used for funerals?
Peonies, a type of flower, symbolize beauty, love, and compassion, with their blooms in white, pink, and red. They have a short flowering season from mid May to late June. Delphiniums, known for their deep blue color, are used in garden style, loose funeral arrangements, and are associated with tranquility. Astilbes, delicate, feathery flowers in pink and white, add a soft touch to funeral arrangements, giving them an authentic, natural feel. These flowers are often used in garden style, loose funeral arrangements, and informal settings.
Are peonies good sympathy flowers?
Sending flowers in sympathy can be costly, but a single peony or two stems of lily of the valley can speak more than a large sheath of something from a hot house. There should be no rules about what flowers can be, as they are for people to express themselves in any way they want. Feeling shy or ashamed to express your preferences is okay. If your partner loves chrysanthemums or carnations, it doesn’t matter if people think they’re naff, as it’s for him.
What is the most appropriate flower for a funeral?
Lilies are a popular choice for funerals as they symbolize the soul returning to a peaceful state of innocence. The aromatic properties of lilies can serve as a comforting reminder that the departed has transitioned and attained a state of peace.
What do peonies symbolize?
Peony flowers are believed to symbolize bashfulness, good luck, wealth, honor, and fortune in China and Japan. They are also considered compassionate, making them popular for sympathy bouquets. Peony has roots in Greek mythology, with the story of Paeonia and Aphrodite. Paeonia’s beauty attracted the attention of Apollo, but her jealousy upset Aphrodite, the goddess of love. As punishment, Aphrodite turned Paeonia into a peony flower, causing her to become bashful and red. This story highlights the significance of flowers in Greek mythology and their role in symbolizing love and compassion.
What is the official funeral flower?
In traditional funerary practices, floral arrangements frequently incorporate lilies, which symbolize the enduring spirit of the deceased and offer solace and fortitude to the bereaved. White is deemed an appropriate color for faith-based services, whereas carnations are a popular selection for flowers intended to convey sympathy.
What flower symbolizes the death of a loved one?
Lilies are a common flower associated with bereavement, symbolized by white, Oriental, and stargazer varieties. Orchids are long-lasting and often used in funeral arrangements to convey everlasting love. Roses, particularly red, are often associated with love, but other colors can also have different meanings. White symbolizes innocence and humility, pink signifies appreciation and grace, dark red represents sorrow, and yellow represents loyalty or friendship. These flowers are often chosen for their long-lasting nature and their symbolic significance.
What does the peony symbolize when someone dies?
The use of peonies at funerals is a traditional practice that symbolizes a farewell or a peaceful afterlife. They are often employed as a gesture of condolence and tribute to the deceased. In various cultures, peonies are considered auspicious, particularly in China and Japan, where they are believed to bring financial success and good fortune. A bouquet of peonies is a popular choice for conveying sentiments of love, admiration, and compassion, particularly in contexts of special significance and emotional expression.
What is the best flower for someone who died?
The 12 best sympathy and condolence flowers include Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Lilies, Orchids, Roses, Daffodils, Forget-Me-Nots, and Gladioli. These flowers are known for their unique scent and ruffled petals, and their color can symbolize comfort and beauty. When sending flowers to a person who has lost a loved one, it is important to consider the type of flower, its color, and the meaning behind it. The list of the 12 best sympathy flowers, along with explanations of their color, can help create a beautiful arrangement that expresses your sympathy.
Additionally, a section on sympathy etiquette is included to ensure you send your flowers at the right time and place. If you’re struggling with choosing the right color, follow the guide below to help you choose the best option for your loved ones.
What is the superstition about peonies?
Peonies, a flower with various meanings, are believed to symbolize bashfulness, good luck, wealth, honor, and fortune in Greece and China. The story of Paeonia and Aphrodite, where the nymph’s beauty attracted the attention of Apollo, upset the jealous goddess of love, Aphrodite. Paeonia turned red and became bashful, causing Aphrodite to turn her into a peony flower as punishment. Peonies have roots in Greek mythology and tales of gods and goddesses, making them a significant symbol of love and luck.
📹 Dealing With Funeral Floristry
Friday bonus video – a look at dealing with funeral floristry. In today’s video we were asked to give an overview of how best to …
Funerals can be a live and learn experience! At the church I’m associated with, we had an elderly woman die, and her daughter made the arrangements handing me a note left by her mother outlining the altar flowers she wanted. I checked, gave a cost estimate and it was okayed by the daughter. The flowers were gorgeous (if I do say so) and received many compliments. I never received payment – not one penny – for those flowers and all attempts to contact the daughter failed. As I say, live and learn. Your advice is strong, John. Thank you for that! Stay safe!
I always suggest that the death notice state ” in addition to flowers, memorial donations may be made to …”. I listen very closely to the family when they want specific items included in a standing spray such as golf club, fishing poles, even shotgun shells, whatever hobbies the deceased had. The family didn’t even know that could be done and they really appreciate my suggestions. Photos of casket sprays, standing sprays, etc. are helpful to the family who is so distressed makes it easier for them to make decisions.
Thank you, John, very helpful and compassionate. I know from experience in my own family that a particular aunt who is quite wealthy always provides one enormous standing arrangement (usually a cross on an easel for a mature person, or a giant heart for a young adult or child). This arrangement can really over-shadow all the other offerings. I know this is a good sale for the florist, but do you ever suggest that people scale back in order to not overpower all the other flowers? I’m talking two to three times the size of the rest of the arrangements.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Auntie and her little pose. Your suggestion on what to do to avoid this situation is spot on! Could you also share your recommendation on what to do after the order is filled and the bereaved client changes his/her mind? Florists have such big hearts and are so giving by nature, but there’s still a business side that must be respected. Her wish was granted, but she changed her mind after the funeral. How should a florist make it right but still respect their business?
Good Afternoon John! Trusting this is finding you & your family in good health! I have another question please…. concerning FRESH CUTTINGS FROM “BESIDE THE ROAD” …TO USE IN FUNERAL WORK…. here in SE TX…. GOLDENROD … (Solidago) … grows EVERYWHERE. Do you feel it is treated any different… getting it from wholesalers? or do we need to “treat” it any certain way? THANKS!! Much blessings your way! 🙏🏼🙌🏻
I wonder if I can handle funeral work. I’d like to be a very versatile florist, but at the same time I’m an open book emotionally and people can sometimes take advantage or “unload” a great deal in a conversation. How do you suggest I guard myself in this profession without betraying who I’m meant to be?
The use of funeral flowers has changed dramatically during the last fifty years here in the United States. In the past there were lots of flowers as there were usually multiple viewings and a formal funeral. Now there are few viewings, most with “in lieu of flowers” notices. I still recommend a few flower pieces as they give people something to look at and appreciate when waiting in lines at funeral homes or sitting in pews at services. I think the practice of sending a floral gift to the bereaved a few weeks after the death is greatly appreciated.
I think your comments about people approaching a florist for funeral work and ‘maybe being a bit emotional’ ; ‘often using humour because they’ve been through the worst’, ‘have seen it coming’ so ‘they’ll be okay’ are WILDLY off the mark and very underplayed. More like the customer is in shock and deeply touched by their loss. I can see your intention to dispel fear in the florist and put minds at rest by not worrying about the emotional side but was there really any need ? I am recently bereaved and in my experience your comments couldn’t have been further from reality. Apart from this I’m a subscriber and a great fan of yours and your floral work and articles. So keep up the good work. Perhaps leave analysis of the grieving process out though aye ? Regards Kate
I can’t help it but I STAY AWAY FROM DOING FUNERALS!!! I’m too happy a person to deal with people in mourning. I want to giggle at them and then make a joke about the deceased!!! LOL LOL The only time I do a funeral is when I know the deceased and don’t have to spend too much time with the mourners. And you are CORRECT when you say that many times HUMOR is the way to handle the mourners. If I know the deceased, I will ask their loved ones to think of something funny about him/her. It gets them thinking about HAPPY flowers instead of SAD ones. I don’t think I’ve ever done a friend’s funeral that required ANYTHING black!!! I’m the same way. When I go, I want people wearing bright and happy colors – NO BLACK OR DARK BLUE OR DARK PURPLE!!! Preferable ANY color on the PRIDE FLAG!!! And I’ve told all my friends NOT to send flowers because I prefer to have them WHILE I’M STILL ALIVE!!! I can’t see the flowers when I’m dead. Most of my friends give me flowers NOW!! And I love them for it. BTW, If you had your shop in my town; you’d have a lot of business because I get flowers every month!!! And when I throw a party – plenty of flowers!!! I liked your article and I’m sure it is helpful to all who do funerals. I hope that your business continues to flourish!!!!