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Funeral Flowers - The Art of Ordering
Them Appropriately
By Kim Gibson
The beautiful floral displays at a funeral represent a
variety of emotions, but most often symbolize love,
sympathy and respect. Choosing the flowers for a funeral
you're planning, or sending flowers to a funeral, is an
art that, once mastered, can convey those feelings
eloquently.
Funeral Flowers Possibilities
Flowers are used in several different ways to honor the
person who has died. They might be displayed at the
funeral home during a visitation, and then moved to the
church for a formal funeral. They might decorate a grave
or drape a casket. They are also sometimes delivered
directly to the family.
No matter what the purpose, those arrangements are a
visual tribute to the relationship you had with the
deceased. Here are some ways that connection can be
conveyed:
• "Family" sprays, casket drapes or baskets for a
"Husband" or "Daughter", for example
• Cut flower arrangements
• Potted plants
• Dried flower arrangements
• Floral wreaths
• Baskets of flowers and greenery
The type of flowers you choose might be determined by
cost, availability, or personal preference. The person
being honored may have even left instructions about the
type of floral tribute they prefer. Work with a local
floral designer to choose funeral flowers, or ask the
funeral director about florists in the area.
Varieties of Funeral Flowers
In the past, cut flower arrangements for funerals were
usually limited to mums, carnations, lilies or roses. It
was common to see tall gladiolus arranged in sprays
flanking the casket. In rural areas, funeral baskets
might have been made up of wildflowers or flowers from
someone's garden.
Today's funeral flowers are created from an almost
endless variety of flowers from around the globe.
Dramatic bird-of-paradise, bright tulips and sweet
daisies might be seen in containers ranging from tall
floor vases to grapevine wreaths. The beauty of nature
lends itself to memorials and funeral services, and can
be an appropriate tribute to a loved one. Do keep in
mind that being memorable and being showy aren't the
same thing, and choose funeral flowers that don't
overpower the rest of the service.
Consider what the one who is gone would have enjoyed in
life. Think about the setting for their final service.
What types of flowers or plants might bring comfort to
the grieving family? By using these criteria, it's
possible to choose a memorable floral tribute.
Ordering funeral flowers needn't be an agonizing
decision. Decide how much you'd like to spend, what
flowers the departed might have enjoyed and what you'd
like your floral gift to represent. With those decisions
made, you can confidently order funeral flowers that are
an appropriate tribute to someone special.
Kimberly Gibson is owner of Elegant Memorials Funeral
Program Template. She also writes and publishes a wide
range of articles in funeral and memorial planning
including articles on funeral flowers. |
