A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO FUNERAL FLOWERS AND THEIR MEANINGS
Flowers are important parts of any funeral. With their natural beauty, elegance and symbolic meaning, they are used to express a different range of sentiments. When a loved one passes away, we offer funeral flowers as a way to convey our feelings of love, loss and sympathy.
There are many kinds of flowers, but not all are used in funerals. This guide will introduce you to the different funeral flowers and the meaning behind them.
Lilies
Lilies are one of the most common flowers used during a funeral service. This flower symbolises the soul of our dearly beloved returning to a place of peace. Whilst there are many kinds of lilies, the white ones are more commonly used during funerals as the colour signifies peace, purity, innocence and sympathy.
Gladioli
Gladioli can grow up to four ft tall and is known to have multiple flowers in a single stem. These flowers are a traditional choice for funerals which often represent moral integrity and strength or character.
Roses
Roses are the most popular and widely recognised flower globally. They are known for different colours which have different meanings.
● White roses represent innocence, humility and youthfulness.
● Pink roses signify grace, appreciation and gentility.
● Yellow roses represent strong friendship ties.
● Dark crimson roses symbolise sympathy, grief and sorrow.
● Red roses signify courage, love and respect.
Carnations
Another popular choice of funeral flowers is carnation. That’s because it symbolises remembrance. Many people also choose this flower because it’s long-lasting. Carnations, just like roses, come in different colours.
● White carnations represent innocence.
● Red carnations signify pure love.
● Light red carnations symbolise admiration.
Orchids
Orchids, particularly phalaenopsis and dendrobium, are the most popular varieties used for funerals and funeral gifts. Choosing the colours would help you convey a simple yet heartwarming message.
● White orchids signify sympathy.
● Pink orchids signify grace, innocence and femininity.
● Purple orchids mean respect, dignity and loyalty.
● Blue orchids mean precious and rare.
Chrysanthemums
In countries such as the US, chrysanthemums signify positivity, happiness and truth. But in some European countries such as Croatia, France and Italy, these flowers are only used during funerals or graves because they symbolise death.
Tulips
Tulips are bright-coloured flowers. Sometimes, they are incorporated into funerals to brighten up the atmosphere, which could be according to the deceased’s request. They symbolise fresh starts and renewals and bring encouragement to people who are grieving.
● White tulips represent forgiveness.
● Yellow tulips symbolise cheerfulness.
● Red tulips represent love.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are seasonally a spring plant, but they are also commonly used as sympathy gifts during funeral services. When you plant and grow them properly, they can serve as a commemorative plant for your dearly departed loved ones. Hydrangeas symbolise love, harmony, peace and sincerity.
Conclusion
Having funeral flowers as decoration or gifts during a funeral service is one of the most meaningful ways you can express respect, sympathy, support, love and encouragement to those families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Holmes Funerals has been provideing a dedicated and personal interment service for families since 1992. Reach out to us so we can help you arrange the funeral service that your loved one deserves.