Which Type of Funeral Flower Arrangement Should I Send?
Which Type of Funeral Flower Arrangement Should I Send?
When a loved one dies, you may wish to send a funeral flower arrangement as a way of showing your condolences and affection. This time-honored tradition allows you to participate in the funeral even if you cannot be there, and also provides a way for you to support the family even if your relationship is not a close one.
The most common type of funeral flower arrangement is the “funeral basket.” Similar to the flowers you would order for any type of commemorative event, a funeral basket showcases an array of flowers and foliage in a basket or vase. It can be sent directly to the family or to the funeral home and put on display for the service. Not only are these arrangements easy to move around and send, but they also tend to be the most affordable.
However, there are more elaborate and meaningful funeral flower options. Depending on your relationship to the deceased and the type of funeral service being held, you might want to consider one of the following.
- Standing Funeral Sprays: Larger, more elaborate funeral flowers are often placed on an easel or other display that can stand on its own two feet. These are usually arranged around the casket and provide a floral backdrop for a more traditional funeral service. Because of their size, it is best to have them sent directly to the funeral home and to coordinate with the family or funeral director to ensure that there will be room to display them.
- Floral Shapes: Funeral flowers can come in a variety of different shapes, including wreaths, hearts, and crosses. All of these carry their own special meaning: a circle is a symbol for eternal life, a heart showcases romantic or familial love, and a cross carries a strong religious meaning. These are usually displayed on stands or directly on the casket. (Note: any funeral flower display meant to be arranged directly on the casket should be cleared through the family first. Because this is such a prominent position, they may wish to select those flowers themselves.)
- Casket Sprays: These funeral flowers are placed directly on the casket. Full casket sprays are arranged over the top of closed caskets, and half casket sprays are arranged over a portion of the casket for an open viewing. These are almost always chosen and sent by direct family members, as they are very significant. If you wish to help contribute to the funeral financially, this may be one option.
- Potted Planters: A growing trend for funeral flowers is to send a plant or flower that will last for weeks, months, or even years. A potted plant, orchid, or other decorative display can be put out at the funeral and also taken home or sent to an office as a long-lasting condolence gift. Because they don’t die out quickly, they can typically be sent any time before or after the funeral.
If you are unsure which of these to send, it’s probably best to stick to a simple basket arrangement. If you’re close to the deceased and/or the deceased’s family, you can ask if a larger display will be welcome.
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