How Much Should I Spend on Funeral Flowers?
How Much Should I Spend on Funeral Flowers?
Sending funeral flowers is a common practice in this day and age, but that does not mean all of us have experience with it. In fact, if you recently experienced the loss of a friend or relative and you want to send a floral display to show your regard, you may be wondering how much you should spend. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, the type of funeral being held, and your own personal finances, funeral flowers can cost anywhere from $30 to $800. Here is how to figure out what you should spend on a funeral arrangement.
How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?
Very simple and basic arrangements typically fall in the $30 to $80 category. Like most floral arrangements (which are made to order and delivered free of charge), this will get you the flowers, the fillers, and usually a plastic vase or basket for delivery. Chances are you will not get an out-of-season arrangement or anything elaborate for this price range, but you will still get a professional flower delivery that will help make the funeral look—and feel—memorable.
Once you start looking at larger displays, arrangements in crystal/glass vases, floral tributes, shaped wreathes, or even casket displays, the costs tend to rise. Most people spend around $100 for a nice arrangement, with the specialized displays moving upwards from there. (Casket sprays tend to be the most expensive at around $600 to $800, but these are usually purchased by the family.)
How to Choose the Right Floral Arrangement
If you are like most people, you want to show your support without breaking your budget. If money is no object, then you can look at specialized funeral flowers that include things like lilies, orchids, white roses, and other traditional bereavement blooms.
If you are on a budget, one good way to cut back is to choose carnations, mums, and other lower-cost flowers. You can also avoid “funeral” arrangements and consider other options – oftentimes, generic bouquets can be offered for less than funeral ones. Assuming you go for understated elegance and pastels, no one will be able to tell the difference.
Another great option for saving money on funeral flowers is to consider purchasing a group gift. Instead of five different people sending five different bouquets, you can all go in on a larger arrangement. This is socially acceptable in almost all situations, especially if you are sending the flowers as a family, workplace, or community group. By asking everyone to chip in $20 or so, you can come up with a larger arrangement that will stand out at the funeral.
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