Choosing Funeral Flowers: Types, Colors & Ideas for a Loved One
You could be offending someone with the flowers you send to a funeral!
Yes, you read that right. The wrong colour, the wrong type, or even the wrong arrangement can speak louder than your sympathy. When it comes to choosing funeral flowers, most people don’t realize that these funeral floral arrangements follow an unspoken code of flower etiquette—one that can either comfort or unintentionally hurt the grieving family.
This blog unveils what no florist will tell you upfront. From what funeral flowers are called to flower colours that represent death, and even how to decorate or tie them, this is your definitive guide to a meaningful tribute.
Explore our guide to flower meanings by colour for deeper symbolism across occasions.
What Are Funeral Flowers Called?
Funeral flowers, also known as sympathy or memorial flowers, are floral arrangements used to express condolences to those mourning a loss. These funeral arrangements can be displayed at services or sent to the family’s home. Common types include wreaths, casket sprays, standing sprays, and individual bouquets.
- Casket Sprays: Large funeral arrangements placed directly on the casket.
- Standing Sprays: Funeral floral displays on easels, often sent by family or close friends.
- Wreaths: Circular symbols of eternal life.
- Hearts & Crosses: Popular in religious or deeply personal ceremonies.
- Posies & flower bouquets: Smaller, more intimate arrangements.
Knowing the right type helps match the arrangement with the deceased’s relationship, a key etiquette element.
Different Funeral Flower Arrangement Types
Each type serves a purpose and represents a level of closeness to the deceased:
1. Casket Sprays
- Casket sprays are floral arrangements placed on or inside a casket during a funeral. They are available in various styles, such as half, full, and double sprays, to express love and sympathy for the deceased and their families.
- Originally, casket sprays helped cover odors, but now they honor the person who has passed away and provide comfort to those who are grieving.
- Only close family should order these. They are the centrepiece of the floral display and can be customized with the deceased’s f avorite flowers, colors, and shapes.
2. Standing Sprays & Easel Arrangements
- Standing sprays and easel arrangements are common floral tributes at funerals. They will be ideally displayed on easels near the casket or memorial area.
- These funeral floral arrangements range from traditional designs to unique shapes like crosses or hearts.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and relatives. Choose calming flowers in structured designs.
3. Wreaths
- Wreaths, with their circular shape symbolizing the cycle of life, are commonly used at funerals, memorials, and farewell ceremonies.
- They are usually placed near the casket or urn during the service.
4. Funeral Baskets
- Funeral baskets are one-sided floral arrangements displayed at funeral homes as a tribute. They can be placed near the casket or given to the family afterward.
- They are budget-friendly and suitable for anyone to send, featuring subtle colors and fresh flowers.
5. Custom Shapes (Hearts, Crosses, Anchors)
These are usually symbolic and used when religion or personal interests of the deceased are involved.
Popular Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings
- Lilies: Peace, purity, and the soul’s return to innocence
- Carnations: Remembrance, love, and admiration
- Chrysanthemums: Grief, mourning,
- Roses: Love & respect
- Orchids : Sympathy, especially for a spouse or partner
Tips to Select Funeral Floral Arrangements
When choosing funeral flowers, consider the following main points:
- Choose the deceased’s favourite blooms.
- Consider funeral service- traditional ones may use peace lilies
- To whom are you sending? A friend, boss, or family member?
- Where will it be delivered? Funeral home, cemetery, or family house?
- What message do you want to convey? Sympathy, peace, or gratitude?
Expert Tip:
“Don’t choose a bright red bouquet for a quiet, conservative ceremony. It distracts rather than supports.”
Choose calm, meaningful flowers – like lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, or roses – which carry traditional funeral symbolism.
Many florists now provide personalized funeral arrangements for cremations, offering same-day delivery in Muscat and across Oman and options for messages or keepsakes. This trend indicates a shift from traditional practices to more customized services.
Funeral Flower Ideas for a Man
Choosing flowers for a male funeral requires subtlety and symbolism:
- Colour Palette: Deep blue flowers, white, forest greens, or muted earth tones.
- Flowers: Gladiolus (strength), Orchids (eternal love), White lilies (purity).
- Arrangement Ideas: Large standing sprays, casket sprays with dark foliage, custom-themed arrangements.
Pro Tip: Avoid pinks or purples unless you’re sure it aligns with the man’s personality or the family’s wishes.
Funeral Flower Colores Meanings
Color | Meaning | Best Used For |
White | Peace, innocence | Universal, men and women |
Red | Love, courage | Spouse, close family |
Yellow | Friendship | Friends, peers |
Pink | Grace, admiration | Female funerals |
Blue | Serenity, respect | Male funerals |
What Color Flowers for a Male Funeral?
Flower Color carries deep meaning:
- White: Peace and purity
- Blue: Respect and dignity
- Red: Love and courage (use sparingly)
- Yellow: Friendship (less common in funerals)
Note: For a male funeral, white flowers and blue remain the safest choices unless otherwise specified.
Cremation Flowers Etiquette
Many assume cremations don’t need flowers. Wrong.
- Yes, you can send flowers to a cremation.
- Choose lightweight, minimal arrangements or table displays.
- Avoid casket sprays unless there’s a viewing beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let your good intentions get lost in confusion about the best farewell flowers for sympathy or what colour to choose. When words fail, let flowers speak the language of respect, remembrance, and empathy.
Choosing Funeral Flowers FAQ
They are generally called funeral floral arrangements or sympathy flowers. Casket sprays, wreaths, and standing sprays are some of the popular funeral flower arrangements.
Lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, and orchids are some of the traditional funeral flowers with symbolic meanings.
Yes. Choose small arrangements or table displays suitable for a cremation setting.
White, blue, and green tones are preferred. Avoid overly bright or feminine shades unless requested.
Keep it simple and personal like: “In loving memory”, “With heartfelt condolences”.
Keep it short, heartfelt, and personal:
“Always in our hearts, [Name].”
“Your strength and kindness will be missed.”
“With deepest sympathy, [Your Family Name].”
When writing a ceremony, consider the following structure:
- Begin with a personal story or memory related to the deceased.
- Incorporate music or readings that were favored by the deceased.
- Conclude with a call for remembrance.
