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Funeral Tribute Guide

Funeral flowers are a traditional way to pay tribute to someone who has passed, however some people hesitate to send flowers to a funeral because they are unsure of the proper etiquette. Hannah Lilys Florist are here to make it as easy as possible and with our handy guide we will help you choose the appropriate funeral flowers. Here are some things to consider when choosing funeral flowers.

What is the faith of the deceased and/or their family?
Funeral etiquette varies from faith to faith. What may be appropriate in one culture may not be in another. To avoid unintentional upset it is important to be sensitive to the faith of the deceased and their family before ordering funeral flowers. The small guide below may help:

  • Catholic
    All types of flower arrangements are welcome
  • Protestant Christian
    All types of flower arrangements are welcome.
  • Mormon
    Most flowers are appropriate but avoid tributes in the shape of a cross.
  • Jewish
    It is not customary to send flowers to a Jewish funeral or to the family home during shiva (the first 7 days following the funeral).
  • Hindu
    Although most floral arrangements are accepted, garlands are more commonly worn at a Hindu funeral.
  • Muslim
    It is considered good etiquette to seek consent from family members before sending flowers to an Islamic funeral.

What are the families wishes?
Some families will ask for charitable donations instead of flowers. This will usually be stated in any obituary notices or funeral announcements that appear in your local newspaper. If this is the case then it is good etiquette to follow the family's wishes.

What type tribute is appropriate?
Selecting a fitting funeral tribute requires careful thought and consideration. This is where the advice and guidance of Hannah Lilys Florist can prove invaluable. With nearly 20 years experience we will be able to talk you through the various different types of funeral flower arrangements and help you choose a profound and heartfelt tribute to the deceased.  We will liaise with the Funeral Directors to arrange safe delivery of the flowers and any other concerns you may have regarding the tributes.

Funeral Coffin Spray

Coffin sprays are usually chosen by close family members as the main floral tribute. These are often large, diamond-shaped tributes.  Designed to sit beautifully on top of the coffin, a range of colour and sizes is often available to suit all budgets. They can also be known as casket sprays or double ended sprays.  Coffin sprays can range from 2ft-6ft in length depending on your requirements.

Single Ended Spray/Sheaf

Single ended sprays are generally sent by family, friends, work colleagues and are teardrop shaped in their structure.  A very popular choice, a single ended spray can be designed in a variety of sizes and colours. A spray or sheaf arrangement looks very similar to a hand-tied bouquet but is designed to lay flat, making it practical for lying next to the casket or graveside.

Hearts

A symbol of love, and a very popular choice, generally sent by close family members. Available in a variety of sizes and colours.  Hearts can be designed on an open or closed frame and finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.  This tribute all looks beautiful when designed with a rustic, woodland feel.

Wreaths

One of our most popular funeral flower tributes is the Wreath. Sent by friends, work colleagues or family, the wreath is a traditional sign of respect and eternal life and often selected to symbolise never ending love and emotion. Wreaths are versatile and can be created in a range of styles, colours and sizes to make the perfect tribute.  Wreaths can be finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.  This tribute all looks beautiful when designed with a rustic, woodland feel.

Letter tributes

Normally ordered by family members, and a very popular choice. Letter tributes can spell out the beloved ones name or nick-name such as “Mum” or “Daz”. A very personal tribute, which can be designed using a range of colours.  Lettering can be finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.

Cross

A cross tribute is normally sent by immediate family and represent personal religious sentiments of the deceased and family.  The cross tribute can be finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.  This tribute also looks beautiful when designed with a rustic, woodland feel.  Cross tributes can be designed on 2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft frames.

Posies

These floral tributes are often sent by family, friends or acquaintances, and are a popular choice as a tribute sent by younger children.  A posy is circular in shape, which allows the flowers to be displayed beautifully from all angles.  Posies are versatile and can be created in a range of styles, colours and sizes to make the perfect tribute.  Posies can be finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.  This tribute all looks beautiful when designed with a rustic, woodland feel.

Pillows and cushions

The tradition behind sending a pillow or cushion tribute is the symbol of comfort in final resting place. Available in a range of colours and flowers, to reflect the personality of the deceased.  Pillows and cushions can be finished in a loose open design or based in chrysanthemum.  When based you can choose the colour of the spray(s) and the hand pleated ribbon edging, if required.  This tribute all looks beautiful when designed with a rustic, woodland feel.

Baskets

These floral tributes are often sent by friends or acquaintances and can be created in a range of sizes and colours to make the perfect tribute.

Bespoke/Specialist Tributes

These bespoke design tributes are a perfect reflection of a loved ones personality or hobbies and interests. Specialist tributes cleverly created with flowers and other suitable materials such as foliage, twigs, berries, feathers and ribbon. Specialist designs Hannah Lilys Florist has created includes Bertie Bassett, Crown, Football, 4ft Tractor, Cow, Motorbike...

The Meaning Of Flowers

A funeral is one occasion where the meaning of flowers is more significant than ever. The traditional language of flowers provides a way to express your feelings and send a meaningful message.  Below is a short list of some of the most popular funeral flowers and their meaning.  Hannah Lilys Florist are happy to help you with various flower meanings when you order your tribute -

Lilies
The lily is most the most commonly associated flower for funerals. They symbolise innocence, purity and sympathy.  The most popular variety of lilies are Oriental (highly fragranced), Asiatic (non fragrant), Longi (subtle fragrance, trumpet like shape) and Calla Lily’s, sometimes referred to as Arum Lily’s (non fragrant).

Carnations
Carnations represent devotion and remembrance.  A long lasting flower with a subtle fragrance, carnations are a popular choice for arrangements. Available in a large array of colours such as red, pink, yellow, orange and white.
 
Roses
Roses represent love, happiness, hope and new beginnings.  A very popular choice for funerals and available in a vast choice of colours.  Very popular choices are red, yellow, pink and white.

Gerbera
A large daisy like flower, Gerbera represent innocence and purity.  The choice of colours for this wonderful flower is vast and they certainly make a statement when included in a tribute.

Don't forget that flowers can take on different meanings depending on their colour. A red rose for example symbolises ever-lasting love while a pink rose represents grace and elegance.  Hannah Lilys Florist can help you check the different flower colour meanings when you order your tribute.

What shall I write on a card message?

If you send flowers to a funeral, always include a card so that the family know who the flowers are from. While it can be difficult to compose a sympathy card message at such a difficult time, a few kind words of remembrance or comfort are all that is needed. If you need a little help Hannah Lilys Florist can point you in the right direction.  Below are just a few examples of popular tribute card messages which can be customised to your own requirements:

Simple and traditional funeral flower messages

  • In loving memory
  • Forever in our thoughts
  • Rest in peace
  • Loved and remembered
  • Gone but never forgotten
  • With love and fond memories
  • Always in my / our heart(s)
  • Sleep peacefully
  • You will be dearly missed

Religious funeral flower messages

  • Ours is just a simple prayer, God bless and keep you in His care.
  • God is with you
  • Rest in peace
  • A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for a special person, in God’s care
  • May you rest in peace in God’s heaven
  • In God’s arms may you gently rest.

Longer funeral flower messages

  • You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you; you will be sorely missed by everyone.
  • When a person becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
  • Loss leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
  • May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be always at your back.
  • The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
  • Time may pass and fade away but memories of you will always stay.
  • Many friends come into our lives but only a few leave with their footprints on our hearts.
  • A person that departs on this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds - through us they live on.

Hannah Lily’s Florist are on hand to offer comforting guidance and support when choosing the appropriate funeral flowers. Whether that be a spray, wreath, simply some favourite stems or a specialist tribute reflecting memories, hobbies or passions it is our goal to make the process of creating your individual farewell floral tribute feel as effortless for you as possible.

We offer a bespoke funeral design service for each of our customers, creating unique funeral flower arrangements that are a truly fitting tribute to the person whose life is to be celebrated. Many of our designs can be created in your preferred size and colour scheme so our images are just for your guidance.

Please contact us on 01302 321192 or email – flowers@hannahlilysflorist.co.uk and we will guide you to make the best choice.