Everything You Need to Know About Selecting a Floral Tribute for a Cremation
Every day in Australia, thousands of cut flowers are bought for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is as a floral tribute to someone dear who has recently passed. It’s a way of showing you care, respect and honour them. Even if you’re unable to attend their funeral or cremation, sending a floral tribute is a way of sharing and recognising your loss with others.
So let’s take a look at floral tributes, their meaning and some of the more popular flowers that are selected for funeral floral tributes.
What is a floral tribute at a funeral?
A floral tribute is a way to celebrate the life of a loved one at their funeral. It’s a symbol of shared memories, sympathy and loss. Floral tributes for funerals can be small, hand-picked bouquets or posies from the family garden or large professional arrangements. It’s not the size of the tribute that matters it’s the emotions that accompany these tributes.
Some people send sympathy floral tributes to the family because they didn’t know the deceased very well, but still wish to show support in their hour of need. Others send floral tributes for the funeral to demonstrate their grief at the loss of a dear friend. Family members often send floral tributes with specific meanings, for example, a floral tribute that contains written messages, such as ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’ or ‘Husband’ or a wreath that’s composed of their favourite flowers.
Are flowers used to honour the deceased?
Flowers are used as a visual expression of loss, grief, respect and love at a funeral. Funeral floral tributes, with or without display messages, are a message in themselves – one of loss, grief, sympathy and celebration of a life well lived. The family usually arranges the casket floral spray or a large wreath. These can be accompanied by a written message or photo of the deceased.
All other floral funeral tributes, apart from those placed on the casket, are arranged tastefully at the front of the church or ceremony space.
What are the most popular flowers for a funeral?
There are many different types of flowers for a funeral. The most popular flowers include roses, orchids, lilies, daisies and gladioli.
- Roses represent purity and innocence.
- Orchids represent renewal, innocence and everlasting love.
- Lilies represent purity and majesty.
- Daisies represent peace and hope.
- Gladioli represent strength of character, sincerity and integrity.
Choosing the right words for funeral floral tributes
It can be quite difficult to choose the right words for funeral floral tributes. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the moment and can’t find the right words to accompany your floral tribute, here’s a list of messages to get you started.
- Gone but not forgotten.
- Until we meet again.
- Rest in peace.
- Always in our hearts.
- In loving memory.
- With deepest sympathy.
- Treasured memories.
- Deeply missed.
- Heartfelt condolences.
Types of floral tributes for funerals
If you’ve decided to send a floral tribute to the funeral of a loved one, there are several options for your tribute. The most popular displays are wreaths, garlands, crosses and hearts and words. Funeral casket sprays are usually chosen by the family of the deceased.
- Casket sprays: These are the main floral tribute that’s placed on the casket and there are a range of sizes and styles that can be selected.
- Wreathes: These are often placed on tripod stands near the casket but can also be placed on the casket.
- Garlands: These are whimsical floral tributes that form a chain around the casket and tend to be used for wicker caskets, as they provide a more earthy and natural ambiance.
- Crosses: These are often used by the family instead of a casket spray and signify the religious beliefs of the deceased and their family.
- Hearts: These are a symbol of love, usually sent by family members and can be designed in a range of sizes and colours.
- Nameplate: These are required to identify who the deceased is and additional messages are added which demonstrates the family’s deep love and affection for the deceased.
What can I put on a coffin instead of flowers?
Instead of placing a floral tribute on a loved one’s casket, some family members may place a portrait or a selection of photos and personal items. These are a touching way to personalise your loved one’s funeral and help to share fond memories with other attendees. Other items we have seen decorating a casket, other than floral tributes, include flags, medals, banners, stuffed animals and hats.
