Funeral bouquet with ribbon: text, color and meaning
A funeral bouquet with a ribbon is a personal farewell in flowers. The text on the ribbon conveys something you might not be able to say yourself in a crowded funeral hall, and the color of both the flowers and the ribbon gives the arrangement its own meaning. In this blog, we explain how to put together a funeral bouquet with a ribbon, which texts are suitable, which colors carry meaning, and what to look out for when ordering. Also read more about our funeral flowers for farewells in Haarlem.
Table of contents
- What is a funeral bouquet with ribbon
- Which text do you put on the ribbon
- Which ribbon color suits a funeral bouquet?
- Which flowers fit in a funeral bouquet with ribbon
- Classic, modern, or natural: choose a style
- When and how do you order a funeral bouquet?
- Delivery or pick up yourself
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Source attribution
- Personal advice
What is a funeral bouquet with ribbon
A funeral bouquet with a ribbon is a tied bunch of flowers with a ribbon draped over it on which you have a short text engraved. Something like "With love, Aunt Jet" or "Goodbye dear Grandma". The ribbon remains visible during the funeral, so the family sees who the bouquet is from and what words you have included.
The difference between a funeral arrangement and a wreath lies in the shape. A bouquet is loosely bound, as if it came straight from the garden. A funeral arrangement is set in floral foam and has a sleeker appearance. Many people choose a bouquet because it feels more personal, and because the family can take it home or to the grave after the funeral.
Which text do you put on the ribbon
The text on the ribbon is usually short; about six to fifteen words fit perfectly. What you write depends on who you were to the deceased and how formal or personal the funeral is.
Short standard texts
Commonly used short texts are "With love," "In gratitude," "Forever in our hearts," "Goodbye dear grandma," or "Rest in peace." These are suitable for almost any funeral and are subdued enough for formal situations.
Text on behalf of someone
If the bouquet is on behalf of a family, a group of colleagues, or an association, mention this on the ribbon. For example, "On behalf of the De Vries family," "With love from the neighbors," or "Team Kerstballenkoning is thinking of you." Keep the name short, otherwise it won't fit on the ribbon.
Personal text
A personal message can be a brief remembrance, an inside joke, or a final farewell that only the two of you understand. "See you on cloud nine, my friend" or "Thanks for all the music" often says more than a standard phrase.
Biblical or literary saying
For more formal funerals, a short saying may be appropriate. "See you again," "The Lord is my shepherd," or a line from a poem the deceased loved. If in doubt, ask the family whether a saying is desirable.
Which ribbon color suits a funeral bouquet?
The color of the ribbon says something, often in combination with the color of the flowers themselves. The most common choices:
White represents purity, peace, and hope. It suits almost any funeral and is often chosen as a neutral option, even for young deceased individuals.
Black is the classic color of mourning, formal and subdued. It is used at traditional funerals and pairs well with dark flowers or stylish white bouquets.
Purple stands for dignity and silent mourning, a beautiful middle ground between white and black.
Cream or beige adds warmth and is a softened alternative to white. It pairs well with natural and rustic bouquets with wildflowers or pastels.
A color that typified the deceased is being chosen increasingly often. Yellow, red, or blue is acceptable, especially at a personal farewell where the family welcomes color.
When in doubt, choose white or cream. You can never go wrong with those and they suit every funeral, regardless of background or generation.
Which flowers fit in a funeral bouquet with ribbon
Which flowers you choose is entirely up to you, but we see a few types recurring more often. White roses for purity and eternal love. White lilies, classic and stately. Chrysanthemums, the traditional symbol of mourning in the Netherlands and Belgium, especially at more formal farewells.
For a warmer, more personal look, you can opt for seasonal flowers or wildflowers. A field bouquet with, for example, cornflowers, daisies, lavender, and some greenery creates a natural, timeless impression and suits someone who loved the outdoors and simplicity. Pastel colors such as pink, peach, and lilac work beautifully here.
Avoid pronounced trends or strikingly exotic flowers unless this aligns with the deceased. The message is that the bouquet suits the person saying goodbye and the person being said goodbye to.
Classic, modern, or natural: choose a style
Which style suits you depends mainly on who the deceased was and what the surviving relatives find beautiful. Three popular choices:
A classic funeral bouquet is tightly bound, with white roses or lilies, formal and understated. A modern funeral bouquet uses more space between the flowers, with graphic lines, sometimes with a single special flower as the focal point. A natural funeral bouquet resembles a freshly picked garden forest, with wildflowers, branches, and greenery, and exudes warmth and simplicity.
For inspiration, you can also take a look at our organic flowers in Haarlem, which are perfectly suited for a natural funeral bouquet.
When and how do you order a funeral bouquet?
The best time to order a funeral bouquet is as soon as the funeral date is known. This gives the florist time to order the right flowers, have the ribbon printed, and arrange the bouquet. Ordering a few days before the funeral is also permitted, but for special requests or large funeral arrangements, ordering a week in advance is preferable.
When ordering, please provide: the date and location of the funeral, your preference for style and color, and the text for the ribbon. We will ask you further questions regarding how formal or personal you would like the bouquet to be and are happy to send you a photo in advance once it is ready.
Delivery or pick up yourself
A funeral bouquet can arrive at the funeral in two ways: you bring it yourself, or you have it delivered. At Kibb Flowers in Haarlem, we arrange both options. Delivery takes place directly to the funeral location, the funeral home, or the family's home, at a time convenient for the ceremony. If you wish to hand it over yourself, you can pick up the bouquet at our shop on the agreed day.
For delivery, it is advisable to provide the funeral location and time well in advance, especially if the funeral falls on a busy day or takes place outside Haarlem. For funerals outside our region, we discuss what is appropriate and feasible on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much text fits on a ribbon of a funeral bouquet?
A standard ribbon fits six to fifteen words. More is possible with a longer ribbon or a funeral arrangement, but shorter is usually easier to read. We are happy to advise you on the right balance between length and readability.
Which ribbon color do you choose when in doubt?
White or cream is always appropriate, regardless of the style of the funeral, the age of the deceased, or the family background. It is the most neutral and universal choice.
What do you write on a ribbon on behalf of colleagues?
Commonly used phrases are "With condolences, team [company name]", "On behalf of your colleagues", or "In grateful remembrance". Keep the company name short, or replace it with "your colleagues" if the name is too long.
Can a funeral bouquet have color, or must it be white?
Color is allowed and is increasingly chosen. Especially if the deceased loved color themselves or if the family aims for a cheerful farewell. If in doubt, consult with the immediate family or ask the florist for advice.
Can I have my bridal bouquet dried?
Yes, especially if your bouquet contains hydrangeas, roses, or strawflowers. Let it dry in a dark, well-ventilated place. We would be happy to advise you on the best approach.
Can a funeral bouquet also be made with wildflowers?
Yes, a funeral bouquet with wildflowers has a natural, warm appearance and suits someone who loved simplicity and being outdoors. We would be happy to put together a wildflower bouquet suitable for the funeral.
How far in advance do you order a funeral bouquet?
As soon as the funeral date is known, preferably a few days to a week in advance. For larger funeral arrangements or special requests, more time is appreciated. For emergencies, we will resolve this in consultation.
Can you deliver a funeral bouquet to the funeral location?
Yes, we deliver funeral bouquets to funeral locations, funeral homes, and family houses at a time convenient for the ceremony. Please provide the location and time preferably a few days in advance.
What do you do with the flowers after the funeral?
Many families take the bouquet home or bring it to the grave later. Some funeral locations arrange for distribution to care homes or a memorial site. We would be happy to advise you on the possibilities.
Can I supply the text for the ribbon myself?
Yes, you provide us with the exact text when ordering. We print or engrave the ribbon exactly as you have written it; please briefly check it for spelling before confirming.
Sources
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon texts and symbolism on funeral flowers follow a Dutch tradition that varies by region and religious background. | Uitvaart.nl. | Consulted. |
| The choice of flowers for a funeral has become increasingly personal in recent years, with more room for color and seasonal flowers. | Yarden Funeral Care | Consulted. |
| Personal funeral flowers are increasingly being custom-made by local florists instead of through national platforms. | 30 years of practice Kibb Flowers Haarlem | Confirmed |
Personal advice
Are you facing the choice of a funeral bouquet and not sure exactly where to start? Stop by Kibb Flowers at Marsmanplein in Haarlem or give us a call. We take all the time necessary to create a fitting bouquet with you, featuring the right text, color, and flowers for the farewell. Also, check out our page on funerals with flowers for more examples of what we create.
More than 30 years of experience
Kibb Flowers has over 30 years of experience in the flower and interior design industry. The sustainable flower shop in Haarlem specializes in funeral flowers and is, or was, involved in major projects, such as the MH17 memorial service. Using the most beautiful flowers, Kibb Flowers creates the most extraordinary arrangements. 'Kibb with a double B,' Jeroen winks in the Insta videos. Kibb Flowers purchases sustainably certified flowers fresh from the auction daily.
