Which flowers do you choose for a funeral?
Choosing flowers for a funeral is not a simple decision. You want something that suits the person you are remembering and your bond with them, but during a time of grief, you often don't know where to begin. Which flowers are appropriate, what color is suitable, and should you choose a bouquet, a funeral arrangement, or a wreath? On this page, we will gently guide you, so that you can make a fitting choice with peace of mind.
Table of contents
- Why flowers at a funeral?
- The meaning of colors
- Popular funeral flowers and their symbolism
- Which flowers suit whom?
- Bouquet, funeral arrangement, or wreath?
- What to look out for? Practical etiquette
- Personal advice at Kibb Flowers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why flowers at a funeral?
Flowers say something that is often difficult to put into words. They express love, respect, and compassion, and add color and warmth to a farewell. For the bereaved, the flowers surrounding the coffin or urn are a comforting image and a tangible sign that people sympathize with them. Whether you are organizing the farewell yourself or wish to send flowers as a guest, a well-chosen floral arrangement is a personal tribute.
The meaning of colors
Color largely determines the atmosphere of your flowers. There is no right or wrong, but these meanings will help you choose:
- White represents purity, tranquility, and respect. It is the most popular color for a farewell and is always appropriate.
- Red symbolizes love and connection, a beautiful choice for a partner or great love.
- Pink radiates softness, affection, and gratitude and suits a parent, grandparent, or dear friend well.
- Yellow and orange represent warmth, friendship, and beautiful memories, and create a lighter, sunnier farewell.
- Purple and blue radiate dignity and reflection.
You can also combine colors, for example white with an accent in the deceased's favorite color. It is precisely that personal touch that makes it special.
Popular funeral flowers and their symbolism
Almost any flower can be included in a funeral bouquet, but these are most often chosen for their meaning:
- Rose – love and respect. White for reverence, red for deep love.
- Lily – the classic funeral flower, a symbol of purity and a soul at rest.
- Chrysanthemum – in the Netherlands traditionally stands for mourning and remembrance, and lasts a long time.
- Carnation – memory and affection, restrained and atmospheric.
- Gerbera – comfort and warmth, a somewhat more personal and colorful accent.
- Orchid – refined beauty and eternal love.
- Sunflower – warmth and good memories, beautiful for a light, positive farewell.
Which flowers suit whom?
Your bond with the deceased helps you choose. A few pointers:
- Partner or great love: red roses or a full, personal bouquet in warm tones.
- Parent or grandparent: white and pink flowers, such as lilies and roses, stylish and understated.
- Child: soft, light colors and smaller flowers, often with white and pastel.
- Boyfriend: the favorite color or flower makes it personal and recognizable.
- Colleague or acquaintance: an understated bouquet in white or mixed shades is always appropriate.
Unsure? White is never wrong, and a personal detail, such as the deceased's favorite flower, is always a beautiful gesture.
Bouquet, funeral arrangement, or wreath?
The shape determines how and where the flowers are placed:
- Funeral bouquet: a tied bouquet that you can easily take with you or have delivered. Personal and versatile.
- Funeral wreath: an arrangement on a stand base, often placed on or next to the coffin. Elegant and permanent in form during the ceremony.
- Wreath: the round shape symbolizes life continuing and infinite connectedness, often on behalf of a family or group.
Which form suits you depends on your relationship and the family's wishes. On our funeral bouquet with ribbon page, you can see examples of what is possible, and one gives you space for a personal text.
What to look out for? Practical etiquette
A few practical points prevent inconvenience:
- Check the family's wishes. Sometimes people deliberately ask for no flowers, or specifically for a particular color. A death notice or the funeral director often provides clarification on this.
- Please take into account a private farewell. For a private funeral, you usually send flowers to the home address instead of to the ceremony.
- Add a card or ribbon with a short, personal message and your name, so the family knows who the flowers are from.
- Ensure the flowers arrive on time, well before the start of the ceremony or, if delivered to your home, at a quiet moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flowers are best to choose for a funeral?
White flowers such as lilies and roses are the most popular choices, because they represent peace and respect and are always appropriate. A personal touch, such as the deceased's favorite flower or color, makes it even more meaningful.
What color flowers are appropriate for a funeral?
White is the most popular and always suitable color. Red stands for love, pink for softness and gratitude, and yellow for warm memories. You can also combine colors with a personal touch.
What is the difference between a funeral bouquet, a funeral arrangement, and a wreath?
A funeral bouquet is a tied bouquet, a funeral arrangement is a floral arrangement that is often placed by the coffin, and a wreath has a round shape that symbolizes eternal connection, often on behalf of a family or group.
Are you allowed to send flowers to a private funeral?
Often yes, but then you usually send them to the next of kin's home address instead of to the ceremony. Check the family's wishes via the obituary or the funeral director.
Personal advice
During such a time, you don't want to be alone in your choice. At Kibb Flowers in Haarlem, we create funeral flowers by hand and with care, tailored to the person and your bond with him or her. We calmly consider color, flowers, and shape with you, and ensure that everything is in the right place on time. If you would like to have flowers delivered, please also check out flower delivery in Haarlem.
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.
