It can be difficult to know how to show support and sympathy when a loved one dies. Slater Funeral Services is aware of how stressful ordering flowers for funerals can be when you’re already juggling grief and funeral preparations. You can handle the process with compassion and confidence if you follow this thorough guide.
Funeral flowers offer bereaved families consolation and a lovely remembrance of the departed. Selecting the ideal floral arrangement will be made easier if you are aware of your options.
Understanding Different Types of Funeral Flowers
Casket Sprays
Large floral arrangements, called casket sprays, are intended to be placed on top of the coffin during the funeral service. Usually, members of the immediate family order these displays.
While half casket sprays allow for an open casket viewing, full casket sprays cover the entire length of the casket.
Whether the family plans an open or closed casket service frequently determines whether to do a full or half casket spray. The focal point of the funeral service, these arrangements typically feature the deceased’s favorite flowers or colors, creating a sentimental and intimate tribute.
Standing Sprays and Easel Arrangements
Standing sprays are vertical floral displays presented on easels, making them visible during the funeral service. These arrangements are popular choices for extended family members, close friends, or colleagues who want to honor the deceased with a significant floral tribute.
These arrangements typically remain on display throughout the viewing and funeral service, then can be transported to the graveside service if desired.
Many families appreciate receiving standing sprays because they create a beautiful backdrop for the service while expressing the love and respect of those who cared about their loved one.
Wreaths and Crosses
Funeral wreaths and crosses hold deep symbolic meaning in memorial services. Wreaths, with their circular shape, represent eternal life and the continuity of love that transcends death. Cross arrangements express faith and hope, particularly meaningful for families with strong religious beliefs.
Sympathy Bouquets and Arrangements
Sympathy bouquets and smaller arrangements offer a thoughtful way to express condolences without overwhelming the funeral space. These versatile options work well for acquaintances, coworkers, or community members who want to show support for the grieving family. They can be displayed during the service and easily transported home afterward.
Choosing Appropriate Flowers
Traditional Funeral Flowers
Because of their enduring beauty and symbolic meanings, some flowers have become standard choices for funeral services. One of the most common flowers for funerals are lilies, especially white lilies, which represent the soul’s restored innocence after death.
Roses are a symbol of respect and love.
In many cultures, chrysanthemums are particularly significant as symbols of mourning and death, as well as loyalty and honor.
Because of their longevity and capacity to keep their beauty over time, carnations are frequently used.
Gladioli are a meaningful way to honor someone’s life because they represent moral integrity and strength of character.
Personalizing Your Floral Selection
Personal touches make funeral flowers more meaningful and memorable for grieving families. Consider incorporating the deceased’s favorite flowers, even if they’re not traditional funeral choices, as this personal connection often means more than following conventional guidelines.
Hobbies, interests, or professional accomplishments can inspire creative arrangements, such as incorporating garden flowers for an avid gardener or using school colors for a beloved teacher.
Speaking with family members or close friends can provide insight into meaningful flower choices. Perhaps the deceased always grew sunflowers in their garden, or they had a special fondness for peonies.
These personal details transform a standard funeral arrangement into a heartfelt tribute that truly honors their memory.
How to Order Flowers for Funerals
Working with Local Pittsburgh Florists
At Slater Funeral Services, we’re proud to work with exceptional local Pittsburgh florists who understand the importance of creating beautiful, meaningful funeral arrangements. These experienced professionals specialize in funeral flowers and can guide you through the selection process with sensitivity and expertise.
Wallace Florist has been proudly serving the Pittsburgh area as a family-owned and operated business. Their highly trained staff understands the emotional significance of funeral flowers and is ready to assist you with placing orders for direct delivery to our funeral home locations.
Pete Donati & Sons brings decades of experience to funeral flower arrangements, having served Pittsburgh families since 1937. Their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee reflects their personal commitment to creating meaningful tributes and building lasting relationships with families during their most challenging moments.
The Blooming Dahlia, operated by Melissa Sacco since 1996, focuses on creating beautiful designs using seasonal flowers. This attention to seasonal availability ensures fresh, vibrant arrangements while allowing for creative designs.
Timing Your Flower Order
Timing is crucial when ordering flowers for funerals, as these services often require quick turnaround times. Ideally, place your flower order as soon as you learn about the funeral arrangements, typically 1-2 days before the service. This timeline allows florists adequate time to source fresh flowers and create quality arrangements without rushing.
If you’re ordering on short notice, communicate directly with the florist about timing constraints. Experienced funeral florists often maintain inventory specifically for last-minute orders and can accommodate urgent requests. However, extremely short notice may limit flower selection or design options.
Delivery and Presentation Considerations
Delivery to Funeral Homes
Expert florists with funeral delivery experience know how important prompt, courteous service is. To guarantee suitable delivery times that don’t conflict with family visitation or service preparation, they work closely with the funeral home staff. In order to receive and appropriately display all floral tributes, our staff at Slater Funeral Services collaborates closely with neighborhood florists.
In order to give funeral directors time to properly arrange flowers throughout the space, deliveries usually take place a few hours prior to the first scheduled event.
Sympathy Card Messages and Etiquette
The sympathy card accompanying your funeral flowers provides an opportunity to express personal condolences and share meaningful memories. Keep messages brief but heartfelt, focusing on comfort and support rather than attempting to explain or rationalize the loss.
Sign sympathy cards with your full name and, if appropriate, your relationship to the deceased or family. This helps family members identify who sent flowers, especially important when they’re receiving many arrangements from various sources.
End Note
At Slater Funeral Services, we understand that ordering flowers for funerals is an expression of love, respect, and support during one of life’s most difficult times.
We’re here to support you through this process, helping ensure that your expression of sympathy provides comfort and shows respect for both the deceased and their grieving family.
