Flowers are the perfect way to express your feelings when somebody has passed away, especially if you are unable to attend the funeral. Flowers are a traditional way to honour the passing of a loved one or dear friend, but some people hesitate to do so because they are unsure of funeral flower etiquette.
To help you choose the best funeral flowers to express sympathy and condolence, Court Florist have created this guide so you can send a floral tribute and be confident in your choice.
Bereaving families often make reference to flowers in the obituary notice or funeral announcements. It’s always advisable to follow their wishes, especially if they request a charitable donation in lieu of flowers.
Funeral flower etiquette varies between the faiths, so it’s important to be sensitive to differing cultures before you order any funeral flowers. If you are unsure, double check; our Victoria Street florist Christchurch team have a wealth of experience creating funeral flower arrangements for a variety of faiths and cultures and will be able to advise.
Baha'I funerals: Yes, flowers can be given.
Buddhist funerals: Yes, flowers can be given.
Catholic funerals: Yes, most funeral flowers are appropriate.
Christian Protestant funerals: Yes, most funeral flowers are appropriate.
Greek Orthodox funerals: Yes, although white flowers are preferred.
Hindu funerals: Yes, most funeral flower arrangements are accepted, but garlands are most worn.
Jewish funerals: No, it is not customary to send flowers to a Jewish funeral or to the home during shiva.
Muslim funerals: It is considered respectful to gain consent from the family before sending funeral flowers.
There are no hard and fast rules, but your relationship with the deceased typically determines the type of funeral flower arrangement which is most appropriate.
Flowers chosen by the immediate family of the deceased are usually placed on or next to the casket. A beautiful casket spray, funeral wreath, or a custom funeral flower arrangement such as a funeral cross are typically ordered by the immediate family.
Other family members and close friends have a wide range of options too. Many choose funeral wreaths, funeral flower hearts and other custom tributes to signify the personality of the deceased. These are typically more portable to take to the graveside or cemetery.
Sending a floral arrangement in memory of a friend or someone who you worked with is a lovely gesture to demonstrate how the deceased was well regarded in all aspects of their life. A stunning floral bouquet such as this elegant white bouquet is appropriate - both tasteful and thoughtful.
Choosing a fitting funeral flower tribute requires care and consideration. This is where the advice and guidance offered by the Court Florist team proves invaluable. Our highly experienced team have close working relationships with local funeral directors and deliver funeral flowers (Christchurch and surrounding areas) that convey an appropriate and heartfelt message.
If you would like to talk to one of our Court Florist team about funeral flower arrangements, you can call in and meet the team at Court Florist, Victoria St, Christchurch, call +64 3 379 8255 or contact us online.