Choosing Funeral Flowers & Arrangements

Sending flowers has long been an expression of sympathy. In fact, it is one of the oldest funeral traditions, dating back for thousands of years; it is classed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest form of human ritual.

Floral arrangements can help to convey emotions or feelings when words fail, as an expression of love, respect or sympathy. As well as this, they can potentially bring some small comfort to the loved ones of the deceased, while adding some softness and beauty to funeral proceedings – which can balance some of the heavy sadness of death. We would urge our customers to think carefully about funeral flowers, as this can give a really positive focus.

At T Allen we don’t provide floristry ourselves, but know a number of brilliant florists who we are happy to recommend to you.

Contact Us

If you have a specific enquiry or want to know more about the types of funerals we can offer, you can get in touch with any member of staff across our Medway funeral branches. We operate mainly in Strood, Rochester, Gillingham and Rainham, but are also happy to carry out funerals in other areas, and are always on hand to help with any funeral queries you may have.

Flowers of significance

Flowers as a whole are very symbolic, representing the life cycle, and the fragility of life. However, specific flowers also hold different meanings, including different meanings within different religions. For example, in the Buddhist faith, red flowers are to be avoided. In fact, flowers are typically not present at all within Jewish or Hindu funerals.

Some popular types of flowers for funeral arrangements are lillies, which are thought to represent innocence, and the soul of the deceased. Pink carnations are thought to represent remembrance, while yellow roses represent friendship. Chrysanthemums are another fitting funeral flower; particularly popular in the United States, where they’re thought to be a touching way to honour someone who lived a full life.

Arrangements

Once you’ve chosen the types of blooms and the colours you would like to include in your floral tribute, you can think about the arrangement. Floral baskets are a popular option, and allow for the arrangement to be transported easily from the church or crematorium to the family’s home. Wreaths or crosses are poignant symbolic options, well suited to traditional funerals, while small sprays or bouquets suit being carried or laid at the grave site.

Floral alternatives

If you’re not sure about having lots of floral arrangements at a funeral, then you can always ask for guests to honour the deceased in a different way. Some common options include making donations to a relevant charity, while lighting a candle is another symbolic way to respect the life of the person. A potted plant is a good alternative with more longevity than a classic floral arrangement, and a way for the person’s family to continue to remember them over the coming years.

Whatever your preference, flowers or no flowers, make sure that you communicate it to the guests attending so that they can align with your plans.