What flowers should you bring to a funeral?
Whether in times of love and joy or in the solemnity of mourning, flowers are faithful messengers of our deepest emotions. If you are planning to organize or attend a funeral, Sessile.fr provides guidance on the most popular types of flowers to elegantly and thoughtfully accompany the funeral of a loved one.
The Importance of Flowers at a Funeral
Flowers play a central role in funeral ceremonies, both to honor the memory of the deceased and to express the feelings of loved ones. Lavish, colorful, and delicate, they are a powerful expressionof love during times of grief and reflection.
The Tradition of Using Flowers in Funeral Ceremonies
For centuries, flowers have been used in funeral rites. As far back as ancient times, they were used to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The Egyptian and Greek civilizations placed flowers on tombs because of their power to purify and protect. Even today, this practice continues as a way to honor the memory of the deceased and to express the love and grief of those left behind.
Floral Symbolism in Mourning
Flowers are not merely decorative objects; they carry deep and varied symbolism. Each species and each color conveys a specific emotion, such as love, peace, gratitude, or sadness. They thus allow those who are grieving to express emotions that are sometimes impossible to put into words, while infusing a sense of purity and beauty into a time of great sorrow.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Choosing Flowers for a Funeral
Choosing flowers for a funeral is not a trivial matter. The selection is based on the symbolism of colors, cultural and religious traditions, and the preferences of the deceased.
Meaning of Colors
The color of flowers is very important at funerals. While white symbolizes purity and innocence, red embodies deep love, and yellow evokesfriendship and camaraderie. Purple, which is often associated with royalty, is also a color that symbolizes mourning in Western culture. Each flower color thus allows one to express a specific emotion or a personal message to the deceased.
Cultural and Religious Preferences
Cultural and religious traditions influence the choice of flowers for a funeral ceremony. In some cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with mourning and death, while in others, such as in Asia, they symbolize life and rebirth. Similarly, certain religions have specific preferences, such as the use of lilies in Christian ceremonies to symbolize the resurrection.
Relatives of the Deceased
It is often a good idea to take the deceased’s preferences regarding flowers into account. If the deceased particularly liked a certain variety, including it in the floral arrangements for the funeral will be a personal and touching tribute.
The Most Popular Types of Flowers for Funerals
Certain varieties of flowers are more commonly chosen for funeral ceremonies because of their strong symbolism and their association with mourning in the language of flowers.
Chrysanthemums
In France, chrysanthemums are deeply associated with mourning and the duty to remember. Since November 11, 1919—the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I—the chrysanthemum has become the flower of the dead and has also become a staple on graves during All Saints’ Day. Its long-lasting nature makes it a favored choice for honoring the deceased.
Eyelets
As symbols of love and respect, carnations are very popular at funeral services. Their long-lasting petals and wide range of colors make it possible to create personalized floral arrangements that are rich in emotion.
Roses
White roses are often used to express gratitude toward the deceased. Red roses are a symbol of deep and enduring love. Their presence at a funeral is a beautiful expression of affection and remembrance.
Lily
In Christian tradition, the white lily is a symbol of purity and rebirth. This flower is frequently used at funerals, particularly during religious ceremonies, where it symbolizes peace and the resurrection.
Gladioli
With its graceful, slender form, the gladiolus is the perfect symbol of remembrance. Florists often use it in funeral wreaths to express the strength and power of the feelings held for the deceased.
Orchids
A symbol of eternal love and beauty, orchids add a touch of exoticism and elegance to funeral floral arrangements.
Floral Arrangements for a Funeral Service
Floral arrangements play an essential role in funeral ceremonies. Your artisan florist selects fresh or artificial flowers to create arrangements in honor of the deceased.
Flower wreaths
Flower wreaths are a symbol of eternity and the cycle of life. They are usually placed on the grave or near the casket as a sign of respect and deep affection.
Bouquets of flowers
Placed on the coffin or near the gravesite, floral arrangements are also a symbol of eternal love and devotion.
Rackets and cushions
Flower wreaths and arrangements are horizontal compositions designed to be placed on top of or at the foot of the casket. They symbolize eternal rest and add a touch of serenity to the funeral service.
Plant Cuttings
Often made up of perennials, plant arrangements represent the continuity of life. They are sometimes preferred over cut flowers because of their longevity and the symbol of renewal they embody.
Sessile.fr's Guide to Flowers for a Funeral
In times of joy and sorrow alike, the artisanal florists of the Sessile.fr network are there for you during the most meaningful moments of your life. If you are preparing to attend a funeral, contact your local florist so they can design and create a delicate, timeless floral arrangement that reflects the bond you shared with the deceased.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
