Popular funeral flowers and arrangements

Last updated 14^th March 2025
6 min read

A guide to choosing funeral flowers

Expressing sympathy with funeral flowers is one of our longest-standing traditions. But knowing what flowers to choose can be hard, especially at a sensitive time.

There are lots of other decisions that will need to be made when planning a funeral. And we all want to make sure we get our choices just right.

The good news is, the rise of alternative funerals means traditional funeral flower etiquette has softened. This leaves you free to do what you feel is right for the person and the occasion.

If your loved one had a favourite flower, or there’s a flower that reminds you of them, it can feel soothing to have it at the funeral.

This guide takes you through some of the most popular flowers chosen for funerals and the meanings behind them. It also gives some contemporary choices, and answers popular questions about funeral flowers…

On this page:

• What types of funeral flower arrangements are there?
• What else to consider when choosing funeral flowers?
• What to write on funeral flowers?
• How much should I spend on funeral flowers?
• Where should I send funeral flowers?
• What could I give instead of funeral flowers?

What types of funeral flower arrangements are there?

There’s no need for flowers expressing sympathy to be presented in a particular way. Do whatever you feel is right.

If you’d like the flowers to be on display at the funeral, it may be best to go for an arrangement that’s flat at the back. This is so the flowers can be placed on the coffin or ground.

Here are some popular funeral flower designs:

Funeral sprays and sheaves

This popular type of funeral flower arrangement is used as a way to express sympathy.

Sprays are a large, flat bouquet of long-stem flowers used to adorn a coffin or casket. They come in a variety of colours, styles and sizes.

They sit on top of the coffin and can be single-ended or double-ended for a bigger covering.

Sheaves are hand tied and make a lovely alternative to a bouquet of flowers. You can send them to a home address directly after a funeral.

Flower wreaths

A wreath is one of the most popular funeral flower arrangements. They consist of a band of plants and flowers, which are secured in a circle.

The circular shape represents eternal life. They can be made to different sizes using a variety of flowers.

Floral baskets

Floral baskets contain a mix of flowers and foliage. They are good to display on tables or alongside the coffin.

Special floral tributes

Special shaped tributes add a very personal touch to a funeral. They can make a name in flowers or something personal, such as a much-loved car or sport.

What are the most popular flowers for funerals?

Your selection of funeral flowers is the perfect way to reflect the personality of your loved one.

When it comes to single-stem flowers for funerals, roses and gladioli are popular choices. Below you'll find a list of the most popular funeral flowers.

Lilies

Lilies represent innocence and a return to peace. This makes them the go-to flowers for expressing condolences. The white lily represents purity, and the white stargazer lily is a symbol of sympathy.

Lilies are a popular choice of funeral flowers for mums or grandmas.

Roses

The rose is another reliable and beautiful choice of funeral flower. A single stem is often enough. All roses represent love, but each colour has a slightly different meaning. White stands for purity and innocence, while deep red roses symbolise love and grief.

Carnations

If the cost of funeral flowers is a concern, carnations are a good option. They also have the advantage of staying at their best for a long time. Pink carnations symbolise remembrance and white varieties represent love.

Gladioli

Gladioli are striking flowers, often measuring over a metre tall. They come in a huge range of colours and represent strength of character and integrity, making them great funeral flowers.

Single stem flowers for funerals

Traditionally, single stem flowers for funerals are placed on the coffin or casket before, during or after the service. This gives an ideal moment to pay tribute to someone special.

Petals from single stem flowers can also be scattered into the grave as a farewell.

Other funeral flower ideas

Chrysanthemums

In some parts of Europe, chrysanthemums are only ever used as funeral flowers. In Asia they symbolise grief. Although we don’t give them the same meaning in the UK, their simple beauty makes them a fitting funeral flower.

Orchids

Orchids stand for eternal love. If you’re not sure which ones to go for, pink or white are linked with mourning and are often given as sympathy flowers.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are often used to say thank you, so may not spring to mind as a funeral flower. But they are also associated with deep emotions, so could make a touching choice for a floral tribute.

Tulips and daffodils

These spring flowers symbolise new beginnings. They can also add a refreshing burst of colour to a sad occasion. This makes them perfect as a tribute to a bubbly personality, or for funerals as a celebration of life.

What else to consider when choosing funeral flowers?

Family wishes

It’s worth double-checking the family’s wishes. People often ask for donations to their favourite charity instead of funeral flowers.

The personality of the person

If the deceased was a bubbly person, you could choose bright flowers to reflect their personality. Or you could use their favourite flower as inspiration.

Type of funeral

Is it a traditional funeral service or more of a celebration of life? Knowing the tone of the occasion can help you decide on appropriate funeral flowers.

Your budget

The cost of funeral flowers can mount up – especially if you go for large arrangements. Don’t forget, something very simple can be just as touching, if not more so. Don’t underestimate the power of a single rose or hand-picked flowers from the garden.

What to write on funeral flowers

Choosing the right words for the card accompanying the flowers can be hardest of all. Don’t feel the need to say too much. A simple ‘Forever in our hearts’ can be enough. Read What to write on funeral flowers and sympathy cards for inspiration.

And finally, always remember that it’s the thought that counts. Sending flowers for a funeral or to express your condolences is a touching gesture. It’s a wonderful way to convey your sympathies.

How much should I spend on funeral flowers?

How much you want to spend is up to you. A small flower arrangement will cost less than something like a large coffin spray, which could cost hundreds of pounds.

Floral tributes in shapes or words can vary in price greatly. With whatever you choose to spend, it’s always the thought that counts, so try not worry too much.

Florists usually offer a wide range of funeral flowers, so you can find something to suit your budget and needs. Some funeral directors also arrange flower tributes. And there are lots of sites online that will deliver.  

Where should I send funeral flowers?

You can send flowers to the funeral home that’s helping to organise the service. The funeral director can keep the coffin with the flowers, to make sure everything is set up together.

You can also send flowers to the bereaved family or loved one’s home address. Just remember to check that someone will be home for the delivery.

What could I give instead of funeral flowers?

Perhaps you feel flowers aren’t the best way to honour your loved one, or people have said they don’t want flowers. If this is the case, there are lots of alternative gift ideas to funeral flowers.

Sometimes families ask for a donation to a charity. Some ask for other kinds of tribute, like balloons. They may even ask for a financial contribution towards the costs.

If in doubt, it’s best to ask the family what they might find most fitting.

For more help with funeral arrangements, you can read how to personalise a funeral, popular hymn ideas, and poems for funerals.

And our My Perfect Send-Off planner makes recording your funeral wishes a little easier. It guides you through your options and lets you save your answers for when they’re needed. So your loved ones will know what to do when the time comes.