06/18/2025
A Guide to Funeral Flowers
Flowers are a key part of many different celebrations and declarations of love or affection, but they can also play an important role in more somber occasions, too. Funeral flowers aren’t just meant for memorial décor or to adorn a grave site; they can be an appropriate gift to send someone who is grieving, and can play an important role in honoring the person who has died. Funeral flowers even have purposes and symbolism that date back deep into history.
A Brief History
Sending flowers to a funeral home is a long-standing tradition of honoring the deceased. According to historical accounts, flowers were used initially to control odor while the body decomposed. Of course, this was before embalming was a common practice.
In our modern age, sending flowers has become a traditional sign of respect, sympathy, and love for the deceased, though the individual meaning and symbolization of flowers dates back centuries and can range from love to rebirth.
The first recorded evidence of using flowers like this was in the Shanidar caves in Iraq, where skeletons were covered in deposits of wildflowers. These flowers included hollyhock, thistle, cornflower and grape hyacinth.
The Symbolism of Flowers
Funeral flowers can symbolize many things.
According to gardening expert Teri Keith, over 150 flowers and herbs in bouquets or gardens once had a secret message or significance at a wake or funeral, depending on your chosen color. For example, Keith writes, “White chrysanthemums signified ‘truth,’ lily of the valley blooms symbolized ‘purity,’ and white daisies meant ‘true love,’ dark crimson roses represent mourning, and pink carnations meant ‘I’ll never forget you.’”
Today, other flowers are more commonly used to express respect and grief, but they can also symbolize the spirit of the person who is being memorialized. Here are a few popular choices for funeral flowers.:
Roses: Roses are a universal flower at funerals, with many color variations to choose from that have many meanings. For example, red roses express love and respect, while pink roses are about appreciation. “Roses are very popular, and usually the person sending the flowers orders them in the deceased’s favorite color,” said Whitney Engel, a floral designer at the Floral Cottage in Charleston. “Or we will make an arrangement based on what they love to do. For example, if someone loved to garden, we’ll combine pink, yellow and orange. However, white is typically the color associated with sympathy because of its purity.”
Carnations: Carnations are also a very popular choice for funerals. There are multiple colors, and each one symbolizes something different. For example, red carnations symbolize respect, while white carnations symbolize innocence and remembrance.
Gladiolus: Gladiolus, also known as the sword lily, symbolizes strength, which is fitting because they can grow as high as four feet tall. “It’s a good floral choice for someone with a strong personality,” said Engel. “They’re tall and strong, and they come in different colors so they can be coordinated.”
Snapdragons: “Snapdragons are resilient and good to choose if the deceased was an enduring spirit who had a lasting impact on others,” said Engel.
Mums: Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are long-lasting flowers perfect for use at the wake. They can also be easily transported from the funeral home to the church to the graveside service.
People use funeral flowers to decorate graves and memorials.
“In the spring, there are other flower options, too, including daffodils,” she said. “In spring, we tend to carry lighter pastel colors, whereas in the winter and the fall, we use more oranges and deep greens.”
In the Lowcountry, Engel says the native flowers commonly chosen are magnolia leaves and hydrangeas. A potted hydrangea plant is excellent if you prefer to send something long-lasting. It can be sent to the funeral home, and once the memorial is over, the family can bring it home and plant it somewhere meaningful outside. It can then become a tribute that lasts for years.
When considering the flower options, their history, and which makes the right statement for your loved one, choosing a florist you trust is essential. Work with a florist who will create something lasting and that reflects the personality or interests of your loved one. Not only will they ease the stress of planning during a difficult time in your life, but they will ensure the floral arrangements are a beautiful tribute to someone’s memory.
Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, understands that everyone grieves differently. They have the resources and experts to help you prepare for every aspect of the service. Together, they’re dedicated to providing the best and most professional care for their clients during their time of grieving and healing. For more information, stop by one of our locations in the area or call (843) 723-2524.
