When someone we care about passes away, one of the first questions many of us ask is: "What flowers should I send?" It's a simple question with a surprisingly rich answer, because funeral flowers carry meaning far beyond their beauty. They express sympathy, honour a life, and offer comfort to grieving families at a time when words often fall short.
If you're unsure where to start, this guide from Elisana Florist — a trusted funeral flowers shop London families turn to — will walk you through exactly what kind of flowers are appropriate for a funeral, what they symbolise, and how to choose a tribute that feels right for your relationship with the person who has passed.
Why the Type of Flower Matters
Flowers have carried symbolic meaning for centuries. Long before condolence cards and social media tributes existed, people used flowers to communicate emotions that were too painful or too complex to put into words. This tradition continues today, which is why choosing the right flowers for a funeral isn't just about aesthetics — it's about sending the right message.
Whether you're the immediate family arranging the main tribute or a friend, neighbour, or colleague wanting to pay your respects, ordering from a dependable flower shop funeral specialist ensures your chosen flowers are prepared with care and delivered on time.
The Most Common Funeral Flowers and What They Symbolise
1. Lilies- Lilies are perhaps the most traditional funeral flower in the UK. White lilies, in particular, symbolise the restored innocence of the soul after death, making them a popular choice for formal, traditional tributes. Their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and strong fragrance make them a striking centrepiece for wreaths and sprays.
- Best for: Traditional services, formal tributes, casket sprays
- Symbolism: Purity, peace, restored innocence
2. Roses- Roses are one of the most versatile funeral flowers, offering a range of meanings depending on their colour:
- Red roses – Love and deep respect, often chosen by spouses or very close family
- White roses – Purity, innocence, and reverence
- Pink roses – Grace, gentleness, and admiration
- Yellow roses – Friendship and remembrance, popular among friends and colleagues
Roses can be used in wreaths, sprays, hand-tied bouquets, or even as a single stem laid directly on the casket.
3. Chrysanthemums- In many parts of Europe, chrysanthemums are specifically associated with funerals and remembrance, making them one of the most fitting flowers for a tribute. They are long-lasting, come in a wide range of colours, and work beautifully in wreaths, baskets, and standing sprays.
- Best for: Wreaths, standing arrangements, remembrance displays
- Symbolism: Grief, honour, and remembrance
4. Carnations- Carnations are a popular and affordable choice for funeral flowers, known for their long vase life and full, ruffled blooms.
- Red carnations – Admiration and deep love
- White carnations – Pure love and innocence
- Pink carnations – Remembrance
Carnations are often used in wreaths and casket sprays because they hold their shape and colour well throughout the service.
5. Orchids- Orchids bring an elegant, modern touch to funeral tributes. They symbolise everlasting love and beauty, making them a meaningful choice for a spouse, partner, or close family member.
- Best for: Elegant, contemporary arrangements
- Symbolism: Everlasting love, beauty, strength
6. Gladioli- Tall and dramatic, gladioli represent strength of character, moral integrity, and remembrance. Their striking height makes them a popular choice for standing sprays and larger tributes.
- Best for: Standing sprays, formal arrangements
- Symbolism: Strength, integrity, sincerity
7. Carnation Alternatives: Freesias and Stocks- For a softer, more fragrant tribute, freesias and stocks are increasingly popular. They add texture, colour, and a delicate scent to arrangements without overpowering more traditional blooms.
8. Delphiniums- With their tall spikes of blue, purple, and white flowers, delphiniums add height and drama to funeral arrangements. Blue delphiniums, in particular, symbolise an open heart and lightness, making them a gentle, comforting addition.
9. Hydrangeas- Hydrangeas are full, lush blooms that work beautifully as a base for larger arrangements. They symbolise heartfelt emotion and gratitude, making them a meaningful addition to a tribute for someone who gave generously of themselves.
10. Sunflowers- For someone with a bright, warm personality, sunflowers offer a joyful alternative to more traditional funeral flowers. They symbolise adoration, loyalty, and longevity, and are increasingly chosen by families who want to celebrate a life rather than focus solely on mourning.
Choosing Flowers Based on Your Relationship to the Deceased
One of the most common questions we're asked at our funeral flowers shop London is: "What should I send based on how close I was to the person?" Here's a helpful breakdown:
If You Were the Spouse or Partner- As the closest relationship, spouses and partners typically send the largest, most prominent tribute — often a casket spray or a heart-shaped arrangement using red or white roses, lilies, or orchids. This is usually placed directly on or beside the casket.
If You Were a Child or Grandchild- Children and grandchildren often choose personal, heartfelt tributes such as a wreath, sheaf, or a heart-shaped arrangement. Many families choose to spell out names like "MUM," "DAD," or "NAN" in flowers for a deeply personal touch.
If You Were a Sibling or Close Family Member- Siblings and close family members typically send wreaths, sprays, or posy arrangements using a mix of traditional and personal flowers, often incorporating the deceased's favourite colours.
If You Were a Friend- Friends often choose a smaller, more personal tribute such as a hand-tied bouquet or posy, which can be sent directly to the family home or the service. Yellow flowers, symbolising friendship, are a lovely choice.
If You Were a Colleague or Acquaintance- For colleagues or more distant acquaintances, a simple, elegant posy or a small arrangement of mixed flowers is appropriate and respectful without appearing overly personal.
Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Beyond individual flower choices, it helps to understand the different arrangement styles available through a flower shop funeral specialist like Elisana Florist:
- Wreaths – Circular arrangements symbolising eternal life, typically sent by close family and displayed prominently at the service.
- Casket Sprays – Large arrangements placed directly on top of the casket, usually ordered by immediate family.
- Coffin Sprays – Similar to casket sprays, designed to complement the coffin with colours reflecting the deceased's personality.
- Sheaves – Loosely tied bunches of long-stemmed flowers, offering a natural, elegant look.
- Posies and Hand-Tied Bouquets – Smaller, personal tributes ideal for friends, colleagues, and extended family.
- Heart-Shaped Tributes – Symbolising deep love, typically chosen by spouses, children, or very close family.
- Cushions and Pillows – Representing comfort and peace, often personalised with words or symbols.
- Letters and Symbols – Flowers arranged into meaningful letters or shapes, such as names or hobbies.
- Single Stems – A simple, understated way to pay respects, often placed by individual mourners during the service.
Colours to Consider When Choosing Funeral Flowers
Colour plays a significant role in funeral flower selection. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
- White – Peace, purity, and innocence; the most traditional funeral colour
- Red – Love, respect, and courage; often reserved for close family
- Pink – Grace, gentleness, and admiration
- Yellow – Friendship, warmth, and remembrance
- Purple – Dignity, admiration, and respect
- Orange – Strength, energy, and enthusiasm for life
- Blue – Calm, openness, and tranquillity
Many families now choose to move away from all-white arrangements in favour of colourful, personalised tributes that better reflect the individuality of their loved one.
Flowers to Avoid at a Funeral (Unless Requested)
While there are no strict rules, some flowers are traditionally considered less appropriate for funerals unless specifically requested by the family:
- Overly bright or celebratory arrangements (unless the family has requested a "celebration of life" theme)
- Flowers with strong religious symbolism that may not align with the deceased's beliefs — always check first
- Potted plants, unless specifically requested, as cut flower arrangements are more traditional for services
If you're ever unsure, it's always best to contact the family directly or check the funeral notice for guidance on flower preferences.
What If the Family Has Requested "No Flowers"?
It's increasingly common for families to request donations to a specific charity instead of flowers. If you see this request, it's important to respect it. However, if you still want to send a personal gesture, consider:
- A small, simple posy delivered to the family's home rather than the service
- A sympathy card alongside a charitable donation in the deceased's name
- A single flower or small bouquet sent privately, rather than a formal funeral tribute
How to Order the Right Funeral Flowers in London
Ordering from a reliable funeral flowers London provider doesn't need to be complicated. Here's how the process works with Elisana Florist:
- Visit Our Funeral Flowers Page – Browse our full range of wreaths, sprays, bouquets, and bespoke designs at Elisana Florist Funerals.
- Select Your Arrangement – Choose a style and flower type that reflects your relationship to the deceased and the tone of the service.
- Personalise Your Tribute – Add a heartfelt message, and let us know any specific colour or flower preferences.
- Provide Delivery Details – Share the location (funeral home, church, or crematorium) and the date and time of the service.
- We Handle the Rest – Our experienced florists prepare and deliver your arrangement with care, ensuring it arrives fresh and on time.
Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery Across London
We understand that funerals are often arranged at short notice. As a dedicated funeral flowers shop London service, we offer same-day and next-day delivery across Greater London, ensuring your tribute arrives exactly where and when it's needed — whether that's a funeral home in North London, a crematorium in South London, or a church service in the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most traditional funeral flower?
White lilies are widely considered the most traditional funeral flower in the UK, symbolising purity and the restored innocence of the soul.
Can I choose colourful flowers instead of white?
Absolutely. Many families now prefer colourful, personalised arrangements that reflect the personality and preferences of their loved one, rather than sticking to traditional white-only designs.
How many flowers do I need for a funeral wreath?
This depends on the size of the wreath and the flowers chosen. Our florists at Elisana Florist can guide you based on your budget and preferences to create a beautifully full arrangement.
Is it appropriate to send sunflowers to a funeral?
Yes, sunflowers are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who want to celebrate a joyful, warm personality rather than focus solely on mourning.
What flowers symbolise remembrance?
Chrysanthemums, pink carnations, and rosemary (often included as a herb within arrangements) are commonly associated with remembrance.
Should I ask the family what flowers they'd prefer?
If you're unsure, it's always a thoughtful gesture to check the funeral notice or ask the family directly, especially if they have specific requests regarding flowers or donations.
Let Elisana Florist Help You Choose the Perfect Tribute
Choosing the right flowers for a funeral is a deeply personal decision, and it's normal to feel unsure about where to start. At Elisana Florist, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you select flowers that truly reflect the life and personality of your loved one.
As a trusted flower shop funeral provider in London, we combine fresh, high-quality blooms with compassionate service and reliable delivery, ensuring your tribute is exactly as meaningful as you intended.
Browse our full collection and place your order today at Elisana Florist – Funeral Flowers, or get in touch with our team for personalised advice on choosing the perfect funeral flowers.