Funeral flowers are a long-standing tradition associated with saying goodbye to a loved one. Many people feel a floral tribute expresses love, respect, remembrance and sympathy. While lilies are often thought of as funeral flowers, there are no rules about which flowers you choose.
Traditional funeral flower etiquette has softened as funerals become more personalised. A favourite flower or a particular colour can make a floral tribute feel more personal. Funeral flowers remain important to families, with 72% choosing them as an extra send-off item. (Sunlife research, 2026)
What do different flowers represent?
Lilies are perhaps among the most recognisable funeral flowers. Traditionally associated with purity, peace and innocence, they often feature in funeral arrangements offering a sense of calm and serenity.Roses can carry different meanings depending on their colour. Red roses are often associated with love and deep affection, while pink can suggest gratitude, appreciation and remembrance. White roses can represent purity, innocence and reverence.
Carnations are a popular choice for wreaths and sprays as they are fragrant and long-lasting. Different colour carnations hold different meanings, like roses.
Chrysanthemums have strong associations with remembrance and mourning in many European countries. However, in Asia, they can represent rebirth and joy. This is a good reminder of how funeral customs vary in different countries and cultures.
Orchids can symbolise enduring love, making them a particularly meaningful choice for some people.
Many flowers have no traditional symbolism but hold special meaning for the family. A person’s favourite garden rose, the flowers they grew themselves or the colours of their favourite football team can tell their story in a powerful way.
How are funeral flowers used?
After choosing the flowers for your loved one’s funeral, you need to decide how you would like them to be displayed. Options include:
- Casket sprays are usually placed on top of the coffin and chosen by the immediate family or person arranging the funeral.
- Letter tributes are popular because they are flexible, can spell any word (such as mum, dad, son) and are easy to personalise. They are usually placed alongside the coffin.
- Pillow/cushion displays are used to symbolise the peace and comfort of someone’s final resting place. They are often placed on or near the coffin.
- Wreaths are traditionally bought by close relatives, friends or collectively by groups like colleagues or club members. They are usually displayed by the graveside or at a prominent location outside the crematorium or church. Wreaths are usually circular and can also be arranged in different shapes such as a heart, a cross or a specific shape such as a football.
The big question …
For anyone choosing flowers, the most important question is: “What would remind us of our loved one?”
At Austin’s Funeral Directors, we understand that every funeral is different. We can help you consider the many ways flowers can be used to create a meaningful tribute. For example, you may want to follow tradition, choose a favourite flower/colour or create something completely personal. Each of our offices has photos of funeral flower options.
Austin’s works closely with Daisy Flowers, who have designed an original fresh flower collection for our families.
Every funeral is unique. Sometimes, a single flower can have as much impact as a large tribute.
