Funeral Flowers – What To Choose

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Bennie Smith Funeral Home under Funeral Education
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When trying to describe the various types of flowers that people choose to send for funerals, we started a quick “search” for such a phrase.  Not surprisingly, we found a great article that described it perfectly – and great job to iMortuary for finding it.  They wrote it, we didn’t – but you can read it below, and here’s a link to it here.

Funeral Flower Terminology

Funeral Flower Terminology

Sending sympathy flowers to a family in mourning is a great way to show your support and contribute to the funeral arrangements. However, it can be difficult to know what kind of funeral flowers to send or what each type of bouquet entails.

This quick guide to funeral flower terms and options should help give you a clearer understanding of what kind of choices are out there—and what funeral flower etiquette dictates you should do.

  • Arrangement: The arrangement is what shape and style the funeral flowers will be delivered in. Some of the options include basket arrangements, vase arrangements, wreath arrangements, cross arrangements, and pedestal arrangements, just to name a few.
  • Blooming Plant: If you want to send something that will last longer than cut flowers, a blooming plant is a good choice. These potted plants come with a bright floral bloom.
  • Casket Blanket: This “blanket” of flowers is draped over the casket to provide a visually stunning effect.
  • Casket Scarf: Instead of an entire blanket, some families choose to decorate a casket with a smaller scarf of flowers that can be artfully arranged.
  • Easel: If a wreath or cross arrangement of funeral flowers will be on display, you may need a frame to hold it up and provide a visual centerpiece. These can be rented or provided by most funeral homes.
  • Filler: Most flower arrangements are made up of several large and beautiful flowers, surrounded by what is known as “filler.” Ferns, fronds, baby’s breath, and other less expensive items help to make the arrangement look nice and full without making it too costly.
  • Flower Bearer: As the name suggests, this individual is similar to ring bearer/flower girl in a wedding, and walks before or after the casket carrying flower tributes.
  • Flower Car: A special vehicle may be needed to transport the flowers to the cemetery or funeral home for a secondary service.
  • Grave Blanket: This display can be made of flowers, ribbons, greens, and other floral fillers to cover a newly laid grave. It is meant to be temporary.
  • In Lieu of Donation: Some families would prefer not to receive funeral flowers, and ask instead that you make a donation to a charity or other organization instead.
  • Potted Plant: Not all funeral flowers have to be floral in design. Many families prefer the lush greenery of potted plants, which can be blooming or made up of ferns and other non-floral designs.
  • Spray: The most common type of funeral flower, a casket spray is an arrangement of florals and leafy greens that is designed to be displayed on the top of a closed casket.

For a more detailed list of what types of funeral flowers are available and what is appropriate to send to the family, you may want to contact a florist directly. Most of them have considerable experience working with funeral displays and will be able to direct you toward the best options for your relationship with the family and your budget.

In our Dover, Delaware main office, we have our own floral shop.  Beautiful arrangements come out of there for our customers in and around our Dover area – call our office at 302-678-8747 for more information.

From humble beginnings on a farm in Faceville, Georgia, Bennie Smith evolved into a successful and caring businessman setting the standards for funeral homes across this country. Today, Bennie Smith Funeral Home(s) is one the largest African-American-owned Funeral Homes on the East Coast. With 13 locations up and down the Delmarva Peninsula, from Wilmington, Dover, Milford, Seaford, Millsboro, Salisbury, Easton, Princess Anne, Chestertown, the Eastern Shore of Virginia and more. For over 35 years, we've been caring for families like yours.