Sympathy Flowers
Funerals are a difficult occasion but having the right flowers can make a huge difference. With funerals these days being far more a celebration of life than the sombre occasions of years gone by, flowers are a perfect way of personalising your last goodbye.
We’ve showcased some of the more popular design choices but all of our Good Florist Guide shops will have selection guides to guide you through the many options and most will have a private area where you can discuss plans away from the shop counter.
If possible, please give your florist as much notice as you can when ordering funeral tributes, especially if you have special requests for either specific blooms or a bespoke design type. Giving your florist only a couple of days notice may not be enough time for them to source materials and special flower varieties. We always recommend ordering at least a week in advance of the funeral date. If you can’t provide this notice, it’s always worth asking, we know our members will always move mountains to be able to meet your needs.
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How to Order Funeral Flowers
Most undertakers have an arrangement with local florists whereby they take the order and then pass it on to the florist, minus a commission for their time. It works well in most cases but if you want something more personal then talk to the florist directly as then you can be sure of getting exactly what you want, and all the money you spend goes on the flowers.
Don’t worry too much if you don’t have all the details. Most florists know all the local churches, cemeteries and funeral directors so as long as you have the date and time of the service and the name of the deceased they will be able to sort out delivery (top tip: if you aren’t sure of the funeral director or the date/time of the service then phone your local crematorium or cemeteries office, they will be able to give you this information in most instances).
If you’re ordering remotely then use the florist’s website or give them a call. Better still, go in to their shop or studio and talk to them. They usually have a private area (and box of tissues) so it won’t be hard, but will let you see all their selection guides so you can get plenty of ideas and talk through any special requests.
No Flowers, Charity Instead
We totally get that you might think it’s a waste of money to have flowers for just one day and want to send money to a charity instead.
If the funeral is for a friend or a distant relative, it is always best to check with the close family or the funeral director before ordering flowers and we strongly recommend acting within their wishes to avoid any unwanted disputes.
Funeral Arrangements
Letter Tribute
Literally anything can be said with flowers these days and are a lovely way to personalise the day. Letter tributes can be as simple or complex as you like and usually up to 7 letters can be accommodated in the average hearse. Longer or more complex designs can be delivered separately. Price-wise expect to pay between £50 (€57) and £65 (€74) per letter depending on the flowers you choose.
Cross
The classic choice and available in a range of sizes from 2 – 6ft. They can be made in every type of style ranging from traditional based designs to looser natural designs and are usually priced at between £40 (€46) and £60 (€70) per foot depending on the flowers chosen.
Heart Tribute
The most romantic of all funeral tributes and available in either a massed heart or open heart shape. Like all funeral tributes you can have these made in any flower you like and will cost between £75 (€85) for a loose open heart to around £150 (€175) for an all red rose heart.
Wreath
Like hearts these can be massed or open depending on budget. Cluster Wreaths are perfect for shared goodbyes as up to five different flowers can be chosen so it makes the perfect family tribute which should cost around £60 (€70) to £150+(€175+). for elaborate designs
Basket
A lovely design that is often kept by the bereaved as a memento of this special day as it is easy to take home after the reception. Price wise, expect to pay between £40 (€45) and £90 (€105) depending on the flowers chosen.
Sheaf
Other than a single flower, the sheaf is one of the simplest funeral tributes you can send. A simple collection of mixed flowers depending on the flowers you choose. Expect to pay £30-£50 (€35-€60) for something simple and anything up to £150 (€175) for larger designs filled with expensive blooms.
Coffin Spray
A truly splendid final goodbye and a blanket of flowers that will send the deceased on in style. They are the overwhelming first choice for many families – expect to pay around £150 (€175) for a simple 3ft design and anything up to £600 (€700) for full sized tributes bursting with luxury blooms.
Bespoke Tributes
Florists can create any shape or design you can think of. They’ll need a few days’ notice as these floral sculptures can take up to three days to complete but as a way of representing a special interest or characteristic of the bereaved, they are second to none. Putting a cost on bespoke is difficult but as a rule, expect to pay a premium for bespoke designs, even small designs can be costly if it requires significant planning and labour time to create.
Eco Tributes
A talented, forward-thinking florist will be able to present you with a host of low impact/plastic free solutions for funeral tributes. The most eco-friendly tribute will be a loose collection of flowers, tied together with raffia. If you want something more complex, then there are a host of design ideas and specialist materials that a florist can utilise and create using straw, twig, moss or modern foam substitute bases to give you a gorgeous confection of flowers that reflect your loved one’s wishes.