Choosing the right type of funeral arrangements
Funeral flowers are not like wedding flowers or birthday flowers. It’s not something we plan for months or weeks in advance. It’s not something we even like to think about but it is a necessary part of life. Flowers are one of the oldest ways in which we honour our loved ones. By giving ourselves and everyone else that chance to say goodbye, it’s an important step in the healing process.
When choosing funeral flowers for a loved one, you will most likely be overwhelmed with grief and plenty of things on your to do list. Everyone is different. Some people tend to put their grief aside and focus on planning. Others are so overcome by their emotions that they find it too difficult to make the necessary arrangements and they rely on friends and family for help. Either way, it’s never easy.
The first thing you need to consider when planning funeral flowers is the colour. White and green arrangements are the most popular but there are no rules that say you cannot add some colour. In fact, it has become even more popular for people to choose the deceased’s favourite flower or colour to decorate the location for the ceremony. Whether you have a funeral or a memorial service, it’s always good to make the room as welcoming as possible. This helps people deal with those negative emotions since flowers offer some amazing comfort.
Once you have an idea of the flowers and/or colour you would like, you need to figure out how many bouquet you will need and how large they should be. Usually there is a display in the entrance hall. This flower arrangement is modest and often accompanied by a photograph of the loved one who has passed away. Inside the venue, it is common to place two larger bouquets at the far end – opposite the entrance or wherever the minister, priest, or anyone else will be speaking. If you prefer, you can add another, larger photo of your loved one to the room where the service will take place. Many people like to add a floral frame around the photo as a personal tribute. Other personal tributes include themed flower arrangements or the deceased’s name or initials in flowers. Ask your florist about these options.
If you have a casket (open or closed), you might want to consider ordering a casket spray or wreath to place on top of it during the service. During the burial, you can remove this arrangement and place it at their grave once the burial is complete. This is often done because the tombstone is not usually placed until the ground has settled. If your loved one is to be cremated, you can place the wreath or casket spray on the site where you scatter their ashes. It’s all about paying tribute and honouring them in a way that brings you peace.