What are Some Common Flowers Used at Funerals and What Are Their Meanings?

Using flowers at a funeral service or to decorate your loved one's grave is a common tradition. These days flowers can be natural or silk. Silk flowers, while not allowed in all cemeteries, allow the flowers to remain longer at the gravesite. There are many options and styles of floral decor. Wreaths, bouquets, pillows, or sprays are all common. Wreaths are used to symbolize life, death, and the immortality of the soul. Flowers however have their own unique meanings.

Flowers carry a lot of meaning. While you can always choose flowers based simply on what you like or what your loved one liked, you can also choose them based on what they represent.

Flowers carry a lot of meaning. While you can always choose flowers based simply on what you like or what your loved one liked, you can also choose them based on what they represent.

• Rose (red) - Passionate love

• Rose (pink) - Friendship

• Rose (yellow) - Zealous

• Rose (white) - Purity

• Poppy - Consolation - Also symbolic for veterans

• Calla Lily - Marriage, and fidelity

• Sunflower - Adoration

• Peony - Healing

• Zinnia - Thoughts of friends

• Daisy - Innocence

• Hydrangea - Perseverance

• Gladiola - Strength of character

• Carnation (red) - Flashy

• Carnation (pink) - Gratitude

• Carnation (white) - Remembrance

• Larkspur - Beautiful spirit

• Orchid - Delicate beauty, Innocence

• Chrysanthemum - Loyalty, Love

• Freesia - Passion, Joy

• Iris - Royalty, Faith

• Lilac - Tranquility, Passion

• Peony - Romance

• Tulip - Love, Confidence

There is no wrong choice in choosing flowers, but if you need help, our funeral directors will be able to make some recommendations.