Why is it called a casket spray

Funeral flowers are a very traditional part of funerals and memorials, often adorning the place where the ceremony is held, placed on a coffin or made into a large wreath. This is a comprehensive guide into funeral flowers as we explore if funeral flowers are the right option for everyone. 

Types of funeral flower arrangements.

There are a few different kinds of arrangements you’ll see at funerals. These are the most popular types. 

Casket sprays

Casket flowers or sprays are what you will typically find placed on top of a coffin or casket. These are specially designed to lay flat on the coffin and cover the surface area, with different kinds of flowers held within the arrangement. Casket sprays can cost from $250 to $600.

Standing sprays

You might have seen a flower arrangement resting upright on an easel or stand, such as a wreath, special bouquet or even shaped in a cross for religious funerals. These are known as standing sprays and can be customised with different flowers or designs. These tend to cost around $100 to $400.

Bouquets

Bouquets of flowers are also a popular choice for funeral flowers, and can be more cost effective. They can be displayed in a vase and cost from $50 to $200.

Different kinds of flowers in funeral arrangements.

Choosing what kinds of flowers to use for a funeral arrangement is a deeply personal decision, and should begin with if the deceased had any favourite flowers. You can discuss this with a florist and they will be able to come up with an arrangement that features the flower. If there is no favourite flower, you have more choice on what you like, or what the florist may suggest.

Some of the most popular flowers used are lilies, roses, orchids, carnations, tulips and chrysanthemums. Some flowers have special meanings that might connect to the deceased. For example, in Europe, chrysanthemums are only used for funerals and nothing else, and in Asia they symbolise grief and sorrow.

Sending flowers as condolences.

Sending a bouquet of flowers as a sympathy gift or condolences is fairly common, and can be a thoughtful way to show your respect. Other sympathy gift ideas can be a care package, sending cooked meals or food delivery vouchers, and even donations to charity on behalf of the deceased.

Religious and cultural considerations for funeral flowers.

Like how chrysanthemums can have different meanings and uses in different countries, many other cultures and religions have their own traditions when it comes to displaying and giving flowers for a funeral.

Jewish Funerals

You won't find any flowers at a Jewish funeral as this is inappropriate. Instead of sending flowers as condolences, consider another gift such as cooking a meal or a donation to charity.

Christian Funerals

Most Christian faiths include flowers at funerals, however some specific religions such as Orthodox will only use white flowers.

Buddhist Funerals

Expect to see only white flowers at a Buddhist funeral. You will not see any red in sight, as red flowers are a symbol of happiness. Food is also not an appropriate gift.

Muslim Funerals

On occasion, white flowers can be appropriate for Muslim funerals, however it’s best to check with the family of the deceased first. Other gifts such as food or a donation to charity are more accepted if you do not want to bother the family.

DIY approach to funeral flowers

If you’re organising a more casual memorial, spending hundreds of dollars on flowers might not feel like the right decision for the deceased. 

To bring all the guests together, on the invitation you can request all guests to bring a small bunch or bouquet of flowers. These can be combined on arrival to create one large bouquet or display, creating a unique arrangement filled with the love of friends and family. This is a more cost effective option and all guests get to contribute.

Do you really need flowers at a funeral?

Flowers are a very traditional part of a funeral, particularly with coffins and burials. For a cremation, you may just opt for a single standing spray or bouquet of flowers at the memorial, or you might want nothing at all. 

Don’t feel pressured to purchase expensive flowers just because it’s the “traditional” thing to do. If the deceased hated flowers, why would you have them at their funeral? And if they loved flowers, you’d want to put on a ceremony that celebrates who they were, so flowers would be a perfect choice.

To speak with one of our funeral arrangers, please give us a call on 1800 071 176, or head to the Bare Cremation website for more information.

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While a funeral is a time of mourning, it can also be a time to celebrate the life of a loved one. Funeral flowers help to personalise the funeral for a loved one, especially if they loved flowers. Even if your loved one was not fond of flowers, there are many types of flowers to choose from that will resonate with a family member or friend who has passed away.

This blog provides a complete guide to funeral flowers in Australia 2020. We understand that choosing the right set and type of flowers is difficult due to the abundance of options. This guide will help you make an informed decision. In addition to consulting this guide, we recommend you speak with family and friends, review online articles and ask florists for their opinion.

Funeral flower arrangements

The most common type of funeral flower arrangements are casket sprays (i.e. coffin arranged flowers), standing funeral sprays (i.e. funeral wreaths) and bouquets. Each type of arrangement serves a different purpose and your choice will be guided by what your loved one would have desired.

Casket sprays

A casket flower spray is an arrangement of flowers on the top of the coffin casket. The flower arrangement can be tailored to suit your loved one’s memory. The choice of flowers and the arrangement can be designed as you wish. Popular flowers include red roses, white lilies and Australian natives. The average cost of a casket spray is between $150 and $500.

Standing sprays

A standing spray is a vertically arranged set of flowers that is placed near the casket during the funeral procession. The arrangement can be tailored to suit your requirements and the flowers are held on an easel or wire stand in the formation of a wreath, cross, heart or other desired symbol. There is an abundant choice of flowers and popular options include roses, orchids and Australian natives. The average cost of this arrangement is between $85 and $350.

Flower bouquets

This traditional option is a popular choice. The arrangement can be wrapped in paper or presented in a vase. Any type of flower combination is available to suit the personality of your loved one. The average cost of an arranged bouquet is between $45 and $225.

Types of funeral flowers

There are many flowers in nature to choose from. For funeral occasions, certain types of flowers are special. When choosing the type of flower, it is important to consider your loved one, the relationship you had with your loved one and the memories that you had with them. Here is a list of common types of flowers for funerals.

Lilies

The white lily is the most popular choice as it symbolises sympathy and the innocence of the departing soul. Lilies accompany many other types of flowers and suit bouquets and sprays.

Carnations

Carnations are commonly used in funeral sprays. The carnations are available in many colours and each colour is symbolic of emotions and feelings. For example, red carnations symbolise admiration and affection while pink carnations symbolise remembrance.

Gladioli

A tall flower used in vertical sprays, gladioli has a long stem with sprouting flowers. These flowers offer a bold display because the flower symbolises moral integrity and strength of character.

Roses

As a recognisable flower, roses are commonly used in sprays and bouquets. Yellow roses symbolise strong friendship, whereas red roses resemble love and affection. Roses can accompany other types of flowers for a spectacular display.

Chrysanthemums

While not uncommon, choosing chrysanthemums requires careful thinking. This type of flower has a different symbolic meaning to people across different cultures. For example, in the United States these flowers are known for celebrating cheer, whereas in Asian countries they are linked to death and sorrow.

Hydrangeas

A potted plant is suitable if there is space to plant it next to the burial or to gift it to the grieving family as a token of your appreciation for their loved one. Hydrangeas are typically given by friends as an act of sincere condolence.

Tulips

Tulips are cheerful plants that helps turn a negative mood into a positive. These plants, which bloom in Spring, signify a new beginning and are gifted to the grieving family in hope that they welcome the new chapter in their life with open arms.

Funeral flower options

There is a range of funeral flower options including cheap and expensive options. It is important that the cost of the funeral flower arrangement is not the predominant factor during decision making. While silk flowers and single roses are less expensive, it can give the undesired impression that your care for the departed is less than adequate. Remember to celebrate the occasion and help the grieving family with a memorable token of your appreciation of their loved one.

To make it easier for people to acquire funeral flowers, most flowers can now be pre-ordered with tailored messages online and shipped anywhere throughout Australia. This makes the difficult process of mourning for the departed easier. Remember, before you place your order ensure that you have remembered the departed, considered any cultural requirements and satisfied yourself that your friend or family member will be happy with your choice.

At Fixed Price Cremations, we offer simple funeral servicesat a relatively low cost to help grieving friends and family arrange a trouble-free cremation or funeral procession. For further information, call us on 1300 262 797.

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