Written by
Sabina
Flowers are a sign of respect and compassion. They bring comfort and warmth at moments when they are needed most, such as after the loss of a loved one. Condolence flowers come in many shapes and styles. In this article we highlight two popular options: a coffin spray and a sympathy bouquet. You will also discover which flowers are most suitable as funeral flowers and why they are such a fitting choice.
Coffin spray: a powerful gesture
A coffin spray is a classic and much-chosen floral arrangement for a funeral. Designed to lie flat, it is often placed on or beside the coffin during the service. The flowers and branches are worked into a sturdy base, creating a full and abundant arrangement that holds its shape throughout the ceremony. A coffin spray is most often given by close family members or dear friends of the person who has passed away.
The flowers for a coffin spray are chosen with great care, often based on personal preference and symbolism.
In our example, the coffin spray combines soft pastel tones with deep burgundy accents and delicate foliage. This mix adds depth and warmth, while the overall look remains calm and understated.
The arrangement contains the following flowers and branches: Orchid, Anigozanthos, Freesia, Scabiosa, Chrysanthemum, Anemone, Stock, Carnation and Eucalyptus.
Why choose a coffin spray?
- A powerful and personal tribute during the ceremony.
- Placed on the coffin, the arrangement feels like a loving embrace.
- Stable on the coffin thanks to its flat shape and solid structure.
- Keeps its shape beautifully, even when gently moved or carried.
Sympathy bouquet: a personal expression of support
Unlike a coffin spray, a sympathy bouquet is not arranged on a flat base but hand-tied, just like a regular bouquet. It is often brought to a farewell service or laid at a grave, urn or memorial site, as a quiet way of saying that you are thinking of someone.
The flowers are usually chosen with care, because they reflect who someone was or express what you wish to convey. In our example, the soft pink bouquet is loosely tied, not in a formal Biedermeier style. The pink ribbon adds an extra gentle touch.
The sympathy bouquet in our example contains the following flowers: Carnation, Rose, Protea, Masterwort, Dill, Anigozanthos, Lily, Eucalyptus
Why choose a sympathy bouquet?
- A beautiful tribute and an accessible way to express your sympathy to the bereaved.
- Easy to place and move: the bouquet can be set in a vase during the ceremony, laid at a memorial site and or taken home by the family.
- A personal gesture, as you choose the flowers that feel right to you, and one that is easy to offer during a condolence gathering.
There are no strict rules about which flowers you may or may not give after a loss.
What flowers do you give after a loss?
We are often asked what the rules are when it comes to flowers after a loss, but the answer is simple. There are no strict rules about which flowers you may or may not give. What matters most is choosing flowers that suit the person who has passed away, although there may sometimes be cultural traditions or specific wishes from the family. It is always wise to check this beforehand.
There are, however, flowers that are particularly suitable as funeral flowers because of their rich symbolism. That is why we have listed these 10 meaningful flowers for a funeral.
Want to read more about flowers and grieving?
Would you like to read more about grieving and flowers? Then explore the tips from florist Paul Wijkmeijer, who helps you put together a sympathy bouquet. Have you lost a loved one and would you like to keep memories alive with the help of flowers? Discover these tips and DIYs. Or have you received many flowers after a funeral and would rather not let them simply fade, but turn them into something beautiful? Take a look at the tips in this article.
