Images : Judith Blacklock

What type of flowers should I send?

Standard funeral flower etiquette doesn’t dictate any particular type of flower. As long as the arrangement has a positive aesthetic quality, you can send any type you like. Common flowers sent to funerals include roses, carnations and chrysanthemums, but you can also use more colorful varieties like snapdragons and lilies.

If the funeral service is for a certain religion/denomination, there are a few rules you have to follow:

• Protestant – Protestant denominations include Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc., and funeral flower etiquette is usually close to the standards mentioned above. It’s also acceptable to send food or donations to the family in lieu of flowers.
• Roman Catholic – Roman Catholic funeral etiquette requires flower arrangements to be subtler and more moderate. Flowers that are colorful or very bright aren’t appropriate. Candles and gifts for the casket are also suitable.
• Mormon – Floral arrangements of any variety are acceptable, but they cannot include the symbol of the cross. Including one would greatly offend the deceased’s loved ones and those attending the funeral service.
• Buddhist – The rule of thumb is that you can’t send red flowers or food. Only white flowers should be sent to family members. Sending flowers for the service or grave site isn’t allowed.
• Jewish – Flowers aren’t appropriate for Jewish funerals, but friends and family can send charitable donations or food.
• Hindu – Proper Hindu funeral etiquette dictates that guests are not to bring anything to the funeral. Flowers are only allowed in the open casket when mourners are viewing the body.
• Chinese – White or yellow mums/chrysanthemums are considered the traditional flowers for funerals. You should never wear red or send red flowers to a Chinese funeral, as Chinese culture considers red to represent happiness.
• Muslim – Funeral flower etiquette varies between different Muslim groups. Red roses are sometimes considered appropriate, but it’s best to ask before sending any gifts of flowers. Flowers can be placed on graves after the deceased has been buried.

What do certain flowers mean?

Most people aren’t aware of what types of funeral flowers mean, but those who do will appreciate your gift of flowers if they’re sent with a particular message in mind. Here’s a list of common funeral flowers and what they represent:

• Lilies – Lilies are a widely-known symbol for death and mourning, but the flowers actually represent innocence and purity of the soul.
• Carnations – Different colors have different meanings. For example, a white carnation represents purity and innocence in love, while pink is a sign of remembrance. Red carnations show your admiration for the deceased.
• Roses – Roses evoke powerful imagery, and have meanings as follows: white roses (humility, reverence), red roses (respect, love), pink (appreciation), yellow (deceased was a close friend), and dark crimson (grief, sorrow).
• Gladioli – Gladioli flowers have a large variety of colors, but all of them represent strength, moral integrity and a sincere heart.
• Orchids – Orchids are a symbol of a forever love. White and pink orchids are common colors for expressing sympathy.
• Chrysanthemums – These flowers are considered to be representative of grief and sorrow in most of Europe, but the United States looks at them as symbols of happiness and joy, celebrating the life of the deceased.

Daffodils/Tulips – Yellow variations of these flowers are meant as a symbol of encouragement

• to grieving family members. They also symbolize forgiveness (white), perfect love (red), and royalty (purple).
• Hydrangeas – Hydrangeas represent sincerity and are most commonly given in the spring. They’re easy to take care of, and grieving family members and friends will appreciate the thought.

Thank you for reading! Come visit MeadowLawn, Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas!