The Meaning of Different Funeral Flowers — A Florist's Guide

Why Flower Meanings Matter

For centuries, flowers have been used to communicate emotions that words cannot capture. In funeral traditions, the language of flowers — known as floriography — adds a deeper layer of meaning to your tribute. While the most important thing is choosing flowers that feel right to you, understanding their symbolism can help you select a tribute that truly honours your loved one.

As experienced florists in Cheltenham, we at Nat's Funeral Flowers love sharing the stories behind the blooms we work with every day. Here is our guide to the most popular funeral flowers and what they represent.

Lilies — Purity and the Restored Soul

The lily is perhaps the most iconic funeral flower. White lilies, particularly the stargazer lily and the longiflorum (trumpet) lily, symbolise the restored innocence of the soul of the departed. In Christian tradition, the lily is associated with the Virgin Mary and represents purity, hope, and the promise of resurrection.

Lilies are a beautiful choice for any funeral service. Their elegant form and powerful fragrance create a lasting impression. They work beautifully in casket sprays, wreaths, and sprays.

Roses — Love in All Its Forms

The rose is the universal symbol of love, and different colours carry distinct meanings:

• Red roses: Deep, enduring love. Often chosen by a spouse or partner for heart tributes.
• White roses: Purity, innocence, reverence. A timeless choice for any funeral.
• Pink roses: Grace, gratitude, admiration. A gentle tribute for a beloved woman.
• Yellow roses: Friendship, warmth, and fond memories. Ideal for a close friend.
• Peach roses: Sincerity and gratitude. A warm, understated choice.

Chrysanthemums — Loyalty and Honour

The chrysanthemum is one of the most widely used funeral flowers in the UK and across Europe. In many cultures, they are associated exclusively with funerals and represent loyalty, honour, and long life. Their full, rounded heads make them the ideal base flower for wreaths, crosses, and letter arrangements.

White chrysanthemums symbolise truth and loyal love. In some Asian cultures, they are the primary flower of mourning. Their longevity — they last exceptionally well — makes them a practical as well as symbolic choice.

Carnations — Remembrance and Devotion

Carnations are a beautiful, affordable funeral flower with deep symbolic roots:

• White carnations: Pure love, innocence, and remembrance.
• Red carnations: Admiration and deep affection.
• Pink carnations: A mother's undying love — making them a popular choice for tributes for mum.

Spray carnations are particularly useful in creating full, textured arrangements at an accessible price point.

Gerberas — Innocence and Cheerfulness

Gerberas are the embodiment of joy and innocence. Their bright, open faces and vivid colours make them a popular choice for celebrations of life and for honouring someone with a vibrant, sunny personality. They are especially popular for younger people and children.

Irises — Faith, Hope, and Wisdom

The iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, who carried messages between heaven and earth. Purple irises symbolise wisdom, respect, and faith. They are a dignified choice that adds height and drama to funeral arrangements.

Freesias — Trust and Innocence

Freesias symbolise trust, innocence, and thoughtfulness. Their delicate blooms and sweet, distinctive fragrance make them a lovely addition to any tribute. They are particularly popular in sprays and hand-tied arrangements.

Orchids — Eternal Love and Beauty

Orchids represent eternal love, luxury, and beauty. Their exotic elegance makes them a striking choice for someone who appreciated the finer things in life. Cymbidium orchids are the most commonly used variety in funeral floristry, adding a touch of sophistication to casket sprays and large arrangements.

Sunflowers — Adoration and Loyalty

Sunflowers symbolise adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their warm, golden faces evoke sunshine and happiness, making them a wonderful choice for celebrating a life rather than mourning a death. Sunflower tributes are increasingly popular in Cheltenham for informal, personalised services.

Gypsophila — Everlasting Love

Gypsophila (baby's breath) represents everlasting love, innocence, and purity. While often used as a filler flower, it has become popular as a standalone choice — a cloud of delicate white blooms creating a soft, ethereal tribute that symbolises the gentle soul of the departed.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Tribute

While knowing flower meanings can guide your choice, the most important consideration is what feels right to you and what reflects the person you are honouring. If your mum loved sunflowers, a sunflower tribute will mean more than any traditional arrangement ever could.

Our florists at Nat's Funeral Flowers are happy to help you choose flowers that carry the right symbolism for your situation. Browse our arrangements or call us on 0771 055 0712.