Funeral Flowers — Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers about ordering, etiquette, card messages, flower meanings, and more
Ordering funeral flowers can feel overwhelming, especially during a difficult time. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often at Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham. If you can’t find what you need, please get in touch — we’re here to help.
General Questions
What is the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?
Funeral flowers are sent directly to the funeral service and displayed during the ceremony — these include wreaths, sprays, and casket arrangements. Sympathy flowers are sent to the bereaved family’s home to offer comfort afterwards. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham creates both types of arrangement with equal care and attention.
Can I choose the deceased’s favourite flowers for my arrangement?
Absolutely. At Nat’s Funeral Flowers, we encourage families to include their loved one’s favourite blooms wherever possible. Whether it is garden roses, freesias, or a particular colour palette, our Cheltenham florists will source the finest seasonal stems and incorporate them into a truly personal tribute.
Can I add a photograph or personal item to a funeral flower arrangement?
Yes, Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can incorporate photographs, ribbon with printed messages, small keepsakes, or other personal items into your tribute. These bespoke touches help create a truly meaningful arrangement that reflects your loved one’s personality and passions. Simply let us know during your consultation.
Card Messages & Wording
What should I write on the card with funeral flowers?
Keep your message heartfelt and simple. Common examples include “With loving memories”, “Forever in our hearts”, or “Rest in peace”. You may also add a personal line about a shared memory. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can help you choose the right wording for your tribute card.
How do I sign funeral flowers from a group or work colleagues?
When ordering on behalf of a group, you can sign the card “With love and sympathy from all at [company or group name]”. If preferred, list individual names. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham will write the message neatly on your card or attach a printed message to the arrangement.
Do you address the card on funeral flowers to the deceased or the family?
Funeral flower cards are typically addressed to the deceased — for example, “Dear [name]” or “In loving memory of [name]”. Sympathy flowers sent to the home are usually addressed to the family. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can advise on the most appropriate wording for your situation.
What are some short condolence messages for funeral flower cards?
Popular short messages include “Gone but never forgotten”, “Always in our thoughts”, “With deepest sympathy”, and “Rest peacefully”. You might also write “Thinking of you all at this difficult time”. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can suggest further options when you place your order.
Etiquette & Protocol
Can I send funeral flowers if the family has requested ‘no flowers’?
If the family has requested no flowers, it is best to respect their wishes. Instead, consider making a charitable donation in the deceased’s name, as often suggested in the funeral notice. If flowers are welcome at the wake or memorial, Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can prepare a sympathetic arrangement.
Who typically pays for funeral flowers?
There is no strict rule — close family members often cover the main tributes such as the casket spray, while friends, colleagues, and extended family send their own individual arrangements. At Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham, we offer free quotes with no upfront payment so you can plan with confidence.
Do you bring flowers to a funeral or have them delivered?
Most funeral flowers in Cheltenham are delivered directly to the funeral home or venue by the florist ahead of the service. This ensures the arrangements are presented beautifully and on time. Nat’s Funeral Flowers coordinates with your funeral director to handle delivery so you can focus on the day itself.
Is it appropriate to send flowers to a cremation service?
Yes, funeral flowers are welcome at cremation services just as they are at burials. The arrangements are typically displayed in the chapel during the ceremony. Nat’s Funeral Flowers delivers to all crematoriums in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire, coordinating timings with your funeral director for seamless arrival.
Flower Meanings & Symbolism
Why are lilies the most popular funeral flower?
White lilies symbolise the restored innocence of the departed soul and have been associated with funerals for centuries. Their elegant appearance and gentle fragrance bring comfort and serenity. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham uses oriental and longiflorum lilies in many arrangements as a timeless tribute of love and remembrance.
What do the different colours of funeral flowers symbolise?
White represents purity and peace, red expresses love and courage, pink conveys grace and admiration, yellow signifies friendship and warmth, and purple denotes dignity and respect. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can help you choose a colour palette that reflects your feelings and your loved one’s personality.
What flower symbolises grief or remembrance?
White lilies traditionally symbolise sympathy and restored peace, while chrysanthemums represent grief and mourning in many European cultures. Forget-me-nots signify lasting remembrance, and red roses convey enduring love. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham will guide you toward the most meaningful blooms for your tribute.
After the Funeral
What happens to funeral flowers after the service?
After a burial, flowers are often left at the graveside as a mark of respect. Following a cremation, families may take arrangements home, leave them at the crematorium garden, or donate them to a local care home or hospice. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can advise on appropriate aftercare options.
Can I have funeral flowers preserved as a keepsake?
Yes, many families choose to preserve funeral flowers by pressing petals, drying blooms, or having them set in resin by a specialist. This creates a lasting memento of the tribute. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can arrange your flowers using stems that dry well if preservation is your intention.
How do I keep funeral flowers fresh for longer?
To extend the life of funeral flowers at home, trim the stems at an angle, place them in fresh water with flower food, and keep them away from direct sunlight and radiators. Change the water every two days. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham uses the freshest seasonal blooms to ensure longevity.
Religious & Cultural Considerations
Are funeral flowers appropriate for all religions and cultures?
Flowers are welcome at most Christian, Catholic, and secular funerals. However, some traditions differ — Jewish and Muslim funerals typically discourage elaborate floral displays, while Hindu and Sikh customs vary by family. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can advise on culturally appropriate tributes for any faith or tradition.
What flowers are suitable for a Jewish funeral?
Traditional Jewish funerals tend to be simple, and elaborate flower arrangements are generally not customary. However, some families welcome modest tributes or sympathy flowers sent to the home after the shiva period. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can create understated, respectful arrangements suitable for Jewish memorial customs.
Should I send flowers to a Hindu or Sikh funeral?
Flowers are generally welcomed at Hindu and Sikh funerals, particularly white and light-coloured blooms symbolising peace and purity. Garlands are traditional in Hindu ceremonies, while Sikh families often appreciate simple, respectful arrangements. Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham can create culturally sensitive tributes tailored to the family’s preferences.
Ordering & Delivery
Should I send funeral flowers to the funeral home, church, or family’s home?
Funeral flowers are usually delivered to the funeral home or venue where the service takes place. Sympathy flowers may be sent to the family’s home. If you are unsure, Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham will coordinate with your funeral director to ensure your arrangement arrives at the right location.
How do I send funeral flowers when I can’t attend the service?
You can order funeral flowers from Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham by phone, email, or through our contact form — you do not need to attend the service. We will arrange delivery directly to the funeral venue and attach your personal card message so your tribute is there on the day.
How far in advance should I order funeral flowers?
We recommend ordering at least two to three days before the funeral to ensure the best choice of flowers and time for crafting. However, Nat’s Funeral Flowers in Cheltenham also offers next-day delivery for orders placed before 2pm, so we can accommodate shorter timescales when needed.
Looking for questions about a specific product? Visit our funeral flowers pages for product-specific FAQs, or read our etiquette guide for more detailed advice.
Still Have Questions?
Our compassionate team is here to help with any questions about funeral flowers in Cheltenham.