The meaning of flowers in a funeral arrangement

• Posted on 18 June 2025
• By Annelies
• 0

I found it quite challenging to put together a fitting funeral arrangement. Which flowers do you choose? What do they actually mean? And how do you make sure the whole arrangement truly honors the person you are saying goodbye to? In this blog, I’ll share what I’ve discovered. Hopefully, it helps you find your way too.

Buying funeral flowers… it’s not something we like to think about. Fortunately, it’s not something we do often. But when the time comes, you want to create something that truly honors the life of your loved one. I experienced this myself. You want to show support, express love — and flowers can help with that. They speak a language that is sometimes hard to put into words.

Still, I found putting together the right funeral arrangement quite challenging. Which flowers do you choose? What do they actually mean? And how do you make sure the arrangement truly reflects the person you are saying goodbye to? In this blog, I’ll share what I discovered. Maybe it will help you on your way too.

What do flowers say?

Every flower carries its own meaning and tells a story. Below is an overview of flowers often used in funeral arrangements. Perhaps you’ll find something that fits your loved one and helps you make a personal choice.

- Hydrangea – gratitude, peace, love, and harmony.

- Alstroemeria – lasting friendship.

- Rose – love in all its forms.

- Solidago – support for the bereaved.

- Orchid – elegance, connection, femininity.

- Lily – purity, love, and transience.

- Lisianthus – appreciation and gratitude.

- Chrysanthemum – strength, immortality, friendship.

- Freesia – unconditional love and shared joy.

- Gerbera – sincerity and friendship.

- Carnation – religious symbolism, connected with Mary.

- Tulip – a prayer in bloom: “I pray for you.”

- Bouvardia – enthusiasm and versatility.

- Anthurium – exotic beauty and character.

For example, I chose roses in my mother’s favorite color. That gave me the feeling she was still there with me for a little while.

The power of color

Colors also convey meaning. You might not always think about it, but colors communicate atmosphere and emotion. I personally experienced how powerful their influence can be when creating a funeral arrangement.

- White – purity, silence, mourning, but also a new beginning.

- Red – love, warmth, passion, and strength.

- Yellow – joy, light, happiness, and hope.

- Orange – zest for life, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

- Pink – tenderness, love, calmness, and innocence.

- Purple – spirituality, dignity, and depth.

- Blue – peace, trust, and loyalty.

- Lilac – femininity, protection, and the feeling of spring.

- Green – hope, life, and connection to nature.

Maybe you choose based on feeling — that’s what I did, and that’s perfectly fine. Because what really matters in the end is that the arrangement expresses a personal message.

Creating a meaningful farewell together

A funeral arrangement is a final tribute — a gesture that shows what someone has meant to us. Whether you choose symbolism, color, or emotion: it’s about the love you convey through it.

Would you like help creating a personal and meaningful funeral arrangement? I’m happy to think along with you.