Guide to Funeral Flowers

Bridgwater Funerals is here with our guide to funeral flowers in Bridgwater, Somerset, and the surrounding areas. Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a funeral can be overwhelming. One of the most crucial aspects of a funeral is choosing the right flowers to honour and remember your loved one. At Bridgwater Funerals, we understand the importance of personalising each funeral service, including the flower choices. In our guide to funeral flowers, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to help you make informed decisions during this difficult time.

Funeral flowers offer comfort, express emotion, and thoughtfully honour someone’s life. So, whether you prefer traditional blooms or something more unique, each flower carries a message and meaning. Here’s what flowers are best for a funeral:

• Lilies — Known for their association with purity and peace, lilies are often chosen for religious or formal services. Their soft scent and graceful look make them a comforting presence.
• Roses — White roses symbolise reverence, red roses stand for love, and pink roses show gratitude and remembrance. These versatile blooms suit a wide range of tributes.
• Carnations — Carnations are long-lasting and work well in sprays or wreaths. Red means admiration, pink means remembrance, and white means innocence.
• Chrysanthemums — Popular across the UK, these flowers represent honesty and loyalty. They are suitable for both traditional and modern arrangements.
• Sunflowers or Lavender — These bring warmth and individuality. They’re ideal for personal or natural-style tributes.

Learn more by reading our blog about which flowers are best for a funeral.

Bringing flowers to a funeral is a common way to express sympathy. Still, it's necessary to consider cultural traditions and the grieving family's wishes. Being thoughtful and observant shows genuine respect for the family’s grief and traditions. Here are a few key points to keep in mind for whether to take flowers to a funeral:

• Acceptability — Bouquets are usually acceptable if you're not in the immediate family. Close relatives typically organise wreaths and larger floral arrangements.
• Timing — It’s more traditional to send flowers to the funeral home ahead of time rather than bring them to the service. This practice helps avoid disruptions during the ceremony.
• Requests — Always respect specific requests, such as “family flowers only.” This request means only direct family members should send flowers, and others should refrain.
• Traditions — Be mindful of religious customs. Flowers are not traditionally part of Jewish or Muslim funeral practices, so it’s best to avoid them in these contexts.

Writing a funeral flowers card can feel difficult, but simple, heartfelt words can bring comfort. So, whether you're supporting a friend, relative, or colleague, keeping your message sincere and respectful is vital. Acknowledge the loss gently, avoid phrases that minimise grief, and speak from the heart. Here are some ideas for what to write on a funeral flowers card:

• Acknowledge the Death — Mention the loss directly to show respect. This acknowledgement opens the door for future support and honest conversation.
• Always Be Authentic — Honest, heartfelt words matter more than perfect phrasing. Sharing a memory or expressing genuine sorrow often resonates deeply.
• Offer Help, Not Advice — Avoid addressing people’s grief with clichés. Offer support and let them know you’re there for them.
• Use Short, Gentle Messages — Simple phrases like “Forever in our hearts” or “With deepest sympathy” are meaningful and appropriate.
• Faith-Based Messages — Phrases like “May God bless you” or “In God’s arms may you gently rest” provide spiritual comfort.
• Avoid Certain Phrases — Don’t use certain phrases, such as “They are in a better place” or “You’ll get over it.” These can seem dismissive of their grief.

Learn more by reading our blog about what to write on a funeral flowers card.

Deciding what to do with funeral flowers after the service can feel overwhelming, especially during a period of grieving and loss. We have unique and thoughtful ways to preserve, repurpose, and honour flowers as meaningful keepsakes. Here are some ideas for what to do with funeral flowers:

• Memory Frames — Create a floral memory frame with dried petals, photos, and mementoes. Display it at home or gift it to loved ones.
• Photo Albums — Enhance photo albums with dried petals and tributes. Share them with family to preserve memories for future generations.
• Pressed Flowers — Press flowers in books or a flower press for long-lasting decor. Use them in bookmarks, cards, or framed art.
• Jewellery Keepsakes — Turn petals into wearable jewellery like pendants or rings. Carry your loved one’s memory close every day.
• Paperweights — Use resin to encase dried flowers in decorative paperweights. These make lasting and elegant display pieces.
• Potpourri — Blend dried petals with essential oils and herbs to make homemade potpourri. It adds a soft scent and comforting presence to your space.

Learn more creative and unique ideas by reading our blog on what to do with funeral flowers.

At Bridgwater Funerals, we believe funeral flowers can be a lasting symbol of love, respect, and remembrance. So, whether you're selecting blooms for a service, writing a heartfelt message, or preserving flowers as keepsakes, each gesture plays a role in honouring a life well-lived. From lilies and roses to creative keepsake ideas like pressed flowers or jewellery, our complete guide to funeral flowers offers thoughtful ways to personalise every detail. Contact us for caring support in making the appropriate choices for your loved one’s funeral in Bridgwater, Somerset, and surrounding areas.