Celebration of Life Flowers | Eternal Love in Every Petal
Losing someone dear to us can be the most painful feeling of our lives. When arranging their celebration of life, many people find quite pressure on them to arrange everything perfectly, from flowers to the decorations. They are unable to express, and the fear of messing things up is a lot for them.
In this tough situation, flowers will be your heroes. They will convey and express emotions on your behalf. Each bloom carries its own uniqueness and meaning. Thus, choosing the right flowers must be your great concern. We have provided a detailed guide on celebration of life flowers idea that will help you with your decision.
Types of Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements are an artful way of decorating your celebration of life day. It creates a visually pleasing display that can be used as a symbolic gesture. Here are a few ideas:
Wreaths
A wreath is the arrangement of flowers in a circle, which shows eternity. It can be used to display your message that “death is not the end”. These are specifically used on the deceased’s pictures or at the entrance of the venue.
Crosses:
Similar to wreaths, crosses are widely used by Christians or in the ceremonies held at church. The cross represents undying faith. You can arrange flowers in a cross at the center of the venue or close the pic of the deceased, however you like.
Hearts
Arranging flowers in a heart symbolizes everlasting love. If you wanna convey to the audience your undying love towards the deceased, or you don’t want to make your event too religious, then choosing the heart arrangement is the best.
Standing Sprays
Standing sprays are not usually seen at the site of the celebration of life, but at funerals, because they are specially designed for the casket and for the easels. But you can always decorate your event with large-scale flowers on the entrance welcome sign, or guests’ book station, or to make it more dramatic, you can also arrange flowers as a path.
Bouquets and Baskets
The most common floral arrangement is the one on the memorial tables, or as centerpieces. You can arrange specific flowers that symbolize your deceased one, in a basket, vases, or bouquets. (Listed below will help you find the perfect flowers to convey your message.) You can also decorate your baskets in theme with your deceased favourite sports team, or you can use those flowers that reflect the deceased’s personality, like sunflowers for a bright, jolly personality.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Choosing the right flowers isn’t only about the beauty; it’s about making a connection with the audience and honoring the deceased. Each flower carries its own symbol and conveys a special message. For better understanding of choosing the right flowers for your convenience read our guide celebration of life
Common Funeral Flowers
If you have visited the celebration of life, you may have seen the flowers listed below. But you may be unfamiliar with their meanings. So we will help you to understand the special meanings behind them so you can express your emotions well.
Traditional Flowers of Purity and Peace
If you want your event to convey purity and peace, then the flowers listed below are your saviours.
Lilies:
Lilies are mostly used for traditional purposes. Lilies mean purity and peace, specifically white lilies. It can symbolize peace after death. Christians also use the term “virgin marry” for lilies to indicate purity and rebirth. Their elegance and aroma emphasize the honour towards the deceased. In such heavy moments, lilies can be your friend to calm the situation.
Roses:
If you have no idea which flower to choose, then roses are your safest option. Roses are very flexible and come in different colors. Each color represents different meanings. Red roses often convey love, white roses symbolize purity, pink roses focus on admiration, and yellow roses represent friendship. So even a single flower can be sufficient to deliver your message.
Carnations:
Carnations are the most affordable and meaningful flowers. These are mostly used for the celebration of life and funerals for their long-lasting fragrance. They, in general, symbolize remembrance and eternal love. White carnations are used for purity, and pink symbolizes remembrance. They are mostly used for a mother’s eternal love. Yellow carnations are mainly used for close friends and family.
Chrysanthemums:
Chrysanthemums are often called mums. When they are displaced, it conveys mourning and grief, making them best suited for the celebration of life. European countries use these to represent grief, while Asian countries represent rebirth as well. White mums symbolize honesty, yellow mums in some regions display grief, and in other regions they also symbolize hope. Its double meanings make them special. It balances the two worlds of sorrow and continuity of life.
Baby’s Breath:
Baby breaths are often used for children, as they symbolize spiritual purity. They are mostly used for filling purposes. Their tiny white blooms spread eternal love and remembrance. Baby breath is the living proof that even a tiny flower can have such power to bloom your event. They hold the deepest meaning that love remains, love continues to grow. They can blend perfectly with roses, lilies, sunflowers, daisies, etc.
Elegant Flowers of Love and Remembrance
To give your event elegant vibes and to fill your ceremony with love, you want those flowers that communicate love, everlasting bonds, and dignity. Thus, we present the following flowers to fulfill your purpose.
Orchids:
Orchids are very resilient, making them perfect to convey sympathy and remembrance. It also symbolizes beauty, eternal love, and strength. Orchids literally mean I will love you always. Pink orchids are often chosen to honour someone you deeply love. Purple orchids show dignity. As they’re available as cut, they can serve as both immediate tributes and lasting memorials for the family’s home.
Hydrangeas:
Hydrangeas are often used for gifts as potted plants that continue to grow as a gesture to show that love continues to grow even after death. Hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotions that will make your event more meaningful. Blue hydrangeas show calmness, while white hydrangeas show grace and purity. They can be used as central pieces on memorial tables.
Gladioli:
Gladioli are not only used for beauty purposes; in fact, they show the noble character of the deceased. Their height is what makes them different from the other flowers mentioned, which represent dignity. They are mostly used as standing sprays. Often, white gladioli are used for purity, and their red, pink, and purple forms can add more beauty to it.
Forget-me-nots:
As the name suggests, notes are used to display the promise that we won’t forget you, even if you have passed away. It develops a deep connection with the deceased, perfect for honoring them. Its light blue color gives calm, trusting vibes to the event. It symbolizes everlasting love, remembrance, and cherished memories with the deceased.
Lilacs:
Lilacs are responsible for briefly explaining the nature of life. Their elegant and fragrant look symbolizes young innocence. It perfectly balances the fondness and bitterness of parting. Lilacs’ short blooming seasons are a perfect example that life is beautiful, whether it’s short or long. White lilacs are mainly used for children, and purple lilacs reflect deep emotions.
Uplifting Flowers of Hope and Renewal
The flowers listed below are perfect for those who want to bring joy and optimism to their event. These flowers will provide hope and healing to the guests.
Tulips:
What makes tulips suitable for such ceremonies is that they convey a message that there are brighter days ahead of us. Tulips are such comforting flowers for families in grief and also remind them of new beginnings. Yellow tulips refer to cheerfulness, offering light in dark times. Red tulips show love, and white tulips show forgiveness.
Sunflowers:
Sunflowers are perfect for someone who has a radiant personality. Their bright petals make them perfect for admiration and hope. Their specific quality of facing the sun delivers the perfect message of always facing the light in your dark moments. These flowers will add brightness to your event. They can look well with lilies and other flowers.
Practical Guidance
Here is the complete practical guide on selecting perfect flowers.
Respecting the Family’s Wishes
Before finalizing anything, it’s best to take advice from the deceased’s family. Perhaps they would like some specific flowers to represent and honor their love. Perhaps they know what flowers their loved one would like. Or maybe they have some cultural or traditional preferences.
Considering the Type of Service
Some families like to strictly go for traditional events. Most tradition-related events require white and nude color flowers, while non-traditional events like to go for a broader look with dramatic color flowers. Some events also require choosing flowers that display a deceased personality. You can learn more about the celebration of life guide.
Seasonality and Availability
Watch out for the seasonal flower first. It might be troublesome to you if you sorted everything out and the flowers aren’t available. Seasonal flowers will help you to bloom your event with an affordable budget and will also narrow your options, so you don’t waste your time overthinking it.
Working with a Florist
If you have no idea about flowers, then opt for a florist. He will give excellent guides on how to arrange certain flowers, what flowers blend well with other flowers, what colors you should go for, etc, from his experience.
Etiquette for Sending Flowers
Following are the etiquette for sending flowers:
When Flowers May Not Be Appropriate
Flowers may not be appropriate when the family doesn’t want them or they have an allergy to flowers. Beware of the phrase in lieu of flowers in your invitation, because it means that they demand something else instead of flowers, like charity. Some traditions and cultures find it inappropriate to bring flowers, so watch out for them. It is important to give flowers to the families before the event.
Where Flowers Should Be Placed at the Service
It may be difficult for you to know where you should send flowers, perhaps you send them to the event or directly to the family. Well, the answer revolves around your relationship with them. If you are close to or perhaps a relative of the deceased, then sending flowers directly to the family member is the best choice. It will deliver your message of closeness and support in this moment of grief.
If you are not too close to the deceased, then you should just deliver flowers to the event. Another scenario is that if you were close with the deceased but not with his family, then sending flowers after some days of the celebration of life. It will not be too over or below the gesture. It will definitely convey your condolences.
As a Guest: Should You Send Flowers?
As a guest, it’s advised to take a look at the invitation. If the invitation says something that is required to bring with you, like a fund or charity, then there is no need to bring flowers. If there is nothing written on the invitation, it is advised to give a call to the host. You have to make sure that you bring the suitable flowers for the occasion.
Conclusion
When words feel insufficient, flowers speak. Flowers remind us that even in dark times, beauty and love remain. They convey deep messages like sunflowers facing the sun encourage us to always keep our focus on the light, even in the dark moments.
We have provided a list of flowers that convey purity, love, and hope, so you can find perfect flowers to convey your emotions. We have also given practical guidance and etiquette in case you are unaware of them.
