When it comes to expressing grief and offering condolences, flowers have long been a meaningful way to convey emotions that words sometimes fail to capture. Funeral flowers, in particular, carry a profound significance, offering comfort to grieving families while honoring the life of the deceased. In Calgary, choosing the right funeral flowers involves understanding the symbolism behind different types of arrangements and selecting a trusted florist who can provide the quality and care needed during such a sensitive time.
The Importance of Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers serve multiple purposes. They are a tribute to the deceased, symbolizing respect, love, and remembrance. Additionally, these arrangements can provide comfort to the bereaved, bringing a sense of peace and beauty to a sorrowful occasion. In Calgary, like many other places, the tradition of sending flowers to funerals is deeply ingrained, and the choice of flowers is often a reflection of cultural and personal preferences.
Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
Funeral flowers come in various forms, each with its own meaning and appropriate use. Understanding the different types of arrangements can help you choose the most fitting tribute for the occasion.
Casket Sprays: These are large arrangements placed directly on the casket. They can be full casket sprays, which cover the entire casket, or half casket sprays, which cover only half. Full casket sprays are typically chosen for closed casket services, while half casket sprays are used for open casket services. Common flowers for casket sprays include roses, lilies, and carnations, often chosen for their symbolism of love, purity, and remembrance.
Standing Sprays: These are floral arrangements that are displayed on an easel, making them highly visible during the service. Standing sprays can be shaped like crosses, hearts, or simple bouquets. They are often placed near the casket or at the entrance of the service location. Lilies, orchids, and gladioli are popular choices for standing sprays, symbolizing peace, grace, and strength.
Wreaths: Circular in shape, wreaths represent eternal life and the cyclical nature of existence. They can be placed on stands, hung on doors, or laid flat on the ground. Wreaths are commonly made with white flowers, such as roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums, symbolizing purity and innocence.
Bouquets and Posies: These smaller arrangements are often placed near the casket or in other areas of the service venue. They can also be given to the family as a personal gesture of condolence. Bouquets and posies are versatile and can be customized with the favorite flowers of the deceased, making them a personal and heartfelt tribute.
Funeral Baskets: These are often sent by friends and acquaintances as a gesture of sympathy. Funeral baskets can be delivered directly to the funeral home or the family’s residence. They are usually arranged in a basket or container and can be customized with a variety of flowers and greenery.
Choosing the Right Flowers for Funeral Arrangements
Selecting the appropriate flowers for a funeral arrangement involves understanding the symbolism of different flowers and considering the preferences of the deceased and their family.
Lilies: Often associated with funerals, lilies symbolize the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased. White lilies are particularly popular, representing purity and peace.
Roses: Roses are versatile flowers that can convey different meanings based on their color. Red roses symbolize love and grief, white roses represent purity and reverence, and pink roses convey gratitude and admiration.
Carnations: These flowers are often used in funeral arrangements due to their long-lasting nature. Red carnations symbolize admiration, white carnations represent pure love and innocence, and pink carnations stand for remembrance.
Chrysanthemums: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are exclusively used for funerals and gravesites. They symbolize death, grief, and the afterlife. White chrysanthemums, in particular, are associated with mourning and loss.
Orchids: These elegant flowers symbolize eternal love and are often used in more modern funeral arrangements. White and pink orchids are commonly chosen for their association with sympathy and remembrance.
Gladioli: Tall and striking, gladioli represent strength of character and moral integrity. They are often used in standing sprays and other large arrangements.
Calgary’s Trusted Florists for Funeral Flowers
When selecting a florist for funeral flowers in Calgary, it’s important to choose one that understands the delicate nature of such arrangements. A trusted florist will not only provide high-quality flowers but also offer guidance and support during a difficult time. Calgary Florist is one such provider, known for their expertise in crafting beautiful and respectful funeral arrangements.
At Calgary Florist, the focus is on creating personalized floral tributes that honor the life and legacy of the deceased. Their team of experienced florists takes the time to understand the needs of each family, offering suggestions and customizations to ensure that the flowers perfectly reflect the sentiments of those giving them.
Customizing Funeral Flowers to Honor the Deceased
One of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one is to customize the funeral flowers to reflect their personality, passions, and life story. Calgary Florist offers a range of customization options to help you create a truly unique tribute.
Incorporating Favorite Flowers: If the deceased had a favorite flower, incorporating it into the arrangement adds a personal touch. Whether it’s a single bloom or an entire bouquet of their favorite flowers, this gesture shows thoughtfulness and care.
Color Themes: Choosing a color theme that reflects the personality or preferences of the deceased can make the arrangement more meaningful. For example, a vibrant arrangement for someone who loved bright colors or a serene white and green palette for someone who appreciated simplicity.
Symbolic Arrangements: Consider using flowers that have specific meanings or symbolism that relate to the deceased’s life. For instance, a wreath made of gladioli might honor someone known for their strength of character.
Personal Items: Some families choose to incorporate personal items into the floral arrangements, such as a photograph, a piece of jewelry, or another memento that was meaningful to the deceased. This can make the arrangement even more special and personal.
Etiquette for Sending Funeral Flowers
Sending funeral flowers is a thoughtful gesture, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette to ensure that your gesture is appreciated.
Timing: It’s important to send the flowers in time for the funeral or memorial service. If you’re unable to send them before the service, consider sending a sympathy arrangement to the family’s home instead.
Message: Include a heartfelt message with your flowers. Keep it simple and sincere, expressing your condolences and support for the grieving family.
Respecting Preferences: Some families may request charitable donations in lieu of flowers. Be sure to respect their wishes, but you can also send a small arrangement or sympathy card to express your condolences.
Conclusion
Funeral flowers are more than just a beautiful tribute; they are a way to honor the life of the deceased and offer comfort to those who are grieving. In Calgary, selecting the right flowers and working with a trusted florist like Calgary Florist can help ensure that your gesture is both meaningful and respectful. Whether you’re choosing a traditional arrangement or a customized tribute, the right flowers can speak volumes when words fall short.
For more information on funeral flowers in Calgary, visit Calgary Florist’s Sympathy Collection to explore a wide range of options that can be tailored to your needs.
