Guide to the Best Flowers for Coffin Sprays
Coffin sprays are floral arrangements designed to adorn the top of a casket, serving as a heartfelt tribute to honor the deceased. Choosing the right flowers involves considering their symbolism, color, and aesthetic harmony to create a meaningful and respectful display. Below is a guide to the best flowers for coffin sprays, including their meanings and practical considerations.
Key Considerations for Choosing Flowers
Symbolism: Flowers often carry specific meanings, such as love, peace, or remembrance, which can reflect the personality or wishes of the deceased.
Color: Colors convey emotions—white for purity and peace, red for love, or pastels for softness and serenity.
Seasonality and Availability: Opt for flowers that are in season for freshness and cost-effectiveness.
Durability: Flowers should remain fresh throughout the service, as coffin sprays are often displayed for extended periods.
Personalization: Incorporate flowers that were favorites of the deceased or hold cultural or familial significance.
Best Flowers for Coffin Sprays
Here are some of the most popular and meaningful flowers used in coffin sprays, along with their symbolism and uses:
1. Roses
Symbolism: Love, respect, and remembrance.
Best Use: Roses are a classic choice for coffin sprays due to their elegance and versatility. Red roses signify deep love, white roses represent purity and innocence, and pink roses convey gratitude and appreciation.
Tips: Combine different colors for a personalized touch, such as white and red for a balanced, emotional tribute. Roses are durable and widely available year-round.
2. Lilies
Symbolism: Purity, innocence, and the restored soul of the departed.
Best Use: White lilies, particularly Oriental or Calla lilies, are a traditional choice for funerals, evoking peace and serenity. Their large blooms create a striking focal point in sprays.
Tips: Oriental lilies have a strong fragrance, which may be overwhelming in enclosed spaces, so consider Calla lilies for a subtler scent. Ensure proper hydration to maintain freshness.
3. Carnations
Symbolism: Love, admiration, and remembrance.
Best Use: Carnations are long-lasting and budget-friendly, making them ideal for large arrangements. White carnations symbolize pure love, while red expresses deep affection.
Tips: Their ruffled texture adds volume to sprays. Pair with greenery or accent flowers like baby’s breath for a fuller look.
4. Chrysanthemums
Symbolism: Honor, loyalty, and eternal life (varies by culture).
Best Use: In many cultures, especially in Europe and Asia, chrysanthemums are associated with death and remembrance, making them a fitting choice for coffin sprays. They come in various colors and shapes.
Tips: White or yellow chrysanthemums are commonly used. Their sturdy blooms hold up well during long services.
5. Orchids
Symbolism: Eternal love, beauty, and strength.
Best Use: Orchids, especially white or purple varieties like Dendrobium or Phalaenopsis, add an exotic and sophisticated touch to coffin sprays.
Tips: Orchids are delicate and require careful handling. Use them as accents to avoid overwhelming the arrangement due to their higher cost.
6. Gladiolus
Symbolism: Strength, integrity, and remembrance.
Best Use: Their tall, dramatic spikes add height and structure to coffin sprays, symbolizing the strength of character of the deceased.
Tips: Available in various colors, white and pastel shades are most common for funerals. Use as a backdrop to softer blooms like roses or lilies.
7. Baby’s Breath
Symbolism: Innocence, purity, and everlasting love.
Best Use: Often used as a filler flower, baby’s breath adds a delicate, cloud-like texture to soften the arrangement and complement bolder blooms.
Tips: Pair with roses or lilies to create contrast. Its affordability and availability make it a practical choice.
Design Tips for Coffin Sprays
Size and Shape: Coffin sprays typically cover the length of the casket (full spray) or half (half spray). Ensure the arrangement is proportionate to the casket size.
Color Palette: Choose a cohesive color scheme. Monochromatic white or pastel arrangements convey peace, while vibrant colors like red or purple can reflect personality.
Greenery: Incorporate ferns, eucalyptus, or ivy to add texture and fullness without overpowering the flowers.
Personal Touches: Add meaningful elements like the deceased’s favorite flowers, ribbons, or small mementos (if permitted by the funeral home).
Consult the Florist: Work with a professional florist to ensure the arrangement is fresh, structurally sound, and tailored to your preferences.
Practical Considerations
Budget: Carnations and baby’s breath are cost-effective, while orchids and lilies may be pricier. Discuss options with your florist to balance cost and impact.
Venue: Check with the funeral home for any restrictions on size, flower types, or display duration.
Timing: Order the spray at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability and proper preparation.
Example Coffin Spray Combinations
Classic Elegance: White roses, white lilies, and baby’s breath with eucalyptus greenery for a serene, traditional look.
Vibrant Tribute: Red roses, purple gladiolus, and white carnations for a bold, heartfelt arrangement.
Soft Pastels: Pink roses, white orchids, and baby’s breath for a gentle, comforting display.
Selecting flowers for a coffin spray is a deeply personal decision. By choosing blooms that reflect the deceased’s personality and values, you can create a beautiful and meaningful tribute. Consult with a trusted florist to bring your vision to life, ensuring the arrangement is both aesthetically pleasing and respectful.
