Funeral floral arrangement is an art that draws its inspiration from a symbolism of strict codes. Flowers, their shapes and colours are some of the many criteria taken into account to convey a message or emotion. Here are some examples of the flowers most commonly used in funeral floral arrangements.

White and mauve

The white rose and lily, considered to be noble flowers, are the main choices in funeral bouquets and floral arrangements. Depending on the time of year when the ceremony is held, white seasonal flowers may be chosen.

White—a symbol of purity, light, love, spirituality and resurrection—has long been the most suitable colour for funeral floral arrangements. Note, however, that when it is dominant, white can symbolize the death of a young person.

Mauve is also an important colour in funeral floral arrangements. In the past, when the deep mourning period ended, mourners were allowed to wear mauve to continue a half-mourning period for a certain time. For this reason, mauve is still associated with the loss of a loved one.

White roses, Asiatic lilies, mini carnations, mauve roses and lisianthuses are a few examples of white and mauve flowers that may be used in a funeral floral arrangement if you want to be in keeping with classic and traditional tones.

Pastel colours

Pastels are associated with nostalgia and friendship. Pale pink expresses tenderness, light blue symbolizes the sky, eternity and paradise. In recent years, country tones and sober colours, have been allowed for funerals, making it possible to vary the tones by adding a few coloured flowers (yellow and pale orange, for example). The deceased's tastes are sometimes taken into account in creating the arrangement. You can't go wrong in choosing pastel colours; they also help avoid errors of taste. Roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are available in pastel colours. Chrysanthemums symbolize eternity, pink carnations symbolize fidelity.

Two-tone arrangements

Two-tone arrangements are often based on white. They are popular with florists and also avoid making errors of taste. A base of white roses will have a very beautiful effect in creating this type of floral arrangement.

The use of brightly coloured flowers

Although less traditional, bright colours are just as appropriate for a funeral. They should preferably be chosen by those closest to the deceased so as not to risk offending their sensibilities, as pastel colours are much more classic and expected. Red roses, carnations, gladioli, orchids and burgundy rosettes, for example, will blend harmoniously with small white flowers such as pom pom chrysanthemums. As red is the colour of love and passion, such floral arrangements are often chosen by the husband or wife of the deceased and symbolize the moments of joy they shared together.

Most of the time, the bright colours are arranged with foliage and small white flowers for the sake of harmony. Sympathy bouquets, wreaths, sprays of flowers and floral arrangements reflect both the personality of the deceased and the relationship that was established with the deceased's loved ones and the people around him. Colours and flowers are generally chosen according to a number of codes and criteria that are good to know. Fortunately, florists and funeral specialists can recommend you sprays of flowers in keeping with the deceased's history and your own wishes.