How to choose a funeral wreath?

Choosing a wreath for the funeral of a loved one is no small challenge, and many of us face it. It is a decision through which we want to express our feelings towards the deceased - to convey gratitude for the time spent together, to show respect and love. Flowers have long been a symbol of many emotions, and choosing them carefully can remain a beautiful keepsake not only for the ceremony itself but long afterwards. Interestingly, the tradition of laying wreaths on a grave appeared as early as antiquity - becoming widespread in the 19th century, along with the development of cemeteries and of funeral culture itself. How to choose a wreath for the funeral of a loved one, so that on the last journey we can give them what best expresses our feelings?

Funeral wreath - match it to the character of the ceremony

The first step in choosing the right funeral wreath is always its size. The market offers both very small and quite large wreaths, from about 25 to over 150 centimetres in diameter. Remember to match the wreath to the character of the ceremony. If the farewell takes place at a columbarium, a small wreath is the best choice. If, on the other hand, you want a wreath from the whole family, choose a larger and more formal one. The standard, most frequently chosen funeral wreaths are usually about 50 to 70 centimetres in diameter. These are elegant floral decorations that remain clearly visible without overwhelming the grave, leaving other people's wreaths in view as well. The largest wreaths, over 100 centimetres across, usually stand out not only for their size but also for their elaborate form. Such decorations may have several layers and numerous additional elements.

Which flowers to choose for a funeral wreath?

Funeral flowers are an inseparable part of every ceremony, whether religious or secular. It is with them that the grave of the deceased is usually covered, or the place in the columbarium decorated. Funeral bouquets are not only a way of expressing feelings towards the deceased, but also an elegant decoration for the coffin or urn. That is why it is worth devoting a little more time to choosing them. The flowers most often chosen for funeral ceremonies include:

• Roses - chosen in various colours - from white and cream, through tea or pink, to deep red, a symbol of love and respect that expresses remembrance of a loved one in a timeless way. Red ones usually come from the partner of the deceased, though this is not a strict rule. For younger people and children, wreaths of pink and white roses are often chosen, symbolising innocence and peace.
• Chrysanthemums - flowers that many of us immediately associate with a funeral ceremony (among other things because graves are decorated with them on All Souls' Day). Chrysanthemums stand for remembrance of a loved one and for mourning, and they evoke transience. Because they last so long, they have become the number one funeral flower for many of us.
• Lilies - a symbol of calm, innocence and purity. These are flowers given not only to women but also to men - especially in the white, classic version. They are also used in more intense colours - most often they are “toned down” with other kinds of flowers in a light, calm palette.
• Carnations - flowers firmly established in funeral floristry. Often brought by acquaintances or work colleagues, they symbolise memory, loyalty and attachment. Funeral wreaths feature both elegant white flowers and carnations in red, expressing the strong emotions of a farewell.
• Gerberas - more common in modern wreaths than in traditional ones; their simplicity and minimalism adorn many graves. These flowers carry remembrance of the deceased and are linked with the symbolism of purity and innocence.
• Orchids - flowers often brought by the colleagues of the deceased. Exceptionally elegant and classic, together with other flowers they form unique compositions. A symbol of elegance, respect and of memory that lasts despite the passing of time.

Funeral wreath - what role does the greenery play?

Although flowers make up a very large part of a funeral wreath, it cannot do without the so-called green elements, most often conifers, ferns or ivy. These are plants that have long belonged to the aesthetics of funeral wreaths, standing for eternal life, hope and transience. Arranged in a circle that has neither beginning nor end, they underline even more strongly the cycle of human life as an inseparable part of nature. As for the practical side, equally important during the ceremony, the greenery keeps the arrangement stable and durable. It is the greenery that forms a kind of skeleton of the whole wreath, holding the flowers in the right position and giving the composition the durability expected of it.

Choosing a funeral wreath - what to keep in mind?

When choosing a funeral wreath for a loved one, it is worth considering above all what exactly we want it to express: whether we wish to convey deep sorrow, longing and grief - or, on the contrary, gratitude, peace and remembrance. Yet choosing the right flowers to symbolise those emotions is not the only decision to make. It is also worth matching the size of the wreath to the character of the ceremony - avoiding overly large arrangements at a columbarium and, conversely, choosing large, generous wreaths when they are to be given, for example, on behalf of the whole family. Let us remember that experienced florists can suggest solutions that meet particular expectations - and even design an entire wreath 100% to our instructions. A funeral wreath has long been an expression of great respect for the deceased and of longing for them, while also being an elegant and lasting adornment for the grave, coffin or urn.