When someone close to you dies, having to arrange their funeral will probably be one of the most difficult challenges you have to face in life. We’re here for you in your time of need day or night. We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year offering a personal service to the families of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.
Floral Tributes
Losing a relative or a friend is a very sad & difficult time & we endeavor to support you in choosing the most appropriate floral tribute for this difficult occasion.
What type of floral tributes are there & which one is appropriate?
A Spray
A fanned diamond shaped arrangement traditionally to display on top of the coffin
A Half spray / Tear drop spray
This tear drop floral arrangement would usually lay on top of the coffin, however smaller versions of these are often ordered to place to the side.
‘sprays are commonly chosen by immediate family; however, small teardrop sprays are an appropriate arrangement if you are a friend or colleague of the deceased as they are a heartfelt way to show your respects
Wreath and Posy
Similar in design to one another, both circular tributes however the wreath is a hoop design were as the posey is a full flat circle. These can also come in heart shapes, as a heart wreath or heart posy.
Wreaths may well be the most famous example of funeral flowers, with their origins dating back to Ancient Greece. The circular shape of the wreath is intended to symbolise eternal life and, of course, is also commonly associated with the UK’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations.
Cushion
Usually square or rectangle in shape, and fully filled with flowers, often a solid filled base of white chrysanthemums adorned with a cluster of flowers of your choice on the corner of the piece
One of the most popular options is the traditional funeral cushion or pillow, symbolising a comfortable resting place for the deceased. The best thing about cushions is that they are available in a range of different colours and sizes, and in rectangular, square and heart-shaped designs, meaning you can easily find one to suit your budget.
Sheaf
This takes the shape of a traditional bunch of flowers however they are laid like a ‘sheaf’ with a flat back and the flowers fanned out and staggered to best display all the beautiful flowers included, these can be a great choice if you should wish to take flowers home with you after the service as these are easily placed into a large vase.
Lettering
Traditionally letters are ordered in words Such a ‘Mum’ Dad’ etc, however these can be ordered in any word however be sure to check with your funeral director that the ‘word’ can be safely transported in the funeral vehicle we would advise no more than 8 characters.
letters often have edging which can be leaf or ribbon edges. The most traditional is a white chrysanthemum base with clusters spread artistically across the ‘word’ adding a flare of colour or dimension to the design alternatively a wild flower style is available which is usually more colourful but the legibility of the ‘word’ can be compromised so keep that in mind whilst choosing your tribute.
Specialised tributes
Did your loved one have a hobby or favourite football team etc? A specialised tribute could be a perfect choice, these can take form in all shapes and sizes, animals, sports crests or shirts, a car, a logo… the possibilities are endless.
How funeral flowers differ between religions and cultures
Treating the religious and cultural views of others with sensitivity is always important, but this takes on even more significance when it comes to funerals. Below, you will find some brief information on the different funeral flower customs which prevail among several of the world’s most widely followed religions:
- Protestantism and Roman Catholicism: With these two branches of Christianity, flowers are widely accepted as an appropriate way of marking a person’s passing and can be sent to family members in commiseration.
- Judaism: Flowers are not a traditional part of Jewish funerals and you may risk causing offence if you send flowers to the deceased’s family during the solemn ‘Shiva’ period of mourning, If you are attending a Jewish funeral, you should bring desserts, fruit, or Kosher food to the Shiva (the week after the funeral)
- Buddhism: Whilst the giving of flowers will be appreciated at Buddhist funerals, red flowers should be avoided. This colour is seen as a symbol of joy in Buddhism, meaning that all red flowers, clothes and other items would be deemed highly inappropriate at a funeral.
- Islam: The Islamic approach to flowers differs between groups and families. Many Muslims would be happy to receive flowers as a gesture of sympathy, but others believe the custom is inappropriate, as Islam focuses on the importance of simplicity over material goods.
- Hinduism: Whilst flowers often play an important role in Hindu funerals, these are arranged by the family of the deceased. The sending of flowers by guests is not a Hindu tradition and bringing flowers along to the funeral itself may be greeted with disapproval.
- In Asian funerals, white or yellow flowers are appreciated. In China, Japan, and Korea white chrysanthemums are symbolic of grief.