Personalised Farewells

Unique Floral Ideas for Summer Funerals

Summer, with its abundance of blooms, provides an ideal backdrop for creating personalised floral tributes for funerals. The choices are endless, and the selection can reflect the hobbies and personality of your loved one. It doesn't always have to be traditional flowers.

For a gardener, consider a coffin spray that combines both flowers and vegetables or perhaps just veggies and foliage. Men, who might not be fond of traditional floral arrangements, may appreciate the unique textures, colors, and shapes of foliage. Often considered just a filler, greenery can be a stunning centerpiece all on its own, showcasing its versatility and beauty.

Not every arrangement has to be a coffin spray. A meadow-style arrangement in a shallow tin or box is a charming alternative. You could also fill a box with jam jars brimming with flowers, which can then be shared with the congregation after the service.

For someone who loved walking, gardening, or lived in their work boots, these personal items can be transformed into unique vases filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. This creative approach honours their life and passions in a meaningful way.

Using seasonal flowers for these arrangements not only aligns with the time of year but also offers a more natural look. Local blooms are not just beautiful—they are also eco-friendly. Why choose imported orchids when there are so many stunning flowers available locally? Supporting local growers not only helps the environment but also upholds traditions of the past.

Incorporating these personalised and eco-friendly ideas into a funeral can create a truly special farewell, celebrating a life well-lived in a unique and memorable way.

Unique Autumn Inspired Funeral Flower Ideas

The abundance of summer gives way to less choice in flowers (particularly local farm grown) in Autumn, so it's sometimes necessary to consider using other items within the floral farewell pieces.  

When arranging autumn florals there are so many wonderful natural elements to bring in, it's not always about the blooms; there are seed pods, skeletal stems, horse chestnuts, cones and acorns to name a few.  Leaves in an array of colours.  Pumpkins and gourds.  If someone was an avid gardener and loved their plot or allotment why not include fruit or veg into the design?

For those who appreciate a more rustic and natural look, incorporating twigs, branches, and dried grass can create a beautiful autumn-inspired piece. These elements bring a sense of nostalgia and the beauty of nature's cycle into the arrangement. Adding in some dried lavender or lavender essential oil can also bring a calming and soothing scent to the arrangement.

One flower that comes into its own in Autumn is the Chrysanthemum offering beautiful shades of bronze, pink and red or sunny yellows, golds, creams and whites.  Did you know that the Chrysanthemum means different things to different people and cultures?  In Japan the flower signifies death and whilst many of us associate it with this too, it can also represent rebirth.  The flower can be used to remember a long life full of happiness and joy.

The garden design for a cherished Dad (below) reminds us of the change in seasons. Cones and bark add interest and different textures, whilst rosemary signifies remembrance of the loved one. Dahlias, like Chrysanthemum, epitomise the tones and seasonality of Autumn.

As a funeral florist, it is always important to listen to the wishes and preferences of the grieving family. Whether they prefer a more traditional floral arrangement or want to incorporate the beauty and symbolism of autumn, there are endless possibilities to create a unique and meaningful tribute.

In conclusion, autumn offers a variety of unique and creative options when it comes to funeral flower arrangements. By incorporating natural elements, using seasonal flowers, and adding personal touches, you can create a beautiful and meaningful tribute that honours the life of the departed. Remember, it's not just about the blooms, but also about bringing in the essence of the season and the memories of the loved one.

My Top 5 Pick of Flowers for Spring (and what to avoid for allergies):

My 5 Top Picks of Flowers for Spring

Daffodil - simply stunning. Synonymous with St David's Day, these blooms are a pop of joy at the time of year when we need something to sing about.

Ranunculus - such a pretty and delicate little flower in a kaleidoscope of colours. They look as though they are made of fine paper! Did you know these are members of the buttercup family?

Anemone - I love the richness of these little beauties, almost velvety in appearance. Like the Tulip, these continue to grow in water and will curve towards light

Hyacinth - Great mixed in with other Spring flowers (avoiding daffodils - that's another blog!) or stunning en masse  . They have a powerful scent and come in a range of stunning colours, white, blue, mauve, pink and apricot. Like the tulip they continue to grow when in water and with a heavy head they are best supported by an appropriately shaped vase or with other flowers and foliage.

Tulips - Originating from central Asia, then a treasured flower in Persia and Turkey and in turn cultivated in Holland, the Dutch are now the largest grower of the Tulip. In the language of flowers, tulips represent 'perfect love' but like many other blooms the colours can also have a symbolic meaning

Flowers to avoid if you suffer from migraines or allergies

As wonderful as Spring and Summer are, they can bring out a lot of allergies for some. If you suffer from allergies then you may be affected by flowers high in pollen - these include chrysanthemum, daisies, dahlia and aster amongst others. Lilies can be a problem too, as can freesia, lilac, roses and hyacinth, not because of the pollen but because of their strong scent.

I have a friend that loved lilies but put her migraines down to having them in the house.

One person's pleasure can be another's poison, so it's worth remembering when you buy your loved one flowers - you don't want them suffering with streaming eyes or an itchy nose!