The Complete Guide to Funeral Flowers: Types, Sizes & Who Sends What
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Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will go through. In those difficult days that follow, you want to do something meaningful — something that says I loved them or I’m thinking of you without having to find the words yourself.
Flowers have always done that. They speak quietly, but they speak deeply.
The trouble is, most people have never had to order funeral flowers before. You might not know the difference between a coffin spray and a wreath, or whether a posy is appropriate, or what size to choose. And when you’re already grieving, the last thing you need is more confusion.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you’ve read it, you’ll know exactly what to order, what everything means, and how to choose something truly fitting — whether you’re the immediate family or a close friend paying your respects.
What Are the Different Types of Funeral Flowers?
Funeral flowers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different arrangements carry different meanings and are suited to different people and occasions. Here’s a clear breakdown of everything you’ll come across.
Coffin Sprays
A coffin spray — sometimes called a casket spray — is a long, elegant floral arrangement placed directly on top of the coffin during the funeral service. It’s the centrepiece tribute, and it’s usually ordered by the immediate family.
If you’re a spouse, child, or sibling of the person who has passed, a coffin spray is the most traditional and meaningful tribute you can give. It travels with the coffin throughout the service and is often the most photographed floral piece on the day.
Coffin sprays come in lengths from 2ft up to 5ft or more. A 3ft spray works beautifully for a standard adult coffin, while a 4ft or larger spray makes a truly striking tribute for the main family piece.
Funeral Wreaths
A wreath is a circular arrangement — and that shape isn’t just decorative. The circle has no beginning and no end, making it one of the oldest symbols of eternity and remembrance. Funeral wreaths are one of the most popular choices in the UK, and they’re appropriate for almost anyone to give — family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues.
Wreaths can be placed beside the coffin during the service, displayed at the graveside, or left at a memorial. They come in a range of sizes from 12 inches up to 18 inches and beyond.
Funeral Cross
A cross-shaped floral tribute carries deep spiritual meaning and is a beautiful choice for a religious funeral, particularly Christian services. It’s most often chosen by family members and close friends who share the faith of the person who has passed.
Funeral Posy
A funeral posy is a smaller, hand-tied bouquet — simpler and more personal than a large formal arrangement. Posies are a lovely choice when you want to send something heartfelt without it being overpowering. Friends, neighbours, and colleagues often choose a posy.
They’re also a wonderful choice if you want something that feels intimate and gentle rather than grand.
Funeral Flowers Letters
Funeral Flowers Letters
Spell out a name or a word in flowers — DAD, MUM, NAN, SON, or a simple LOVE. Funeral letter tributes are deeply personal and are almost always ordered by the closest family members. They make a powerful statement at the service and photograph beautifully.
If you want something that truly feels like it belongs to your person, funeral letters are a meaningful way to do that.
Gates of Heaven
The Gates of Heaven is a distinctive floral tribute shaped like an open gate — symbolising the passing from this life into the next. It’s a profoundly spiritual piece, often chosen for traditional or religious funerals. It tends to be ordered by close family and makes a striking, memorable tribute at the service.
Funeral Hearts
A heart-shaped floral tribute is one of the most tender things you can give. It’s most often chosen by a spouse, partner, or children — people who want to express deep, personal love. The heart shape says something words sometimes can’t.
Funeral hearts work beautifully in white, red, or blush pink, depending on the relationship and the person’s personality.
Pillows & Cushions
A floral pillow or cushion tribute carries a simple, peaceful message — rest now. It’s a soft and comforting shape, often chosen by close family for a parent or grandparent. Traditional in feel, it suits classic funeral services especially well.
Unusual Funeral Flowers
Not every funeral follows tradition — and not every person would have wanted it to. Unusual funeral flower arrangements might include wildflowers, dried blooms, non-traditional colours, or entirely bespoke designs that reflect the personality and passions of the person who has passed.
If they loved sunflowers, had a favourite colour, or had a spirit that simply didn’t fit a conventional white wreath — an unusual tribute can be one of the most loving things you choose.
Who Should Send What? A Guide by Relationship
One of the most common questions we hear is: "What should I send for my dad's funeral?" or "Is a wreath appropriate from a friend?" Here's a simple guide.
The main family tribute is usually a coffin spray from the immediate family. If you're ordering separately as a child, a funeral wreath or personalised letters spelling DAD are a beautiful choice. Bold, classic arrangements in white, deep red, or mixed colours all work well.
A coffin spray from immediate family, or a wreath, heart, or posy in soft pinks, whites, or creams. Something elegant and graceful tends to feel right. Our Graceful Pink & White Rose Remembrance Posy is one of our most loved tributes for a mother.
A coffin spray or wreath in white, blue, yellow, or mixed tones. Keep it strong and meaningful — something that reflects who he was.
A posy, heart, or wreath in soft pinks, lilac, or blush tones. Something tender and personal.
A traditional wreath or posy in white, cream, or lavender. Something classic and dignified that honours a life well lived.
A wreath or coffin spray in white or mixed tones. Classic and respectful.
If you're attending the funeral, a wreath or posy is perfectly appropriate. If you're not able to attend, send a sympathy bouquet to the family home instead — it will mean just as much.
(not someone you knew closely) The most thoughtful thing is often a sympathy bouquet sent to your friend's home. It says I'm here for you in a personal, direct way.
Keep it understated and respectful. A small posy or sympathy bouquet is appropriate. Avoid anything overly grand or personalised unless you were genuinely close.
How to Choose the Right Size
Size is where most people get stuck — and it's completely understandable. Here's exactly how our sizing works.
Funeral Wreaths
| Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 12 inch | From £60 | Friends, neighbours, colleagues |
| 14 inch | From £80 | Standard choice — most popular |
| 16 inch | From £100 | Close family tributes |
| 18 inch+ | From £120 | Main family tribute, statement piece |
Every 2 inches in size adds approximately £20 to the price.
Funeral Sprays
| Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2ft | From £60 | Smaller coffins or secondary tribute |
| 3ft | From £80 | Standard adult coffin — most popular |
| 4ft | From £100 | Full-length tribute |
| 5ft+ | From £120 | Extra large, premium main tribute |
Every additional inch adds approximately £20.
On our website, what's labelled as "Large" is technically a medium-sized arrangement in real terms. For a funeral — especially if you're immediate family or this is the main tribute — we'd honestly recommend going for the Large or Extra Large option. You want it to look generous and meaningful on the day, and you won't regret it.
Choosing Flowers by Colour & Meaning
Some customers prefer to choose by flower or colour rather than by arrangement type. Here's a guide to what the most common funeral flower colours mean.
White Flowers
Meaning: Peace, purity, innocence, and a soul at rest. White flowers are the most traditional choice for funerals in the UK and are always appropriate regardless of the person or service type.
Pink Flowers
Meaning: Love, grace, gentleness, and admiration. Pink tones are especially fitting for a mother, grandmother, sister, or daughter. They feel tender without being heavy.
Yellow Flowers
Meaning: Friendship, warmth, joy, and a life well celebrated. Yellow flowers are a wonderful choice for someone whose personality was bright and sunny — a dear friend, a colleague, someone who brought lightness wherever they went.
Purple Flowers
Meaning: Dignity, respect, royalty, and deep admiration. Purple is a rich, meaningful colour for a funeral tribute and works beautifully alongside white.
Blush & Peach Tones
Meaning: Warmth, tenderness, and a celebration of a life full of character.
Dried Flowers
For families who want something that lasts beyond the service — or something a little different — dried floral arrangements are becoming increasingly popular. They're sustainable, timeless, and beautifully understated.
Our Most-Loved Funeral Arrangements
Not sure where to begin? These are the arrangements our customers reach for most — all rated 4.5 stars or above.
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-25%
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageEternal Grace Casket Spray
Price range: £89.99 through £149.99 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageElegant White Rose & Lily Wreath
Price range: £75.00 through £125.00 -
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-35%
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageGraceful Pink & White Rose Remembrance Posy
Price range: £69.99 through £129.99 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageYellow Rose and Carnation Funeral Coffin Spray
Price range: £100.00 through £400.00 -
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageBlush Pink Dried Floral Wreath
Price range: £49.99 through £69.99 -
sympathy gift card
£3.00 -
-20%
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageFuneral Flowers Coffin Sprays
Price range: £79.99 through £129.99 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageWhite Lily Casket Spray
Price range: £79.99 through £99.99
Choosing funeral flowers is one of the most personal things you can do in the wake of a loss. There's no wrong answer — only the one that feels right for the person you're remembering and the love you want to express.
If you're ever unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Our team at OFC Flower is always here to help you find something fitting — gently, honestly, and without pressure. We understand what this moment means, and we want to help you get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
A coffin spray is a long floral arrangement placed on top of the coffin during the service. A wreath is a circular tribute that can be displayed beside the coffin, at the graveside, or at a memorial. Both are suitable from family and friends, though coffin sprays are typically the main family tribute.
Most families spend between £60 and £150. For the primary family tribute — such as a coffin spray — £80 to £120 is typical. If you're a friend or colleague sending a sympathy token, £50 to £80 is perfectly appropriate.
As soon as you know the funeral date and venue. Most florists need at least 48 hours' notice. At OFC Flower, we offer next-day delivery across the UK for urgent orders — but the sooner you order, the more time we have to create something truly beautiful.
Yes, absolutely. When placing your order, use the funeral director's address as the delivery address and include the date and time of the service in the order notes. We'll ensure they arrive in time.
White lilies are one of the most traditional funeral flowers in the UK. They symbolise the soul returning to peace and innocence — a deeply comforting sentiment for those left behind.
Avoid very bright tropical flowers or anything that feels more suited to a celebration unless the family has specifically requested a "celebration of life" theme. For traditional services, whites, creams, soft pinks, purples, and blues are always appropriate.
For a friend or colleague, 12 to 14 inches is ideal. For close family, 14 to 16 inches is a lovely choice. If you're the immediate family and this is your main tribute, 16 inches or above will make a truly meaningful statement.
Yes. You have two options: you can send a formal tribute (wreath, spray, posy) to the funeral venue addressed to the funeral director, or you can send a sympathy bouquet directly to the bereaved family's home. Both are thoughtful and both will be appreciated.
It's a floral arrangement shaped like an open gate — symbolising the transition from this life to the next. It's a spiritual and meaningful tribute, most often chosen for traditional or religious funerals.
Mohammad Qahef
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