by Christine Bennett

Created on: August 11, 2011   Last Updated: August 17, 2011

Olden times to Modern day a tribute of flowers has been accepted by so many for such different reasons throughout the world, a message of thanks, a symbol of love, an apology needed to be expressed or for a sad occasion. When someone dies, a sympathetic message sent in flowers to replace the words you do not know how to say or want to say, is a quiet and yet beautiful way.

Years ago bodies were adorned with flowers and anointed with oils, the flowers fragrance, beauty and peace associated qualities being appreciated by all as a parting tribute to those who had recently passed on.

Lilies are popular funeral flowers said to restore the innocence back to the soul.

It is at times when words fail that the sending of a floral tribute can express deep sympathy and love, whether it be a small posy or a casket tribute.

Choosing flowers for someone who has passed away is dependent on several aspects of the situation.

Personal requests made previously by the deceased or being made by the family have to be the first consideration, in some cases flowers will be from family only and more commonly now there are requests that only donations are given rather than wreaths and bouquets.

With this in mind the next decision would be the type of display chosen, it is usual for only family members to have flower displays that adorn the coffin and these are referred to as casket sprays, which are double ended specifically for that purpose.

Family members often choose a specific design or a name spelt out, Mum or Dad would be examples of this, or a design that depicts a favourite sport or pastime such as a football, or tennis racquet and along with this special design there may be a set colour theme chosen too, all these things need to be considered.

The casket or coffin could be adorned with a cross, made of any colour flowers with foliage as a contrast in colour, again this is more a choice for family members only.

Is the deceased a child or an adult, this too will be another thing that needs to be considered, large flowers would be cumbersome for a small child’s funeral. A small cross or perhaps a little posy would be acceptable for a child, in lighter coloured flowers.

The cushion tends to symbolise a place to rest ones head and is a lovely tribute for a child who has sadly passed, or the shape of an angel to watch over them, even a teddy or favourite toy can be shaped from flowers.

With these thoughts in mind the colour and species of flower now needs to be thought about,

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