Guide to Choosing the Appropriate Flowers for a Funeral Wake

Amidst loss and bereavement, expressing our sorrow and commemorating the life of the departed becomes a pivotal element of the healing journey. During this emotional journey, flowers at funerals and wakes play a crucial role in offering a silent yet profound expression of condolence and remembrance. What’s more, they stand as a symbol of the affection and esteem we carry for those who have passed, bridging the gap where words may seem inadequate.

Through the universal language of flowers, we can articulate our deepest feelings of sympathy, respect, and love. These floral tributes not only honour the memory of the deceased but also provide comfort and solace to the grieving, showcasing our solidarity in their time of need.

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about choosing the appropriate flowers for funerals. This way, you can express your sympathy or commemorate the life of a departed loved one with the utmost respect.

The Timeless Tradition of Funeral Flowers

The tradition of incorporating appropriate flowers into funeral rites is as ancient as it is universal, transcending cultures and epochs. This practice, rooted in both historical and cultural significance, has evolved over millennia but always retained its core purpose: to honour the departed and offer solace to the living.

Flowers as Part of Ancient Burial Rites

Historically, flowers have been part of burial rites. For instance, a famous excavation in the Shanidar Cave in Northern Iraq uncovered flower pollens and fragments. They were found to have been on the burial site since 62,000 B.C., prompting anthropologists to hypothesise that the Neanderthals might have searched the mountainside to collect blooms for their dead.

As civilisations advanced, flowers became tokens of respect for the deceased and an appropriate way to celebrate their life and memory. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, lotus flowers were often included in burial ceremonies, symbolising rebirth and the afterlife. Similarly, the Greeks and Romans adorned funeral pyres and graves with flowers and wreaths, attributing their meanings to valour, love and eternal life.

The Cultural Significance of Flowers in Funerals

Culturally, the significance of flowers at funerals varies but often centres around themes of life's transient beauty, the cycle of life and death, and the expression of unspoken emotions. In modern contexts, flowers continue to be an appropriate part of funeral wakes, chosen carefully to reflect the deceased's personality, life, and the sentiments of the bereaved. In the same vein, understanding the role that flowers play in cultures can help ensure that you’re expressing your sympathies respectfully and appropriately.

Here’s a guide on choosing appropriate funeral flowers based on various factors:

1. Flowers that Represent Your Relationship to the Deceased

Deciding what flowers to bring to a funeral will also depend on your personal relationship with the deceased. Consider the following to ensure you are selecting appropriate flowers for a funeral:

• Immediate Family: Roses symbolise love and grief, making them fitting for spouses, children, or parents looking to express deep, personal loss. Lilies can also be a poignant choice for family members who want to express profound respect and sorrow, especially since these funeral flowers can represent the soul's return to peace.
• Friends: Carnations are a testament to the enduring beauty of friendship, ideal for friends wishing to pay tribute to the departed's life. Besides, the gentle nature of carnations, symbolising remembrance, makes them particularly appropriate. Similarly, chrysanthemums, especially in white, stand as a universal symbol of mourning and sympathy, apt for friends expressing their condolences.
• Colleagues and Acquaintances: Orchids, with their elegant and understated beauty, denote sympathy and respect, making them a respectful choice for colleagues to convey their condolences. The versatility of orchids, especially in shades of white and pink, allows for a sincere expression of respect. Meanwhile, tulips and irises, embodying renewal and hope, offer a thoughtful gesture from acquaintances, providing a message of forward-looking optimism and comfort to the bereaved.

Selecting the right flowers to bring to a funeral, or understanding the appropriate flowers for a wake, hinges on the nature of your relationship with the departed. Aside from considering your closeness with the deceased, you should also think about the symbolism behind common funeral flowers in Singapore. 

2. Common Funeral Flowers and What They Symbolise

Flowers serve as a powerful expression of our feelings during times of mourning. Each bloom carries its own unique symbolism, making it crucial to choose appropriate flowers that accurately convey your sentiments at a funeral. Here are some of the common funeral flowers and the meanings behind them: 

• Lilies: Often regarded as the quintessential funeral flower, lilies are associated with the restoration of innocence to the soul of the departed. Their serene beauty and delicate fragrance make them a popular choice, symbolising peace and purity.
• Roses: Known for their deep emotional resonance, rose flowers can convey a range of sentiments depending on their colour. In the context of funerals, they generally symbolise love, respect, and the pain of loss. Besides, the rose’s universal appeal allows it to gracefully express the mourner’s heartfelt compassion and sorrow.
• Carnations: Carnations are a staple in funeral arrangements due to their lasting fragrance and wide range of colours. They symbolise pure love and remembrance, making them an appropriate choice for honouring the life and legacy of the deceased.
• Chrysanthemums: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are exclusively associated with mourning and grief. They can also represent honour and loyalty, making them the appropriate funeral flowers for commemorating the life of an exemplary individual.
• Orchids: Orchids convey a message of everlasting love, making them a meaningful choice for funerals. They are often given to express sympathy and respect for the deceased, symbolising the mourner's enduring support and remembrance.

3. The Language of Colours in Funeral Flowers

Aside from the type of flowers, the colours of the blooms can also speak a powerful language in funerals. Each hue can convey a depth of sentiment and emotion. So, understanding the symbolism behind different colours can help you select a colour scheme that reflects your sympathy, respect, and the nature of your relationship with the deceased. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing the appropriate colours for funeral flowers:

• White: Universally recognised for its purity and innocence, white embodies peace and reverence. White flowers, such as lilies and roses, are often chosen for their ability to express sympathy and respect, making them a staple in funeral arrangements.
• Blue: Symbolising calmness and peace, blue flowers offer comfort and serenity in times of loss. Incorporating blue hues, like those found in hydrangeas or irises, can convey a message of tranquillity and consolation to the grieving family.
• Purple: Representing dignity, respect, and sorrow, purple flowers are a thoughtful choice for expressing deep condolences. For instance, you can use lavenders or purple orchids to add a respectful touch to funeral bouquets, reflecting your sincere sympathies.
• Pink: Conveying softness, grace, and warmth, pink flowers are often used to express admiration for the deceased's life and kindness. Gentle shades of pink in carnations or roses can symbolise your heartfelt remembrance and affection.
• Yellow: While traditionally associated with joy, yellow flowers can also symbolise friendship and the bonds of companionship. Yellow blooms, such as sunflowers or tulips, can brighten funeral arrangements, offering a message of hope and solidarity.

4. Cultural Traditions in Funeral Flower Selection

Funerals and wakes are deeply personal events, often guided by cultural traditions and customs that extend to the choice of flowers. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial when selecting flowers to ensure that your gesture of condolence is both respectful and appropriate. Here's a look at how different cultures approach funeral flowers, highlighting the importance of mindful selection.

• Singaporean Chinese Funerals: For Chinese families in Singapore, white chrysanthemums are traditionally preferred, symbolising lamentation and grief. In contrast, red flowers are typically avoided as they signify joy and are not deemed appropriate for sombre occasions.
• Muslim Funerals: Islamic customs generally prioritise simplicity and modesty, with some families preferring not to receive flowers in favour of charitable donations. However, when flowers are accepted, simple and modest arrangements in white are considered respectful.
• Indian Funerals: The Hindu community often sees marigolds as significant, with their bright orange and yellow hues symbolising the brightness of life. However, it's essential to note that floral practices can vary widely, and some may prefer not to have flowers at all.
• Christian Funerals: In Christian ceremonies, a wide range of flowers is acceptable, with each colour and type bearing its own meaning. For instance, white lilies are commonly associated with the resurrection and the purity of the soul, making them a fitting choice.
• Buddhist Funerals: White flowers are also favoured in Buddhist funerals, signifying purity and mourning. On the other hand, bright, colourful flowers might be seen as disrespectful in some Buddhist traditions.

5. Etiquette for Offering Flowers at Funerals and Wakes

When it comes to expressing condolences through flowers, understanding the etiquette of when and how to send or bring them is as important as selecting the appropriate flowers for a funeral or wake. 

Here's a guide to help navigate these sensitive decisions, ensuring your floral tribute is received as a thoughtful gesture of sympathy:

Timing of Sending Flowers

• Before the Service: Sending flowers to the funeral home before the wake or funeral service is a common practice, allowing the floral tribute to be displayed during the ceremony.
• Direct to the Family's Home: Alternatively, sending flowers directly to the bereaved family's home can be a personal way to express your sympathy. You can do this either before or after the service to provide comfort during their mourning period.

Message Etiquette

• Personalised Funeral Messages: Including a brief, heartfelt message with your flowers can add a personal touch to your condolence gesture. Keep it concise and sincere, expressing your sympathy and support for the bereaved.
• Respect Cultural Norms: Be mindful of cultural or religious traditions that might influence how the message is perceived. For example, in some cultures, phrases that imply the deceased is in a "better place" might not be well-received, as they can seem to undermine the grief of the bereaved. Instead, it is more universally appropriate to opt for language that focuses on the life the deceased lived or the legacy they left behind.

General Etiquette

• Consider the Family's Wishes: Always respect any specific requests or preferences expressed by the family regarding funeral flowers. Some may request charitable donations in lieu of flowers.
• Discreet Delivery: Ensure that flower deliveries are coordinated discreetly and respectfully, avoiding any disruption to funeral services or the family's private mourning.

Turn to Floristique for Appropriate Flowers for a Wake

In moments of deepest sorrow, choosing the appropriate flowers for a funeral or wake becomes a tender expression of your respect, love, and remembrance. At Floristique, we are committed to providing you with beautiful, thoughtful funeral flower tributes that resonate with sincerity and heartfelt sentiment. Our dedicated florists meticulously craft each arrangement, understanding the profound importance of paying homage to the departed and bringing comfort to those in mourning. With a keen eye for detail and a compassionate approach, we ensure that every bouquet is a fitting tribute during this solemn time.

Contact Floristique today and let our dedicated team handle and deliver your funeral flower arrangement.