When a loved one passes away, it can be overwhelming to think about all of the details involved in planning a memorial service. One important aspect to consider is the type of flowers you would like to use to honor your loved one. While it may not be at the forefront of your mind during such a difficult time, working with experienced funeral homes can be very helpful in deciding which types of flowers to use. Here’s a more detailed list of some of the most common flowers used for memorials and their meanings to give you some ideas:

  1. Lilies – Lilies are probably the most commonly used flowers for memorials. They symbolize the innocence that is returned to the soul of a departed person after their death. White stargazer lilies represent sympathy and any white lily can be used to represent majesty and purity. Yellow lilies are often used to represent thankfulness and are appropriate for memorial services celebrating a life well-lived.
  2. Roses – Roses are very popular flowers and can represent many things depending on their color. White roses symbolize youthfulness, as well as reverence and humility, while red roses symbolize love and courage. Pink roses can symbolize love and gentility. Yellow roses are a symbol of friendship, making them a thoughtful choice for memorial services where the focus is on celebrating the life of a loved one.
  3. Carnations – Carnations are often used in arrangements for memorials. White carnations mean innocence, and pink carnations mean remembrance. Red carnations are a symbol of love and affection and are often used to express sympathy and condolences.
  4. Gladioli – Gladioli usually mean remembrance, as well as strength of character and sincerity. They are usually tall stems with multiple blooms and come in many different colors. The tall nature of the gladioli makes them a great choice for standing arrangements and can add a beautiful touch to the altar or podium.
  5. Chrysanthemums – In certain cultures, such as some European cultures, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums symbolize death and grief, so if the deceased person is from one of these ancestries, mums are an appropriate choice for a memorial arrangement. However, in many other cultures, chrysanthemums represent happiness and longevity, so it is important to consider the cultural background of your loved one before choosing this flower.

This is just a basic list of the flowers you can choose from when deciding on a flower arrangement for a memorial of a loved one. Funeral homes have experienced staff who can help you select the appropriate flowers for your loved one’s service. Additionally, they can provide you with guidance on the proper etiquette for sending flowers, such as where to send them and when they should be sent. By working with a reputable funeral home, you can ensure that your loved one’s service is beautiful and meaningful.

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