Flowers are a traditional aspect of funeral services. They serve as a sign of affection and respect for the deceased, and their beauty and naturally pleasing scents bring comfort to the bereaved. You have many options when selecting flowers for a funeral service. Below is a guide to a few popular choices and their symbolic meanings.

A Guide to Funeral Flowers

1. Lilies

Lilies have a sweet smell, not unlike cloves, and they come in a variety of types, including stargazer, Easter, and peace lilies. Innocence is often associated with lilies. In a funeral service context, this denotes the soul of the departed returning to peace and purity.

2. Carnations

For a funeral or memorial service, you can arrange carnations as part of a bouquet, or fashion them into wreaths or sprays. They have a spicy fragrance and an array of colors and sizes. The color of the carnation determines the flower's meaning. White symbolizes love; pink means remembrance; red is a display of admiration and affection.

3. Roses

Roses are a classic flower, immediately recognizable and a source of beauty and comfort during a difficult time. Roses have velvety petals and a distinctive floral aroma that can fill a room without being overpowering. Red roses signify love, and pink roses are a show of gratitude. Yellow roses are a sign of your strong bond with the deceased, while white ones indicate reverence and humility.

4. Orchids

Orchids are striking in their originality, with long green stems and clusters of dramatic flowers. Though they do not have a strong scent, orchids are visually stunning and make a lovely funeral flower. Choose a modest color—don't go for anything too bright and loud. Orchids are a sign of deep and abiding love.

When planning a funeral service, the team at Henderson-VanAtta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service will help you find the ideal flowers. For more than 100 years, they have been serving families throughout the Newark, OH, region. They offer funeral planning and pre-planning, cremations, and pet services. Call (740) 345-9864 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.