Funeral flowers tend to reflect the personality of the deceased. Sometimes they are symbolic of the relationship that existed between the survivor who is arranging the funeral service and the deceased. Through the flowers they choose, survivors can also show their love and respect for the dead person.

What type of flower should be chosen?

• Rose
• Carnation
• Lily
• Gerbera Daisy
• Aster
• Delphinium
• Gladiolus
• Chrysanthemum

While roses and carnations are considered classic and traditional, a more contemporary funeral flower arrangement combines two or more types of flowers to create a unique and beautiful style.

What is the right colour to choose?

• Flowers can have a great effect on the moods of people. The mere presence of flowers can lift the spirits of a gloomy person. The colour of funeral flowers varies with individual preferences. It ranges from darker shades like purple to brighter ones like yellow. More often than not, we see funeral flowers in soft, pastel, and muted hues, rather than in loud and glaring tones.

• The colour of funeral flowers also depends on the venue of the funeral service. In a funeral home with collared halls, a large white wreath might look quite breathtaking. But this may not be the case if it is placed in a white church or a funeral home. Adding a dash of colour might provide some respite from the already gloomy surroundings.

What is the appropriate flower arrangement to choose?

• Funeral flower arrangements can be both formal and informal. Formal floral arrangements include wreaths and crosses. While flower covered crosses are appropriate for Christian funeral ser        vices, wreaths can be used in almost all kinds of funerals.

• Informal flower arrangements for funeral services can include baskets, cut flowers, potted plants, posies, pedestal arrangements, bouquets, planters, headstone flowers, casket lid floral arrangements, sprays, and even a bunch of floral sticks tied with a ribbon.

Many a times, sprays are placed over the deceased’s casket. Crosses, bouquets, and wreaths are generally used as displays. These are arranged around the room or hall in which the funeral service takes place. Flowers have the ability to make the ambience soothing and lighten the mood of the mourners.

Custom-made funeral flower arrangements have also become increasingly popular in recent times. There are florists who specialise in creating arrangements that reflect the personality of the deceased. Different patterns, designs, and styles can be juxtaposed to create a unique funeral flower arrangement which will be a real tribute to the deceased. Funeral flowers are perhaps the most elegant and simple way to pay our respects to the departed soul.

Funeral is a ceremony to mark the death of a person. A funeral encompasses the set of beliefs and practices of a specific culture. The ceremony is aimed at paying homage to the deceased and praying for the dead person’s soul. The word “funeral” is derived from the Latin word “funus” which means “corpse”. Sometimes, it is also used to refer to the funeral rites. To be able to perform the funeral rites properly you need help from a funeral service provider.

Choosing a burial option and funeral provider

There are certain things to be kept in mind while choosing the burial option and funeral service provider. Here are some pointers:

1. Selection of a funeral home − While selecting funeral homes, people usually consider distance to be the most important factor. Funeral homes may also be selected on the basis of reference from a trusted person. Availability of services can be another major reason to go with a particular funeral home.

2. The tussle between national and locally owned funeral homes – Funeral homes can be either national or locally owned. While funeral homes owned by the national corporation offer a wider range of services, a locally owned funeral home may prove to be a better option in terms of accessibility and financial considerations.

3. Comparing the facilities provided by the funeral homes – Comparing the services provided by different funeral homes will help you choose the best available option. According to the Funeral Rule, the funeral provider is supposed to provide detailed information regarding the price list, products, and services offered by the particular funeral home. Sometimes special packages are offered by certain funeral homes. It might prove to be beneficial to have information about these facilities.

The usual services provided by funeral homes

Funeral homes provide certain traditional services and products. These include:

• Embalming
• Preparing the body
• Vault
• Casket and coffin options
• Memorial service
• Graveside service
• Hearse

The customs and rituals followed in funerals

There are certain customs and traditions that have been followed through the ages in funeral ceremonies. However, these customs are not universal and depend on the religion and culture of the deceased.

• In Christian tradition, the body of the deceased is normally retained at the funeral parlour for the last visit. In the West, after a burial ceremony, family members gather together at a relative’s house or an off-site location for refreshments.

• In Jewish tradition, the body is buried as soon as possible and a seven-day period of mourning is observed by the deceased’s family members.

• According to Islamic tradition, friends and family of the deceased accompany the procession to the grave. Post burial, a 10-day mourning period is observed.

• In Buddhist tradition, the body is buried in a week’s time and the family members and friends make a charitable donation.

• According to Hindu customs, the body is cremated within 24 hrs and a mourning period is observed.

Funerals are essentially somber occasions and call for all family members and friends of the deceased person to come together for one last time. Even though it is a particularly distressful period, one must make the effort to honor the memories of the deceased.