A Guide to Funeral Flower Arrangements: Honoring a Loved One with Beauty and Grace

by Nikki Chapman July 01, 2025

At Thread and Vine Floral, we understand that selecting flowers for a funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal and meaningful choice. Flowers offer comfort, express sympathy, and pay tribute to a loved one’s life in a way that words sometimes cannot.

If you’re planning a service or sending condolences, here’s a guide to the most common types of funeral flower arrangements to help you choose the right expression of your care and respect:

🌿 Standing Sprays

Standing sprays are elegant displays designed to be viewed from the front and placed on an easel near the casket or at the service. They often feature lush seasonal blooms, roses, lilies, or greenery arranged in a cascading shape.

Why choose a standing spray?

They make a striking tribute and are often chosen by close family members or groups who wish to honor the deceased prominently.

🌼 Wreaths and Hearts

Floral wreaths and heart-shaped designs symbolize eternal love and the circle of life. These arrangements are typically displayed near the casket, at the entrance to the service, or near a photo display.

Popular choices include:

All-white rose wreaths for a classic, peaceful look
Vibrant mixed-flower wreaths celebrating a joyful life
Heart designs to express deep affection and remembrance

🌸 Casket Sprays

Casket sprays are designed to rest directly atop the casket itself. They are usually selected by immediate family and can be tailored to reflect favorite flowers, colors, or personal touches.

Types of casket sprays:

Full casket sprays (covering the length of the casket)
Half casket sprays (for open-casket services)

💐 Sympathy Bouquets and Baskets

These smaller arrangements are often sent directly to the funeral home, church, or the family’s home. They are a thoughtful way to offer condolences and brighten the space with fresh blooms.

When to send a sympathy bouquet:

Any time you want to let someone know you are thinking of them—before, during, or after the service.

🌺 Urn Gardens and Cremation Tributes

For memorials or celebrations of life with an urn present, urn gardens create a beautiful focal point. These arrangements often surround the urn with flowers and greenery, symbolizing peace and remembrance.

Other options include:

Wreaths designed to encircle the urn
Low arrangements placed in front of memorial photos

🕊️ Crosses and Religious Designs

For families who wish to incorporate faith, floral crosses or religious tributes can be a meaningful choice. These designs often feature white blooms accented with greenery or subtle color.

How Thread and Vine Floral Can Help

We are honored to walk alongside you during this time. Every arrangement is created with care, sensitivity, and attention to detail. If you’re unsure which tribute feels right, our team can guide you in choosing something that beautifully reflects your loved one’s spirit.

Ready to order or need guidance?

Call us directly at 714-455-9980 We’re here to help you honor a life well-lived with floral designs made from the