Sympathy Buyers Guide
Thankfully choosing flowers for the funeral of a loved one is not something that has to be done often, but we at TWIGS realise that it can be a difficult task and hope this information will guide you, or if you can, please come to visit us in the shop and discuss some ideas.
Closest family members usually decide on the main tribute to adorn the casket. Other relatives and friends may wish to choose flowers to compliment this. It is best to arrange delivery directly to the funeral director so that all the flowers can travel with the deceased on their final journey, but if you do not have this information, delivery to the house prior to the service or to the crematorium/place of worship, can be arranged.
Sometimes the family may have a request for specific flowers or a colour preference, so it may be advisable to check with them so that you can select a tribute accordingly. Alternatively, we can guide you if we have other arrangements to ensure that they are in keeping with family requests and that there is a nice mix of items.
Probably the most important thing to consider is the choice of colour. A mix of appropriate seasonal flowers, especially in Springtime, is a popular option. All whites are always classic and beautiful, whilst pinks, creams and lilacs are soft, delicate, feminine and pretty. Yellows are brighter, oranges are cheery and vibrant, as are hotter pinks. Reds are darker, but are generally used to express love and can be perfect for a stronger or masculine tribute. Purples or blues can be added to any of the above to create a more dramatic effect. We are often asked for very natural tributes for the garden or nature lover and a good mix of foliage with any colour choice can be used to create this look. Or in memory of a very vibrant character, you may wish to use a multi-coloured mix of flowers!
Of course it’s not necessary, but it is really nice for us to know a little bit about the person we are preparing flowers for, so please don’t hesitate to let us know any personal likes or dislikes - we are thinking about this when we work with your choice of flowers and we absolutely promise our utmost care and attention to detail when doing so.
We have listed below the range of items for you to choose from. Please be aware that we can work to suit your budget and please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any specific or more unusual requests.
Casket Sprays back to top
Referred to as Double or Single Ended Sprays, the latter being a teardrop shape/half of a Double Ended Spray. They are designed to adorn the top of a Coffin and are usually chosen by close family or the person who is liaising with the funeral director. Our Casket Sprays are available in a wide range of styles, colours and sizes designed to suit your specific requirements. From £100-£500. Recommended price for a Double Ended Casket Spray is £250. A Single Ended £150.
Hand-tied Bouquet back to top
Perfect as a sympathy tribute to be sent directly to the home of the deceased. Consider sending the flowers in a glass vase, so that no care or attention is needed ie; removal from water bag, to keep the flowers looking beautiful. Prices of Hand-tied Bouquets start from £45.
Posy Dishes & Basketsback to top
Baskets (with or without handles) work particularly well because they raise the flowers slightly off the ground, allowing the display to trail over. They are also perfect as an item to be placed on a grave or to be taken after the service and either used at the wake, given to a good cause, for example a nursing home, or simply for the bereaved family to take and display at home. Recommended from £50.
Tied Sheafsback to top
This is an arranged and tied bunch of flowers which lays flat on the ground, usually finished with a lovely ribbon or natural raffia bow. Because the flowers can be out of water for a long period of time it is not necessarily the best option if you wish the flowers to be used afterwards. It is, however, a simple but dramatic tribute. These days we don’t tend to wrap, unless requested, as cellophane can cause condensation so that you can’t see the flowers properly, so they are better left open. Recommended from £45.
Tied Posiesback to top
This is an all-round mini hand-tied bouquet – in the style of a very loose bridesmaids posy. Lovely when tied with ribbon, they make the perfect tribute from young children. From £45.
Wreaths and Posy Padsback to top
Floral wreaths or rings are probably the best known of funeral tributes. Their ornate circular design is perfect for sending as a mark of respect. Returning to popularity in recent years, they are very beautiful when prepared with care and attention using a varied and delicate selection of different flowers and foliage. There are also many more contemporary options and different styles available. From £55-£100. Recommended £75.
Heartsback to top
Either with an open (wreath style) or a filled in centre, a Heart is a very personal tribute to express love. Often sent by close family members, they make a stunning tribute and can be filled with the flowers/colours of your choice. From £75. Recommended £100.
Cushions and Pillowsback to top
Most often packed with all one colour (usually white) to create a soft delicate base – adorned with a spray – they are a symbol of care and comfort. Edged with foliage or coloured ribbon. From £85. Recommended £100.
Funeral Crossesback to top
Crosses are often the primary tribute at a funeral and because of their size and shape make the perfect adornment for a Coffin top. They do, of course, represent extremely personal sentiments. These tributes are typically chosen by immediate family or close friends. From 2ft to 6ft they are available to suit most budgets with either mixed (open) or all one colour flowers – what we call “based”. The latter usually has an added spray of flower at the cross section. You may also consider whether you prefer a natural foliage or a ribbon edge, which again can be in any colour. From £75. Recommended £150.
Letter Tributesback to top
Names, MUM, DAD, BROTHER etc., are seen at many funerals and are usually sent from the closely bereaved, parents, children, siblings or a close group of friends. They are not particularly suitable as Casket tops but work well as additional adornment, particularly to place alongside the Coffin when travelling in the hearse. They may also be brought into the service by the funeral director and used to mark a grave or special place of memory for the bereaved after the funeral. Again, this tribute can be either “open” (decorated with lots of different flowers and foliage) or “based” (packed with one colour flower, which may include one or two mixed floral sprays). The letters can be edged with natural foliage or with ribbon in a complementary colour. A popular idea for an individual tribute is to just have the initial letter of the deceased’s name. Letters based or open £50 each. Sprays £15 each.
Personal Tributesback to top
Special, personal tributes reflecting the life or interests of the deceased can be a touching gesture of remembrance. Guitars, teddy bears, boats, motorbikes, trains, a snooker table or even a fish…….we’ve never refused a specific request for a personal design, so please do not hesitate to ask. Usually from £200-£300 but really dependent on item requested.
Ordering Flowers
We appreciate as much notice as possible when ordering funeral flowers, especially if specific shapes or colours are required. However, we will, of course, endeavour to meet any last minute requests.
Our professional florists promise you their personal attention and we will liaise directly with funeral directors when necessary. We receive daily deliveries of fresh flower at TWIGS and will ensure that your flowers are delivered in good time.
Please call us on 01271 326267 or email us at info@twigsflowers.co.uk with any queries you may have.
The information we require is as follows:
- The name of the deceased
- The date and time of the funeral
- The name of the funeral director and/or delivery address
- A funeral or sympathy card message to accompany your tribute