Artificial Funeral Flowers: Your Questions Answered

Everything families ask us about silk funeral flowers — prices, delivery, what to write, and how long they last on a grave — answered by the team who make them by hand in Orpington. Can’t find your question? Get in touch or call 07587 262689.

About Artificial Funeral Flowers

What are artificial funeral flowers?

Artificial funeral flowers are tributes made from silk or fabric flowers rather than fresh ones — wreaths, casket sprays, letters, hearts, crosses and grave arrangements. Ours are handmade in silk in our Orpington studio, so they look right on the day and can be kept, or left at the grave, afterwards.

Are artificial flowers appropriate for a funeral?

Yes. More families choose them deliberately because they stay perfect through the whole service, whatever the weather or the length of the day, and don’t need to be cleared away a week later. Many families keep them or move them to the graveside.

Do silk funeral flowers look real?

Good-quality silk looks very close to fresh flowers from a normal viewing distance. The difference shows with cheap plastic, which you can usually see and feel straight away. We use lifelike silk blooms and arrange them by hand, the way a florist would arrange fresh ones.

What’s the difference between silk, plastic and “real touch” flowers?

Silk flowers are made from fabric, usually polyester, and hold a soft, natural shape. “Real touch” flowers are typically made from a foam or coated material that feels slightly waxy and very lifelike up close. Cheap plastic flowers are hard, look shiny and fade or crack quickly outdoors — they’re the ones that give artificial flowers a bad name.

Why choose artificial over fresh funeral flowers?

Fresh flowers are lovely on the day but are cleared within the week. Silk tributes last, so the family can keep them, share letters between relatives, or place them at the grave where they stay beautiful for months. For graves especially, they save the cost of replacing fresh flowers every week or two.

Are white flowers appropriate for a funeral?

Yes — white is the most traditional funeral colour and is associated with peace and remembrance. That said, many families now choose the person’s favourite colours instead, and there’s no wrong answer.

What colour flowers suit a man’s funeral?

There are no rules. Deep reds, blues, whites and greens are common choices, and many families pick team colours, a favourite colour, or flowers from his garden. We can make any of our tributes in the colours you choose.

Choosing a Tribute

Who usually sends which funeral flowers?

Traditionally, the casket spray comes from the closest family, letter tributes spell out a relationship such as MUM or DAD, and wreaths, hearts and crosses come from wider family and friends. These are traditions, not rules — choose whatever feels right.

What is a casket spray?

A casket spray is the arrangement that rests on top of the coffin throughout the service. Our silk coffin sprays are £120–£150, and our funeral packages include medium or large casket sprays.

What are funeral letter tributes?

Letter tributes spell out a name or relationship — MUM, DAD, NAN, or a nickname — in massed flowers, usually for the hearse window. Our silk letters are £25 per letter, stand around 12 inches tall on an upright frame, and arrive in sections that join together easily.

What do heart and cross tributes mean?

A heart speaks of love and is often given by a partner, child or parent. A cross speaks of faith and peace. Our heart tribute is £50 and our cross is £60–£70, both with an optional personalised sash.

What other tribute shapes do you make?

Alongside wreaths, hearts, crosses and letters, we make a pillow tribute (£60, around 21 inches), angel wings (£90) and a Gates of Heaven tribute (£90). We can also make bespoke shapes — just tell us what you have in mind.

Can you make something bespoke, like team colours or a nickname?

Yes. Football colours, a favourite flower from their garden, a nickname in letters or a shape that meant something to them — we make these regularly. Get in touch with what you’d like and we’ll talk it through.

What’s included in a funeral package?

Our medium package (£330) includes a medium casket spray, a letter tribute of up to three letters and two tributes of your choice. Our large package (£400) includes a large casket spray, up to eight letters and two tributes. Everything is made to match in the same colours.

What to Write on Funeral Flowers

What should I write on funeral flowers for Mum?

Short and heartfelt works best. For example: “Mum, forever in our hearts”, “The best mum in the world, always loved”, “Thank you for everything, Mum”, or simply “Beloved Mum”. If she had a phrase she always said, that often means the most.

What should I write on funeral flowers for Dad?

Try “Dad, our hero, forever missed”, “Loved always, Dad”, “Rest easy, Dad”, or “The best dad anyone could ask for”. A nickname or an in-joke only the family would recognise can be the most personal choice of all.

What should grandchildren write on funeral flowers?

Grandchildren often keep it simple and warm: “Nanny, we love you to the moon and back”, “Grandad, thank you for every adventure”, or “Forever our favourite Nan”. Younger children sometimes like to sign their own names.

What should I write for a husband or wife?

Something only the two of you would say is usually right. Otherwise: “My love, my best friend, forever”, “All my love, always and forever”, or “Until we meet again, my darling”.

What should I write for a sister, brother or friend?

For a sibling: “My sister, my best friend, always” or “Forever my little brother”. For a friend: “Thank you for the laughter — you’ll be so missed” or “A friend like no other”.

What should I write on a funeral wreath or ribbon sash?

Sashes work best with a few words: “Beloved Mum”, “Nan”, “All my love”, “At peace” or their name. Cards can hold a longer message. Our personalised sashes start from £2.50.

What if I can’t find the right words?

That’s very common. Tell us a little about who they were to you and we’ll help you find wording that feels right — there’s no rush and no wrong answer.

Prices

How much do artificial funeral flowers cost?

Our tributes range from £50 for a heart to £90 for angel wings or Gates of Heaven. Letters are £25 each, coffin sprays £120–£150, and full packages £330 or £400. See our cost and comparison guide for more detail.

How much should I pay for funeral flowers?

There’s no right amount. A single heart or cross from us is £50–£70, a family letter tribute such as MUM is £75, and a complete coordinated package is £330–£400. Choose what feels right for your relationship and budget.

How much are funeral flowers for Dad?

A DAD letter tribute is £75 (three letters at £25), a heart is £50 and a cross £60–£70. Many families pair letters with a casket spray, which is £120–£150.

How much are grave flowers?

Our grave cones and pot arrangements start from £30, with larger and personalised designs up to £450. Because silk lasts for months outdoors, it usually works out far cheaper than replacing fresh flowers every week.

Is delivery included?

Delivery anywhere in Great Britain is a flat £15, and free on orders over £200 — so our funeral packages include free delivery.

Ordering and Delivery

Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes. We hand-deliver across London, Kent and Surrey from our Orpington studio and send carefully packaged tributes anywhere in Great Britain.

Can you deliver to the funeral director?

Yes — many families ask us to deliver straight to the funeral director. Just give us their details and the date of the service when you order.

How long does it take to make my order?

Please allow about a week for us to make and deliver your order — every tribute is made by hand to order. If the funeral is sooner, call us before ordering.

The funeral is very soon. Can you still help?

Often, yes. If we have the materials to make your tribute, we can turn it around in two days. Please call us on 07587 262689 to discuss before placing an order, so we can confirm.

How do I tell you the wording and colours?

Add the wording and colours in the notes when you order, or call or email us afterwards. We’ll check the details with you before we start making.

Can I return funeral flowers?

We don’t accept returns on flowers you buy, because every tribute is made to order and personalised for you. The exception is hired flowers, which are returned to us after use. If anything arrives damaged, contact us straight away and we’ll put it right. See our returns policy.

Do you offer refunds?

We can’t refund made-to-order tributes if you change your mind, which is why we check wording and colours with you before we start. If your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, we’ll put it right. This doesn’t affect your statutory rights.

Graves and Cemeteries

Can you put artificial flowers on a grave?

Yes, in most UK council cemeteries, as long as they’re in a vase or pot and kept tidy within the grave area. Churchyards and natural burial grounds are often stricter. Our cemetery rules guide explains the differences.

Will the cemetery remove artificial flowers?

Tidy tributes placed by the grave and not spilling onto the path are generally left alone by groundsmen. Loose, faded or untidy flowers are the ones that get cleared.

What are the best artificial flowers for graves?

Look for UV-treated silk in a weighted or spiked pot that won’t blow over. Our grave flowers and grave pots are made for exactly that.

How do I stop grave flowers blowing away?

Use a pot with a weighted base or a ground spike, or a vase insert that fits the headstone socket firmly. Loose bunches laid on the grass are the ones that blow away.

How do I secure artificial flowers in a cemetery vase?

Fill the base of the vase with gravel or pea shingle to add weight, push the stems in firmly, and choose an insert sized to the socket. Our grave cones come ready to place.

How do I put flowers on a grave?

Place them within the grave area, in the headstone vase or a pot at the base of the stone, keeping clear of paths and neighbouring graves. Check whether the cemetery has its own rules about containers.

What flowers are best to put on a grave?

Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and lilies are the most popular. In silk, choose weather-resistant designs; in fresh flowers, hardy blooms last longest outdoors.

Care and Durability

How long do silk flowers last on a grave?

In our experience, good-quality silk keeps its colour for around six months outdoors in UK weather, and lifelike silk often lasts a year before it starts to fade. Many families refresh their grave flowers twice a year.

How long do silk funeral flowers last indoors?

Indoors, away from direct sunlight, silk tributes can last for years. Many families keep a letter or a heart at home as a keepsake.

How do I clean artificial flowers?

A gentle rinse with water and a soft brush lifts dust and dirt. Avoid harsh cleaners, which can dull the petals.

What should I do with artificial flowers after the funeral?

Families often keep the tribute at home, share the letters between relatives, or place it on the grave where it will last for months. Nothing needs to be thrown away.

Hire and About Us

Do you offer funeral flower hire?

Yes. Hired flowers can be kept for as long as you need them and are returned to us afterwards. Our Private Resting Area service is £200 and includes delivery and set-up by us. Contact us to talk through what you need.

How long can I hire funeral flowers for?

As long as you like. Keep hired flowers for as long as you need them, then return them to us — we’ll agree the return arrangements when you book.

Where are you based?

Our studio is at 60 Windsor Drive, Orpington, BR6 6HD. You can call us on 07587 262689 or email stemsfromheaven1@gmail.com.

Do you make everything yourselves?

Yes. Every tribute is made by hand in our Orpington studio, in the colours and wording you choose.