7 Ways to Personalise a Funeral Flower Tribute
Funeral flowers can go beyond tradition to reflect the personality, passions, and memories of a loved one. By customising colours, shapes, and designs, you can create a meaningful tribute that honours their life. Here are seven ideas:
- Favourite Colours: Use signature shades like purple or team colours to make the arrangement more personal.
- Personality in Flowers: Select blooms that symbolise their character or name.
- Ribbons with Messages: Add names or heartfelt words for a personal touch.
- Meaningful Shapes: Hearts, angel wings, or other symbolic forms can carry deep sentiments.
- Hobby-Themed Designs: Incorporate their interests, like gardening or sports.
- Keepsakes or Photos: Include cherished items or images in the arrangement.
- Letter Tributes: Spell out names, roles, or meaningful words with floral letters.
These thoughtful choices ensure the tribute celebrates their individuality while offering comfort to those grieving.
7 Ways to Personalise Funeral Flower Tributes
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1. Use Their Favourite Colours
Choosing colours that resonate with your loved one’s personality and preferences can make a funeral tribute feel deeply personal. Claire Higgs, a florist at Solace Flowers, shares:
"Choosing particular colours can instantly make your tribute more of a reflection of the person, rather than an ‘off the shelf’ look." [3]
Personalisation Options
Think about the colours they loved most. Did they have a signature shade they always wore? Bright and bold hues might suit someone with a vibrant personality, while a football fan might appreciate arrangements in their team’s colours – an understated yet heartfelt nod to their passion.
If a full colour-themed design feels overwhelming, consider subtle touches like coloured ribbons added to a white arrangement. As Harrison Funeral Home points out:
"Colours can be as loud or as subtle as you like, and incorporated into the funeral in a variety of ways." [5]
These thoughtful details ensure the tribute feels authentic and meaningful.
Symbolism in Colours
Colours also carry emotional depth and symbolism. For instance, white conveys peace and new beginnings, while deep red reflects love and grief. Yellow and orange bring a sense of optimism, and purple is often associated with dignity and mourning. Seasonal flowers, like spring daffodils or autumn chrysanthemums, can add even more significance to your arrangement.
Creating Emotional Connections
The colours you choose can shape the overall mood of the tribute. For a celebration-of-life theme, consider cheerful colours like pinks, yellows, and oranges to focus on happy memories rather than sorrow. Aura Funerals suggests:
"If their favourite colour in life was yellow, why not surround them with it in death?" [6]
This thoughtful approach not only honours their memory but also brings comfort to those grieving, reminding them of the joy and warmth the person brought into their lives.
2. Choose Flowers That Match Their Personality
Personalisation Options
Selecting flowers that reflect a loved one’s character adds a deeply personal touch to a tribute. As Jamieson Funeral Directors put it:
"The most meaningful funeral flowers are those that reflect the person they are honouring." [10]
For someone with a vibrant and lively spirit, flowers like sunflowers or gerbera daisies are fitting choices. If they had a nurturing soul, lilies – often associated with care – are a beautiful option [7]. For those known for their resilience, proteas make a powerful statement.
If the person’s name happens to be a flower, you could even make that bloom the centrepiece of the arrangement [4].
Symbolic or Meaningful Design
Flowers often carry meanings that align with personality traits, making them a thoughtful way to honour someone. Orchids, for instance, symbolise strength and elegance, while blue delphiniums are associated with kindness and dignity [10]. For those who were analytical and wise, iris blooms are a fitting choice, while tulips are perfect for someone ambitious and goal-driven [7].
Janet Hibberd, a florist, captures this sentiment beautifully:
"Flowers have a profound way of communicating emotions and memories when words fall short." [9]
To make the tribute even more meaningful, consider consulting family members about the deceased’s personality [7]. You could also incorporate flowers that reflect their hobbies or passions – like marigolds for a creative individual [6].
These symbolic choices not only highlight unique traits but also create a deeper emotional resonance.
Emotional Impact and Connection
The right flowers can evoke cherished memories and emotions. For nature enthusiasts, loose arrangements of wildflowers and meadow blooms paired with lush greenery create a heartfelt, rustic tribute. For someone with an adventurous spirit, exotic or rare flowers might better capture their love for travel and exploration [10].
LOV Flowers sums it up perfectly:
"Flowers don’t just reflect moods – they reflect people." [8]
3. Add Messages or Names with Ribbons
Personalisation Options
Ribbons are a simple yet meaningful way to add a personal touch to funeral tributes. A 25mm width ribbon is a popular choice, as it works well for tying around bouquets or creating decorative edges for letter arrangements [11].
You can customise ribbons with names, nicknames, or heartfelt messages like "Forever in our hearts" or "Thank You for Everything." They can also feature symbolic images such as doves, crosses, hearts, or branches, reflecting the personality or beliefs of the person being honoured [11].
There are two main styles for printing on ribbons. The first repeats the text along the entire ribbon, making it visible from different angles. The second centres the message, which works well for bows or as a focal point. This small detail not only enhances the overall design but also adds a deeper emotional layer to the tribute [11].
Emotional Impact and Connection
As The Ribbon Co. explains:
"Our personalised remembrance ribbon is perfect for adding to a spray of flowers for a funeral or anniversary." [11]
Including a name, such as "Grandma" or "John", adds a deeply personal element, highlighting the unique connection you shared. For group tributes, messages like "From your friends at [Company Name]" can express collective support. Adele Rae Florist describes this as:
"The accompanying ribbon, often referred to as a funeral sash, provides a final, heartfelt opportunity to share a personal message." [13]
Practicality for Funeral or Graveside Use
When using ribbons for outdoor tributes, a few practical considerations can ensure they remain impactful. Most printed funeral ribbons are not washable and require gentle handling. For graveside tributes, opt for ribbons with repeated text to keep the message visible, even if the ribbon shifts in the wind.
Choose concise messages with high-contrast colour combinations, like Royal Blue with Metallic Gold or Forest Green with Silver, to ensure readability. Don’t forget to include the sender’s name, such as "From the Johnson Family", so the grieving family knows who the tribute is from.
4. Select Meaningful Shapes Like Hearts or Angel Wings
When creating a floral tribute, choosing a shape that resonates with your loved one’s memory can add a heartfelt, personal touch.
Symbolic or Meaningful Design
Shaped tributes turn flowers into symbols packed with emotion. Heart-shaped arrangements, for instance, are a timeless way to express love and compassion. They’re particularly fitting for partners, children, or grandchildren. Within this design, there are variations to suit different sentiments: a closed heart, fully filled with blooms, represents unbroken and eternal love, while an open heart – with its hollow centre – can signify loss and grief. Some designs also feature contrasting flowers to highlight the depth of sorrow.
Angel wing tributes, on the other hand, embody peace and grace, often symbolising heavenly protection or sympathy. Florists frequently use white gypsophila for a soft, feather-like texture, complemented by white roses for a touch of elegance. Other meaningful shapes, such as cushions, crosses, and wreaths, can also be chosen to reflect personal beliefs or emotions.
Once you’ve selected a shape, you can fine-tune the design to make it even more personal.
Personalisation Options
The final look of your tribute can be influenced by the design technique. "Based" designs use tightly packed flowers, like chrysanthemums, to create a smooth, solid finish – ideal for clearly defined shapes like hearts or wings. For a more natural feel, "loose" designs mix flowers with open spaces, giving a garden-like appearance. Colour also plays a key role in personalisation: red flowers often symbolise deep love and passion, while white conveys peace and purity.
Prices for these tributes vary depending on size and complexity. For example, Stems From Heaven offers Heart Wreath tributes starting at £50, while Angel Wings tributes are available from approximately £80, allowing you to find an option that aligns with both your emotions and your budget.
Practicality for Funeral or Graveside Use
While aesthetics are important, practicality ensures the tribute remains beautiful and intact.
These designs are versatile and carefully crafted to withstand transit and outdoor conditions. Florists usually need 3–5 days’ notice to prepare a tribute that maintains its structure and appearance. Whether placed atop the coffin, alongside it in the hearse, or displayed at the graveside, these arrangements serve as a lasting and touching way to honour your loved one.
5. Design Tributes Around Their Hobbies
Adding a loved one’s hobbies to a floral tribute can bring a deeply personal touch, turning it into a heartfelt reflection of their life and passions.
Symbolic or Meaningful Design
A hobby-themed tribute can tell a story that words often cannot. Florists can create intricate 3D floral designs, ranging from cricket bats and guitars to sewing machines or even Spitfires, capturing the essence of a loved one’s interests [14][1]. These designs celebrate what made them special in a visually striking way.
For those with a love of gardening, arrangements can feature seasonal produce like kale, artichokes, carrots, and ornamental cabbages, creating a unique "vegetable spray" [16][1]. Sports enthusiasts might be honoured with displays in team colours or floral pieces shaped like footballs or tennis racquets [17][14]. One touching example is a tennis-themed tribute designed by florist Janet Hibberd, who used carnations arranged "en masse" to represent a tennis ball for a lifelong tennis fan [9]. Similarly, Claire Higgs from Solace Flowers designed a bespoke floral dolphin for a client whose loved one collected porcelain dolphins [3].
"Flowers have a profound way of communicating emotions and memories when words fall short."
– Janet Hibberd, Florist [9]
Personalisation Options
Incorporating hobbies into floral tributes adds another layer of meaningful personalisation, much like choosing favourite colours or flowers.
Non-floral items can also be included to make the tribute even more personal. Funeral directors have worked with items such as fishing rods, muddy boots, favourite hats, pheasant feathers, and even Lego models to reflect the deceased’s personality [3][1]. In one memorable example, a Domino’s pizza was placed on a coffin to honour someone’s passion [1].
For sports-themed tributes, a custom football floral arrangement typically costs around £150.00 [17]. Gardening tributes can include potted herbs like rosemary or thyme, which families can later plant and care for as a lasting memory [16].
Practicality for Funeral or Graveside Use
Creating these bespoke designs involves close collaboration with the florist. Sharing details about your loved one’s hobbies early in the process helps ensure the tribute is both meaningful and visually accurate. Florists often provide sketches to help you visualise the final arrangement [9]. They also focus on the structural integrity of the designs, ensuring they hold up during transport and throughout the service [9]. These unique tributes not only honour the deceased but also encourage mourners to share stories and memories, creating moments of connection during a challenging time [9][14].
6. Add Personal Keepsakes or Photos
Personalisation Options
Choosing favourite colours or flowers is one way to honour a loved one, but incorporating keepsakes or photos adds an extra layer of meaning. Personal items help preserve memories in a tangible way, making floral tributes even more heartfelt. Funeral directors often include sentimental objects like a favourite hat, scarf, or even a cherished watch alongside flower arrangements. Andrea, a funeral director, shared:
"I’ve been asked to place various items on top of the coffin or casket over the years… muddy boots and a fishing rod – he had been a keen fisherman so the family wanted to do something that reflected his life and interests, rather than using flowers" [1].
Small tokens, such as butterflies or feathers, can even be woven into the floral design, offering family members or grandchildren a keepsake to take home [3].
Symbolic or Meaningful Design
Keepsakes and personal touches go beyond decoration – they tell a story. These items should represent what made your loved one unique. For a gardener, seasonal vegetables like carrots or kale might be included in the arrangement. For hobbyists, items like Lego models, knitting baskets, or a favourite stuffed toy could be added. Claire Higgs, a florist, explains:
"Adding sentimental details into the flowers such as a favourite hat, shoes, or a piece of clothing into a tribute can be a lovely representation of a loved one" [3].
For larger or valuable items, some florists can even create 3D floral replicas [1][14].
Practicality for Funeral or Graveside Use
When incorporating photographs, it’s essential to use a protective frame to prevent damage. Stibbards & Sons recommends ensuring that framed photos don’t come into direct contact with flowers [18]. Heavier items, such as boots or sports equipment, should be placed on top of the coffin instead of being embedded in the floral foam, which could disrupt the arrangement’s structure [1]. Florists can also secure small keepsakes, like feathers or wheat, directly into the arrangement for added stability [3]. These considerations ensure that personal additions enhance the tribute without affecting its overall presentation.
Emotional Impact and Connection
Personal effects bring a deeply emotional element to any service, helping to tell the story of the individual being honoured. Rachael, a funeral director, explains:
"The bottom line is, if it was something they loved, something that will provoke memories and help personalise the funeral, then we’ll do our best to include it" [1].
Such thoughtful touches provide comfort to families, showing that their loved one’s personality and life were truly celebrated and remembered [1].
7. Order Letter or Word Arrangements
Personalisation Options
Letter arrangements provide a heartfelt way to reflect a loved one’s identity in a striking floral tribute. These arrangements are crafted to spell out names, roles, or meaningful words. Most florists can create custom designs with words or names up to eight letters long [20].
Popular choices often include family roles such as MUM, DAD, NAN, GRANDAD, BROTHER, or SISTER. Short yet meaningful words like LOVE, PEACE, ANGEL, or FOREVER are also commonly selected [19][20]. For something more personal, you could opt for a first name or a cherished nickname that captures their essence [19].
"Usually, people choose a word that describes the person like ‘Dad’, ‘Mum’, or ‘Nan’. But your florist can work with you on whatever word or tribute you’d like (up to 8 letters long)." – aFlorist [20]
Symbolic or Meaningful Design
These tributes come in two main styles. Traditional designs often feature white chrysanthemums arranged tightly, with pleated ribbon edging and a decorative floral spray [12][19]. On the other hand, contemporary designs lean towards a looser arrangement with more visible greenery, creating a softer, more natural look [12][19].
To make the tribute even more personal, you can select specific colours for the flowers, ribbon edges, and sprays to reflect the deceased’s favourite shades or a meaningful theme [12][19]. Each letter typically measures about 30cm in height, meaning a three-letter arrangement like "DAD" would span nearly a metre [19].
This flexibility in design ensures the tribute is not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful, resonating with those who knew the deceased.
Practicality for Funeral or Graveside Use
Letter tributes are designed to travel with the hearse, often displayed prominently in the windows during the procession. Your funeral director will coordinate the placement and transport details with the florist to ensure everything runs smoothly [15][21]. These arrangements are suitable for burials, cremations, and memorial services, though it’s worth noting that longer words may require additional space due to their size [19].
"These displays usually travel with the hearse and are displayed in the window." – Funeral Partners [15]
Professionally arranged displays are crafted to remain fresh and vibrant for up to five days [22].
Emotional Impact and Connection
Beyond their practicality, letter arrangements carry a deep emotional significance. A single word – whether it’s a name, a family role, or a sentiment – can convey profound love and respect during a service.
"Whether it’s a name, a family role, or a meaningful word, these floral arrangements offer a heartfelt tribute at a funeral or memorial service." – Gorgeous Blooms [19]
These tributes create an immediate visual connection, helping mourners honour the departed and celebrate the bond they shared [19][21].
Conclusion
Every small, personal detail can turn a simple funeral flower arrangement into a deeply meaningful tribute. By tailoring a design to reflect a loved one’s personality – whether through favourite colours, unique shapes, or bespoke creations – you create a heartfelt celebration of their life and memories.
"I think the starting point for every funeral should be the personality of the person who has died." – Hannah, Funeral Director, Poppy’s Funerals [2]
These thoughtful details capture emotions and shared memories in a way that words often cannot. Incorporating elements that highlight the deceased’s character ensures the tribute feels authentic and comforting for those grieving.
"Personalising a funeral is not about buying more stuff… It’s about making choices that reflect the character and passions of the person who has died." – Poppy’s Funerals [2]
Work closely with your florist to bring your ideas to life. With modern techniques, tributes can take on creative forms, from musical instruments to sports-themed designs. Standard arrangements begin at around £40.00, while custom designs will vary in cost depending on their complexity. This investment in personalisation not only honours your loved one’s uniqueness but also creates a lasting memory that provides comfort for years to come.
FAQs
How far in advance should I order a bespoke tribute?
When planning a bespoke floral tribute, it’s wise to place your order well ahead of time. Reaching out to your florist several days or even weeks before the funeral allows plenty of time for personalisation and ensures any special requests can be fulfilled. This approach not only guarantees timely delivery but also helps create a heartfelt and meaningful arrangement.
Can you add photos or keepsakes safely to funeral flowers?
Yes, you can safely include photos and keepsakes in funeral flower arrangements. Items like dried flowers, personal notes, or photographs can be thoughtfully incorporated into the display. Alternatively, they can be preserved in special ways, such as being framed or embedded in resin. These approaches not only keep them secure but also transform them into lasting memorials, offering a deeply personal way to honour your loved one.
What affects the price of personalised funeral flowers?
The price of personalised funeral flowers can vary based on several factors. The size of the arrangement and the complexity of the design often play a big role – larger or more detailed displays naturally tend to cost more. The type of flowers chosen, the level of customisation, and any additional personal touches – like symbolic elements or unique requests – can also affect the final cost. Don’t forget to consider delivery fees, which may add to the overall expense.