How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?

When planning a funeral, many people include beautiful flowers to honour their loved one and add a personal touch to the service. Funeral flowers are often seen to express love and respect. Whether it’s a wreath, a spray or a bouquet, flowers are a meaningful part of many memorials.

However, it’s important to note that funeral flowers are typically not included in prepaid funeral plans. While pre-arranged funeral services often cover essential aspects like burial or cremation, transportation and legal documentation, personal touches like flowers fall outside the scope of these plans.

In this guide, we’ll explore the costs associated with funeral flowers, helping you understand what to expect when planning for your funeral.

Why Do People Choose Funeral Flowers?

Funeral flowers hold a special place in funeral traditions around the world. While the primary purpose is to honour the deceased, flowers also offer a meaningful way for family and friends to express their grief, love and respect.

To Honour and Celebrate the Deceased

Flowers are a timeless way to pay tribute to a loved one’s life. The choice of flowers often reflects the individual’s personality, preferences or cultural background. For example, roses might symbolise love and admiration, while lilies represent the restored innocence of the soul. The flowers’ meaning can make the tribute feel even more special.

To Provide Comfort to the Bereaved

Flowers also serve as a source of comfort to those mourning a loved one. Giving and receiving flowers provides emotional support and helps convey sympathy. They create a sense of connection between the living and the deceased, and their presence at the service can offer a quiet sense of peace and healing for family and friends.

To Brighten the Atmosphere

Funerals, while sombre, are often a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate a life lived. Flowers bring a touch of natural beauty and brightness, contrasting with the sadness of the occasion. The vibrant colours and fragrant aromas can uplift the spirits of those attending, creating a calming and serene atmosphere.

To Personalise the Service

Funeral flowers can be customised to reflect the deceased’s tastes, interests or passions. Some people choose floral arrangements that represent their loved one’s hobbies, favourite colours or hold special meaning.

To Honour Cultural or Religious Traditions

In many cultures and religions, flowers play an important role in funeral rites. From the types of flowers used to how they are presented, funeral flowers often follow specific traditions or customs. For instance, certain flowers may be more common in Christian, Jewish or Buddhist ceremonies.

Types of Funeral Flowers

1. Coffin flowers

Coffin flowers are one of the most traditional and prominent types of funeral flowers. These are typically placed directly on or around the coffin during the service. There are several types of coffin flowers:

• Sprays: large arrangements often placed directly on top of the coffin
• Corners: smaller arrangements placed at each corner of the casket
• Half-coffin: flowers cover one side of the coffin, leaving the other side open for viewing

2. Funeral bouquets and arrangements

Funeral bouquets and arrangements are versatile options that can be placed on display during the funeral service. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles:

• Sympathy bouquets: smaller, hand-tied bouquets given by friends and family to show their condolences.
• Funeral baskets: larger, more formal arrangements in baskets or other containers to decorate the funeral venue
• Funeral wreaths: come in various shapes and sizes and can be displayed on the coffin, on the ground or near the altar

3. Floral tributes

Floral tributes are unique, personalised arrangements that carry a more distinctive meaning. These floral designs can represent specific symbols, interests or passions of the deceased:

• Heart-shaped arrangements: can be given by close family members, particularly a spouse or children, as a deeply emotional tribute to the deceased
• Themed tributes: created in the shape of symbols, such as crosses or angels
• Personalised arrangements: shaped into the initials, name of, or relationship with the deceased as a personal tribute

Average Costs of Funeral Flowers

The cost of funeral flowers can vary depending on the types of flowers chosen and level of customisation. Here’s a look at the typical price range for different types of arrangements:

• Simple bouquets: £25 – £45

These are often small, hand-tied arrangements given by family members and friends. They are less elaborate than large sprays but still provide a beautiful tribute to the deceased.

• Wreaths or sprays: £55 – £125

These larger, more formal arrangements are often placed on or around the coffin. Arrangements are usually more intricate and require more flowers, so they fall into the higher end of the price range.

• Custom arrangements: £135 – £350

Flowers designed in shapes can cost significantly more. The more personalised and detailed the arrangement, the higher the price is likely to be.

Costs above are taken from the Solace Flowers website.

Can Funeral Flowers Be Included in a Prepaid Funeral Plan?

Funeral flowers are not included in prepaid funeral plans. While plans are designed to help individuals arrange and pay for essential aspects of their funeral in advance, personal touches like flowers, memorial stationery or other special requests are generally not part of the package.

Prepaid funeral plans are focused on ensuring the core components of a funeral are taken care of in advance, leaving details such as flowers up to the individual or their loved ones to arrange separately.

If planning ahead, set aside a separate budget for funeral flowers. This ensures funds will be available for the floral arrangements to enhance the service and pay tribute to your wishes. By considering flowers as part of your broader funeral planning, you can create a more personalised and meaningful farewell while keeping your prepaid funeral plan focused on the essential services.