Funeral Flowers in Sittingbourne and Kent
Arranging Funeral Flowers: A Thoughtful Guide for Those Grieving
The passing of a loved one is a profound, deeply personal experience. During this time of loss, planning a funeral or memorial can feel overwhelming, yet finding small ways to honour the life of the person you've lost may also be a source of comfort. One such way is through arranging funeral flowers—a tradition that goes back centuries as a symbol of respect, love, and remembrance. Flowers, with their beauty and delicacy, often speak the words we can’t express during these moments. We have put together this guide to offer compassionate assistance in selecting and arranging funeral flowers in a way that honours your loved one and brings peace to you as well.
Understanding the Symbolism of Flowers
Each flower carries its own significance and choosing flowers that reflect the personality or beliefs of the person you are honouring can be a meaningful way to pay tribute to them. Kalina, the owner of Flowers Creations has an extensive knowledge of flowers & offers some insight regarding commonly used flowers and their symbolic meanings below:
- Lilies: Represent purity, peace, and the soul’s return to a state of innocence.
- Roses: Red roses symbolize deep love, while white roses represent reverence. Yellow roses may be chosen for their association with friendship.
- Carnations: Often represent love and remembrance. White carnations symbolize innocence, while red ones are for admiration.
- Chrysanthemums: In many cultures, these flowers symbolize death and are often used in funerals.
- Orchids: Represent eternal love and beauty, making them a lovely choice for memorials.
Choosing condolence flowers that reflect these meanings, or flowers that your loved one particularly enjoyed, can create a more personal, heartfelt arrangement. Kalina & the team are always available by phone or email should you wish to discuss your loved one’s favourite flowers & also offer suggestions of size, colour & design. Please see the bottom of the article for contact information or click the link.
Types of Arrangements for Funerals
Funeral & sympathy flowers come in a variety of arrangements, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding the different options can help you select something fitting and respectful. Here are just a few.
- Casket Sprays: These are typically large, central arrangements placed atop the casket. Casket sprays can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire, often chosen by immediate family members.
- Standing Sprays and Wreaths: These large, circular arrangements stand beside the casket and symbolize eternity. They are a beautiful way to honour the lasting impact of your loved one.
- Bouquets and Baskets: For those looking for simpler arrangements, bouquets or flower baskets can be displayed on tables or by the altar. These can also be taken home or shared after the service.
- Crosses or Hearts: These shaped arrangements often hold religious or personal significance. They symbolize faith, love, and hope, offering an additional layer of meaning.
- Individual Floral Pieces: Some families choose to give each guest a single flower to place by the casket or at a burial site, a ritual that can bring a sense of unity and shared remembrance.
These are but a few options. If you would like to see the full range of funeral flowers offered by Kalina & the team please follow the highlighted link for more.
Selecting Colours and Styles
Colour plays an emotional role in any setting, and the colours you choose can set a certain tone. Neutral colours—white, cream, and pale pastels—are traditional for funerals and reflect peace and calm. However, it’s also common to incorporate colours that may have been meaningful to the person who passed.
Bright colours, though less traditional, can celebrate a vibrant personality and reflect the joy they brought to those around them. Ultimately, the best colour palette is one that feels true to the individual and comforting to those attending.
Working with an Experienced Funeral Florist
A florist who specializes in funeral arrangements can be a compassionate guide during this time. It really is a time where working with an expert florist is essential. Kalina & the team at Flowers Creations Sittingbourne, can help select flowers that will last through the service and assist with any special requests, such as incorporating flowers from a loved one’s garden or including an unusual variety. Don’t hesitate to share stories or favourite memories, as florists can sometimes design custom arrangements that capture a unique essence of the person being honoured. Kalina & the team want to make the process as simple as possible for you during what can be a difficult time.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Adding personal elements to floral arrangements can be a gentle way to express love and respect. Here are a few ideas for meaningful additions:
- Photographs: Adding a photo of the person who passed beside or within the arrangement can be a powerful visual tribute.
- Favourite Belongings: If your loved one cherished a particular book, small keepsake, or piece of fabric, ask the florist if it can be incorporated into the arrangement.
- Ribbons and Messages: Including ribbons with words like “Beloved Mother” or “Dear Friend” can be an additional way to acknowledge the relationship you had.
- Toys & Candles: Sometimes small children are not able to attend funerals, small stuffed animals or a teddy bear included in your arrangement is a loving way for them to send their love. Or you may like to include an item like a candle for someone who has already passed who is waiting for them. Kalina has some ideas in her finishing touches section of the website.
After the Service
After the service, you might wonder what to do with the flowers. Here are some ideas for handling the floral arrangements in ways that can help you and other family members continue to feel connected to your loved one:
Donate to a Hospital or Hospice: Some families choose to donate the arrangements to a nearby hospital, hospice, or nursing home, where they can bring comfort to others.
Dry and Preserve: If you’d like to keep the flowers as a memory, consider drying or pressing some of the blooms to create keepsakes.
Share with Family and Friends: Allowing loved ones to take a small bouquet or single bloom can help everyone feel a continued sense of closeness.
Taking Time for Yourself
The process of selecting and arranging funeral flowers may bring up waves of emotions. Take things slowly and remember that it’s okay to ask for help or take breaks if you need to. Lean on friends, family, or even a florist to assist with decisions. Arranging flowers in honour of someone’s life is an emotional task, and giving yourself grace and patience is essential. Kalina & the team are very experienced & are genuine caring people, that’s why we do what we do. So don’t worry if you get upset during the process, we are here for you every step of the way.
Here is some lovely feedback Kalina & the team have received from customers.
Finding Peace Through Remembrance
While arranging funeral flowers is a sombre task, it’s also an opportunity to create a beautiful, serene tribute to the person who meant so much to you. Flowers offer a sense of tranquillity, and the arrangements you choose become a visual representation of the love and memories you shared. Let each petal, each bloom, and each carefully selected colour help you say a heartfelt goodbye, and take comfort in the beauty that these arrangements bring to a difficult day.
Grieving is an intensely personal journey, and each decision you make for a loved one’s memorial service can be a way to honour their life and ease your own sorrow. Funeral flowers, with their natural grace, offer a comforting symbol of the life and love you shared, providing a source of quiet peace amid the sadness.
Flowers can be arranged online with no contact if required, by phone, by email or in person at our shop at 32 High St, Sittingbourne. We are happy to arrange your sympathy & funeral flowers in a way that suits you best. Please feel free to share this article with friends & family who may also need some guidance on selecting flowers or who may live further away & may need to arrange from a distance.
If you would like to get in touch please see our details below.
For Kalina & the team please call 01795 871308
Email: [email protected]
Links for local Funeral Directors we currently work with.
We work with many local funeral directors here are some listed below. Don’t worry if you don’t see yours listed below please just get in touch or ask them to reach out directly to us.
- Luke Allum, 8 Broadway, Sheerness
- Havill Funeral Services, 19 Queenborough Road, Minster
- Hogben & Son, 28 Hope Street, Sheerness
- Co – op Funeralcare, 130 High Street, Sheerness
- Palliser Platt & Sons, 36 The Broadway, Sheerness
- Bournes Funeral Service, 4 – 6 East Street, Sittingbourne
- Co – op Funeralcare, 50 High Street, Sittingbourne
- R High & Sons, 1 Bayford Road, Sittingbourne
- Doves Funerals, 100 – 102 East Street, Sittingbourne
- John Weir, 130 - 132 High Street, Rainham
- William Whitmey, 122A Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne
- Watermans Funeral Director, 40 High Street Sittingbourne