What to Do With Flowers From a Funeral: A Guide to Respectful Remembrance
Receiving flowers after a funeral is a heartfelt gesture of sympathy and support. These blooms, often beautifully arranged, carry a powerful emotional weight, representing the love and remembrance felt for the departed. But what do you do with them once the initial period of mourning has passed? This guide offers several respectful and meaningful options for handling funeral flowers.
What are the traditional options for funeral flowers?
Funeral flowers are traditionally displayed at the wake or funeral service, serving as a visual expression of grief and remembrance. They might be arranged in wreaths, sprays, bouquets, or other meaningful designs. The type and arrangement often reflect the relationship between the sender and the deceased, as well as cultural or religious traditions.
Can I keep the funeral flowers?
Yes, absolutely! Many people choose to keep the flowers from a funeral as a cherished memento of the loved one. However, cut flowers are perishable. There are ways to preserve their memory beyond their natural lifespan.
How can I preserve funeral flowers?
Several methods allow you to preserve your funeral flowers:
- Drying: Air drying is a simple method. Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place for several weeks until completely dry. You can then arrange them in a decorative container or shadow box. Pressing flowers between sheets of absorbent paper is another way to preserve them, though it flattens them.
- Preservation services: Many florists offer professional flower preservation services. These services use specialized techniques to retain the flowers’ color and shape for a longer time, often creating beautiful keepsakes. This is often a more expensive option.
- Photos: Taking high-quality photographs of the funeral flowers is a wonderful way to preserve their memory. You can create a digital album or print them to create a lasting tribute.
What if I don't want to keep the flowers?
If keeping the flowers isn't practical or desired, there are other meaningful options:
- Donate them to a hospital or hospice: Many hospitals and hospices gladly accept donations of funeral flowers to brighten the rooms of patients and their families. This is a beautiful way to extend the flowers’ positive impact.
- Repurpose them: If the flowers are still in good condition, you could repurpose them for a smaller arrangement, perhaps placing a few blooms in a vase in your home.
- Compost them: Composting the flowers returns them to the earth, symbolizing the circle of life and a natural conclusion to their beautiful journey.
- Dispose of them respectfully: If none of the above options are suitable, simply dispose of the flowers respectfully.
Should I give the flowers away?
You can certainly give the flowers to friends or family members who might appreciate them, especially if they have a particular connection to the deceased. However, ensure you're comfortable with this choice; some people prefer to keep the flowers as personal mementos.
What is the best way to handle the emotional aspect of dealing with the funeral flowers?
Dealing with the flowers after a funeral can be emotionally charged. Take your time and do what feels right for you. There's no right or wrong answer – the most important thing is to handle the flowers in a way that respects the memory of the deceased and honors your own feelings. Allow yourself to grieve and find comfort in the memories the flowers represent.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to handle funeral flowers. Remember, the most important aspect is to choose an option that feels respectful and aligns with your personal preferences and feelings during this difficult time.
