what to do with flowers after a funeral

2 min read 25-12-2024

The aftermath of a funeral often leaves loved ones grappling with a mix of emotions. Among the practical tasks, deciding what to do with the funeral flowers can feel surprisingly significant. These floral tributes represent heartfelt condolences and cherished memories, deserving respectful and meaningful handling. This guide provides options for preserving the beauty and sentiment of funeral flowers, ensuring they continue to honor the departed.

Understanding the Sentimental Value of Funeral Flowers

Funeral flowers are more than just beautiful arrangements; they're powerful symbols of love, respect, and remembrance. They convey condolences, offer comfort, and serve as a visual representation of the life celebrated. Choosing how to handle them after the service can be a way to extend that tribute.

Options for Preserving and Honoring Funeral Flowers

Several meaningful ways exist to remember and honor the beautiful tributes received after a funeral.

1. Drying the Flowers for Lasting Remembrance

Air drying is a simple method for preserving smaller bouquets or individual flowers. Tie them together loosely and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry area for several weeks. Once dried, you can place them in a decorative container or create a memorial keepsake. Alternatively, silica gel can speed up the drying process while maintaining more of the flower's color and shape.

2. Pressing Flowers to Create Keepsakes

Pressing flowers is ideal for creating flat keepsakes like pressed flower art, bookmarks, or resin jewelry. This method requires patience; place the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and weigh them down for several weeks.

3. Composting the Flowers to Nourish New Life

Composting the funeral flowers offers a symbolic act of renewal and rebirth. This environmentally conscious approach allows the flowers to return to the earth, nurturing new life in line with the circle of life.

4. Donating Flowers to Hospitals or Care Facilities

Many hospitals and care facilities welcome donations of fresh flowers to brighten the environments for patients and staff. Spreading the beauty of the funeral flowers provides a much-needed source of cheer and comfort to others. Contact local facilities beforehand to check their donation policies.

5. Creating a Memorial Garden

A lasting tribute would be to plant the flowers (or their seeds/bulbs) in your garden or a special spot dedicated to the deceased. This living memorial creates a beautiful and ongoing space for remembrance and reflection.

6. Preserving Flowers Through Professional Services

For larger and more elaborate arrangements, consider hiring a professional florist specializing in flower preservation. These experts have the skills and techniques to preserve the flowers, creating lasting pieces such as framed displays or resin creations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Funeral Flowers

Q: How long do funeral flowers typically last?

A: Funeral flowers are typically treated and arranged to last a few days. However, this depends on the type of flowers, the arrangement, and care provided.

Q: When should I decide what to do with the flowers?

A: It’s best to consider your options soon after the funeral service, while the flowers still look their best.

Making the Decision That Feels Right

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with funeral flowers is deeply personal. Choose the option that feels most meaningful and aligns with your sentiments and memories of the departed. There's no right or wrong way to honor these tributes; the most important thing is that you find a way to preserve their memory in a way that feels comforting and appropriate.