Leaving flowers at the grave or memorial site for somebody who has passed away is something many of us feel the need to do. However, we want to make sure we do it in a way that will properly reflect upon, and honor, the life of our late loved one. This sometimes makes it difficult to choose just the right flowers. Should the flowers be bright and festive, or should they be more subtle and understated? Should we buy a wreath, a bouquet, a pillow, or a spray? How many flowers should we place on the grave?
All of these questions really boil down to what your instincts tell you to do. There is no right or wrong. However, we'd like to give you some general thoughts that might help you follow your instincts to the perfect graveside flowers.
Flower Meanings
Flowers carry a lot of symbolism, which is very important for remembrances. Listed below are some of the artificial silk flowers we sell here, and what each one symbolizes:
- Rose (red) - Passionate love
- Rose (pink) - Friendship
- Rose (yellow) - Zealous
- Rose (white) - Purity
- Poppy - Consolation - Also symbolic for veterans
- Calla Lily - Marriage and fidelity
- Sunflower - Adoration
- Peony - Healing
- Zinnia - Thoughts of friends
- Daisy - Innocence
- Hydrangea - Perseverance
- Gladiola - Strength of character
- Carnation (red) - Flashy
- Carnation (pink) - Gratitude
- Carnation (white) - Remembrance
- Larkspur - Beautiful spirit
- Orchid - Delicate beauty
More Symbolism
Wreaths are customary at funerals as symbols of life, death and the immortality of the soul. A wreath may be used at a grave site as a symbol of hope that the spirit as moved on and surpassed the death of the body.
Final Thoughts
When choosing flowers to leave at a grave, let your heart be your guide. If your memories of the deceased make you think of a field of daisies, leave a bouquet of daisies. If you have a special memory of the person where a vase of roses was present, leave a vase of roses. In these situations, more often than not, your heart will lead you in the right direction.
18 comments
Mary,
Yes, it is.
I am attending the funeral of my aunt who was my uncle’ wife. He has already passed away, and her grave will be right next to him. Is it ok to place flowers on his grave at her funeral?
Shelly,
Animals do love fresh flowers, but NOT silk ones. None of the flower arrangements we sell will be attractive to hungry animals.
Hi can you help we put fresh flowers on our parents grave every wk but the sqirrels keep eating them any thing you can suggest to stop this or flowers they dnt like thanks
Joyce,
Most people put vases on both sides to keep a symmetrical look.