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
I was 7 when my Cuz past away she was 27 I have visited her grave some many time I just don’t know what kind of flowers to put on her graveI know her favorite color was yellow but I don’t know what to put on her grave My mom always makes her flowers so I have been trying to make her some flowers but I don’t know what kind to put on it
Draven,
We’re very sorry for your loss. We have a collection of products that are designed specifically for dads. You can find it here: http://www.gravesideflowers.com/collections/father-s-day
Hello, i’ve never left flowers at a gravesite before because most of the funerals i have gone to i was too little to know what flowers to leave. I am now 17, about to turn 18. My father passed away when i was a baby, and i have never visited his grave nor met any of his family members. I know he was a loving man, with much passion in his soul, and had so much love for myself and my mother. I plan on visiting his grave on my 18th birthday alone… And i don’t know what flower/wreath/ornament would be appropriate for the occassion since i have never done it before; but i know i should leave something. Any thoughts or ideas? Any help would be fantastic.