Receiving flowers after a funeral is a beautiful gesture of sympathy and remembrance. However, the abundance of blooms can leave you wondering what to do with them after the service. This guide will offer thoughtful and respectful options for handling funeral flowers, ensuring they continue to honor the memory of your loved one.
What Happens to Funeral Flowers After the Service?
Often, the immediate question is: what happens to the funeral flowers after the service? Many funeral homes will dispose of the flowers unless otherwise instructed. However, you have several meaningful alternatives.
Can I Keep the Funeral Flowers?
Yes, absolutely! Keeping funeral flowers is a perfectly acceptable and often deeply personal choice. They serve as a tangible reminder of the love and support shown during a difficult time.
How to Preserve Funeral Flowers
- Drying: Air drying is the simplest method. Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dark, dry place for several weeks. Pressing flowers between pages of a heavy book is another option for preserving delicate blooms.
- Preservation Kits: Several kits are available commercially that allow for long-term preservation of flowers, often encapsulating them in resin.
- Freeze-drying: This is a more professional method, creating a longer-lasting, vibrant display. Many florists offer this service.
Can I Repurpose Funeral Flowers?
Repurposing funeral flowers is a thoughtful way to extend their life and continue honoring the memory of your loved one.
Repurposing Ideas:
- Creating a lasting memorial: You can use individual flowers or petals to create a beautiful keepsake, such as a pressed flower arrangement in a frame, a resin paperweight, or even a memory jar filled with dried petals.
- Composting: Composting the flowers returns them to the earth, a natural and fitting end to their life cycle. This is particularly meaningful for those who appreciate the circle of life.
- Donating to a hospital or nursing home: Many facilities welcome donated flowers to brighten the days of patients and residents. Always call ahead to confirm their acceptance policy.
What if I Don't Want to Keep the Funeral Flowers?
If you prefer not to keep or repurpose the flowers, there are still respectful options.
Donating Flowers to Others
- Family and Friends: Offer flowers to family members or close friends who may appreciate them.
- Churches and Community Centers: Some churches or community centers accept donated flowers for their own arrangements or events.
Proper Disposal of Funeral Flowers
- Disposal at home: Compost them in your backyard or dispose of them appropriately in your trash. Avoid putting large bouquets directly into your trash can; consider breaking them down into smaller pieces first.
How Long Do Funeral Flowers Last?
The longevity of funeral flowers depends heavily on the type of flowers used and how they are cared for. Generally, cut flowers will last anywhere from 3-7 days, though with proper care (keeping them in a cool place, replacing water daily, and removing wilted blooms) you may extend their lifespan. Dried or preserved flowers will obviously last much longer.
What are the Traditional Customs Regarding Funeral Flowers?
Funeral flower customs vary across cultures and religions. Often, white flowers represent purity and innocence, while other colours can have varying significances. Researching traditions associated with the deceased's background may offer valuable insight.
Is It Okay to Take Flowers Home from a Funeral?
Yes, absolutely! It is perfectly acceptable, and often expected, for attendees to take home leftover flowers. Be mindful of the wishes of the family or those organizing the service, but generally, taking a few flowers to remember the deceased is perfectly fine.
By considering these options, you can ensure that the beautiful flowers received at a funeral serve as a lasting tribute to the deceased, continuing to provide comfort and fond memories. Remember to approach the situation with respect and sensitivity, focusing on the most meaningful way to honor the departed.
