What to Do with Funeral Flowers
Honouring Their Beauty and Meaning
Flowers are a timeless way to express love, sympathy, and respect during a funeral. They bring comfort to grieving families and serve as a meaningful tribute to the person who has passed. But after the service, you might wonder what to do with these beautiful arrangements.
At Gaunts of Wollaston, we understand how meaningful funeral flowers can be and how important it is to handle them thoughtfully. Explore several options for preserving, repurposing, or honouring funeral flowers to ensure they remain a cherished part of your loved one’s memory.
1. Share the Flowers with Family and Friends
After the funeral, you can invite family members and close friends to take home some of the arrangements. This not only shares the beauty of the flowers but also helps everyone feel connected to the memory of your loved one.
For larger arrangements, you can divide the flowers into smaller bouquets to distribute. This simple act can provide comfort to others during their grieving process.
2. Preserve the Flowers as Keepsakes
Preserving funeral flowers can transform them into lasting mementos. Here are a few ways to preserve them:
- Press Flowers: Place individual flowers between sheets of parchment paper and press them with a heavy book. Once dried, you can frame the pressed flowers or use them in a scrapbook.
- Dry Flowers: Hang bouquets upside down in a cool, dry place to air dry them. Once dried, the flowers can be displayed in a vase or used for crafts.
- Create Resin Keepsakes: Some families choose to encase petals in resin to create jewellery, paperweights, or other decorative items.
3. Donate the Flowers
If you’d prefer to share the flowers with others, consider donating them. Many hospitals, care homes, and hospices accept flowers to brighten someone else’s day. This gesture can bring comfort and joy to those in need, spreading positivity in honour of your loved one.
4. Repurpose the Flowers
Repurposing funeral flowers is a wonderful way to extend their life and create something meaningful. Here are a few ideas:
- Make Potpourri: Dry the petals and mix them with essential oils to create fragrant potpourri.
- Use in Crafts: Dried petals can be used in candles, soaps, or handmade cards to keep the memory alive.
- Create a Memorial Garden: If you received potted plants or flowers, you can replant them in a garden as a living tribute to your loved one.
5. Turn Flowers into Compost
If you prefer an eco-friendly option, consider composting the flowers. This returns them to the earth, symbolising renewal and growth, and can be a thoughtful way to honour your loved one. The compost can later be used to nurture plants in your garden, creating a living legacy.
6. Use Flowers in Memorial Services
If you’re holding additional memorial services or a celebration of life event, the flowers can be reused as decorations. This ensures their beauty continues to play a role in honouring your loved one.
7. Preserve Flowers with Professional Help
For families looking for an expert touch, professional flower preservation services are available. These specialists can create bespoke keepsakes, such as framed arrangements, jewellery, or even ornaments, using the flowers from your loved one’s funeral.
Honouring Their Memory with Thoughtfulness
Funeral flowers carry deep meaning, and finding ways to care for them after the service is a meaningful part of the grieving process. Whether you choose to preserve them as keepsakes, repurpose them into new creations, or share them with others, these flowers can continue to bring comfort and joy as a tribute to your loved one.
At Gaunts of Wollaston, we’re here to support you through every step of this journey. If you’d like advice or assistance in creating memorial keepsakes or tributes, don’t hesitate to contact our caring team.
