Flowers can help us to express feelings that are otherwise difficult to articulate – they enable us to show our sympathy and condolence at times of loss and mourning.

By selecting flowers that were significant in the life of your loved one, they’re also a beautiful way to add a personal touch to a funeral service.

But did you know that flowers have meaning associated with them? This is a collection of our favourites:

Lilies
The lily is the flower most usually associated with funerals. Symbolically they show that renewal is just around the corner, and that the end of one thing is the beginning of another.

Pansy
Derived from the French word ‘pansée’, this bloom means thoughtfulness and remembrance.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are said to symbolise happiness. The Victorians used them to show friendship and well-wishing.

Gladioli
In Rome, gladioli were associated with gladiators. Because of their association with gladiators, the gladiolus embodies strength of character, sincerity and moral integrity. 

Carnation
These are thought to be one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. Choose white (‘sweet and lovely’) or pink (‘I will never forget you’). 

Red tulips
Red roses aren’t the only flower with a romantic meaning: red tulips are also considered a declaration of love.

Anemone
These blooms take their name from the Greek word for wind (anemos) since their lives are so short. In modern times, they symbolize fragility.

Verbana
Due to their prominent place in religious ceremonies throughout history, these petite purple flowers mean ‘pray for me’.

Camellia
These impressive, lush flowers were beloved by the Victorians, and were given the meaning ‘my destiny is in your hands’.

Honeysuckle
These sweetly-scented flowers are another sign of devotion, representing strong bonds of love.

For help with selecting flowers or any other aspects of funeral arrangements or planning, please contact us: Dundee: 01382 452 110 St Andrews: 01334 472 456.