Flowers have long been a part of funeral traditions, offering a way to express love, respect and remembrance. While classic choices like lilies, roses and carnations remain popular, some families prefer something more personal – floral tributes that reflect the individuality of their loved one.
Choosing unusual and unique funeral flowers allows you to create a farewell that is as special as the person being remembered. Whether you’re selecting blooms that symbolise their personality, favourite colours or passions, a carefully chosen arrangement can bring comfort and meaning during a difficult time.
In this guide, we explore distinctive funeral flower choices, their symbolism and how to create a floral tribute that feels truly personal.
The meaning behind unusual funeral flowers
Flowers carry deep symbolic meaning and choosing less conventional options can create a funeral tribute that feels more unique and heartfelt. Here are some unusual choices and their significance:
Orchids – Represent eternal love, beauty and strength, making them a sophisticated choice for a farewell.
Sunflowers – Symbolise warmth, positivity and an enduring spirit, perfect for celebrating a life filled with joy.
Blue delphiniums – Signify dignity, grace and an open heart, ideal for someone who was kind and generous.
Proteas – Represent courage and transformation, making them a powerful tribute to a strong, resilient individual.
Anemones – Associated with protection and remembrance, offering a thoughtful way to honour someone special.
These flowers can be used alone or combined with traditional funeral blooms to create a tribute that reflects the character and essence of the deceased.
Floral arrangements that stand out
Beyond the flowers themselves, the way they are arranged can make a funeral tribute feel truly personal. Here are some creative and unique approaches:
Wildflower arrangements – Loose, natural bouquets filled with meadow flowers and greenery offer a rustic, heartfelt tribute that’s perfect for nature lovers.
Living plant tributes – Instead of cut flowers, consider potted plants like lavender, bonsai trees or succulents, which mourners can take home as a lasting memory.
Themed floral displays – Some florists create arrangements in special shapes that reflect a loved one’s interests, such as a musical note for a musician, a football for a sports fan or a book for an avid reader.
Eco-friendly arrangements – Using biodegradable wreaths, seasonal flowers and locally grown blooms can be a meaningful way to honour someone who cared about the environment.
Choosing a unique floral arrangement not only creates a visually striking tribute but also serves as a meaningful way to celebrate the life of a loved one in a deeply personal way.
Considering the personality of the departed
The most meaningful funeral flowers are those that reflect the person they are honouring. When choosing flowers, consider:
- Vibrant, colourful flowers for someone with a lively and joyful personality.
- Soft, delicate blooms for a gentle and serene individual.
- Exotic flowers for someone who loved adventure and travel.
Other ways to personalise floral tributes include incorporating the deceased’s favourite flowers, choosing colours that represented their character or even selecting blooms linked to special memories – perhaps flowers from their wedding bouquet or a plant from their own garden.
Cultural and religious considerations
It is important to be mindful of cultural and religious traditions when selecting funeral flowers. Some unique choices may have different meanings in certain faiths or customs. For example:
Japanese funerals – White chrysanthemums are traditionally used as a symbol of mourning and respect.
Hindu funerals – Marigolds and other fragrant flowers are often used in ceremonies.
Catholic traditions – Lilies and white roses are common choices, symbolising purity and peace.
Understanding these traditions can help ensure that the chosen flowers are both meaningful and appropriate.
Where to find unusual funeral flowers
Finding unique funeral flowers may require working with specialist florists who can source rare or seasonal blooms. Some options include:
- Local florists – Many experienced florists can create bespoke funeral arrangements with unusual flowers.
- Online flower specialists – Some websites offer exotic or less common blooms that can be delivered for a funeral service.
- Personal gardens – Picking flowers from a family garden can add an incredibly personal and sentimental touch.
At Jamieson Funeral Directors, we understand how important it is to choose the right flowers for a farewell. We have strong connections with skilled local florists and can provide guidance on selecting meaningful and unique floral tributes.
A farewell in full bloom
Funeral flowers are more than just decorations – they are a way to honour, celebrate and remember a loved one. By choosing unusual and unique funeral flowers, you can create a tribute that truly reflects their spirit and individuality.
Whether it’s a vibrant bouquet, an eco-friendly wreath or a plant that continues to grow in their memory, a thoughtful floral choice can bring comfort and meaning to those left behind.
Support from Jamieson Funeral Directors
At Jamieson Funeral Directors, we are here to help you create a personal and meaningful farewell. Our strong relationships with local florists mean we can assist in choosing the perfect floral tribute for your loved one as part of our funeral packages and prepaid funeral plans.
If you need guidance or support, please reach out to us at directors@jamiesonfuneraldirectors.co.uk or call 0117 956 4796. We are here to help with care and compassion.