Flowers are a traditional way to express sympathy and to bring warmth to a service. This guide helps you choose what to send, where and when, and what to write.
Quick etiquette check
Types of funeral arrangements
| Arrangement | Usually sent by | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Casket spray | Immediate family | On the casket |
| Standing spray or wreath | Family, friends, groups | On an easel at the service |
| Inside-casket piece | Immediate family, grandchildren | Inside the casket |
| Basket or vase arrangement | Friends, coworkers | The service, or the family home |
| Plant | Friends, coworkers, businesses | Usually the family home |
| Urn arrangement | Family | Around the urn at a memorial service |
Typical costs
Arrangement prices vary with size, flowers and delivery. Small vase arrangements and plants cost less; standing sprays and casket sprays cost more. Our funeral cost calculator uses a general range of about $300 to $1,000 for a family’s funeral flowers.
Sending flowers to a service
- Check the obituary for the service location, time and any “in lieu of flowers” request.
- Include the name of the person who died and the service time with your order.
- Order for delivery before the visitation or service starts.
- For a service at a funeral home, you can often order through the funeral home. For services at Postell’s Mortuary (this site’s sponsor), see its flowers page.