White Flowers Meaning: Why We Send Them to Funerals

White flowers stand for peace, respect and remembrance. That is why they are the most common choice for funerals and sympathy flowers. They say "we are thinking of you" quietly, without needing many words.

Do white flowers mean death?

Not on their own. White flowers mean purity, peace and new beginnings, which is why they are just as common at weddings. At a funeral, the same meaning becomes one of honour and a peaceful farewell. In some cultures, though, white is the traditional colour of mourning, so white flowers are kept for funerals and avoided for happy occasions.

What each white flower means

• Lilies: the classic funeral flower, standing for the restored innocence of the soul. Our Oriental Lily Bouquet is a fragrant, traditional choice.
• White roses: reverence, remembrance and love that continues.
• Orchids: lasting love. A potted white orchid keeps flowering for weeks, a gentle reminder for the family.
• Chrysanthemums: in much of Europe and Asia these are strongly linked with grief and funerals. In Australia, they are also the Mother's Day flower.
• Carnations: pure love and remembrance, often used in casket sprays and wreaths.
• Peace lilies: a living plant that lasts for years. Our Peace Lily Plant is one of our most-sent sympathy gifts to the home.

Are white flowers right for every funeral?

White is always a safe, respectful choice. Colour can be just as fitting when it reflects the person: their favourite flower, their garden or a colour the family has asked for. If the funeral notice mentions colours or a charity instead of flowers, follow that.

Funeral flowers or flowers for the home?

• For the service: a sympathy wreath or casket spray is sent to the funeral home, usually the day before or the morning of the service.
• For the family's home: a vase arrangement or plant is easier to care for. Pure Elegance and Comforting Condolences are both designed to arrive ready to display.
• For the months after: grief doesn't end with the funeral. Remembering With You sends flowers now and again on later dates that matter, so the family knows they haven't been forgotten.
• A keepsake: forever flowers are dried or preserved and last for months.

What to write on a sympathy card

• "With deepest sympathy. Thinking of you all."
• "Forever in our hearts."
• "Sending love and strength at this difficult time."

Sending sympathy flowers in Brisbane

Perfect Petals has been helping Brisbane families say goodbye since 1995. We deliver to funeral homes, churches and homes across Brisbane, with same day delivery when you order by 2pm on weekdays or 11.30am on Saturdays. See our full range of sympathy and funeral flowers, or call us on (07) 3399 9659 and we'll help you choose.