What to Do With Flowers From a Funeral: A Guide to Respectful Remembrance
Receiving flowers after a funeral is a poignant gesture of sympathy and support. These floral tributes often hold deep meaning, representing the life and legacy of the deceased. But what happens to these beautiful, yet often overwhelming, arrangements after the service? This guide offers respectful and meaningful options for handling funeral flowers.
Should I Keep the Funeral Flowers?
This depends entirely on your personal preference and relationship with the deceased. If the flowers hold significant sentimental value – perhaps they were a favorite of the departed, or a specific type of flower that evokes cherished memories – keeping them is a lovely way to remember them. However, it's important to consider the practicality. Funeral arrangements are often large and require significant care.
How Long Do Funeral Flowers Last?
Funeral flowers, like any cut flowers, have a limited lifespan. While the exact duration varies depending on the type of flowers and care provided, expect them to last anywhere from a few days to a week or two. Proper care, including regular watering and trimming, can prolong their life.
What if I Can't Keep the Flowers?
Many find it too difficult to keep the flowers, due to either practicality or emotional reasons. Here are some alternatives:
1. Donate them to a local hospital, hospice, or nursing home: These institutions often welcome flower donations to brighten the rooms of patients and residents. This is a wonderful way to share the beauty and extend the flowers' life, bringing joy to others. Contact the institution beforehand to confirm their willingness to accept donations.
2. Repurpose the flowers: If you're handy, you can press the flowers to create lasting mementos. This involves carefully placing the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and weighing them down for several weeks. Pressed flowers can then be used to create cards, scrapbooks, or framed artwork.
3. Compost the flowers: Composting is an environmentally friendly option. Once the flowers have begun to wilt, you can add them to your compost bin, returning them to the earth. This is a simple yet deeply symbolic act, representing the cycle of life and death.
4. Dispose of them respectfully: If none of the above options suit you, dispose of the flowers respectfully. Avoid simply throwing them in the trash. Instead, you could bury them, or discreetly place them in a designated area where they can decompose naturally.
What About the Funeral Home? Do They Handle the Flowers?
Some funeral homes may offer flower disposal services, either through composting or other means. It's always best to inquire directly with the funeral home to understand their practices and policies.
Can I Save Flowers From a Funeral for a Later Occasion?
While preserving some smaller, more manageable blooms might be possible using methods like pressing, attempting to save large funeral arrangements for a later date is generally not recommended. They are often quite large and difficult to maintain long-term.
What is the Etiquette Around Funeral Flowers?
Etiquette dictates respecting the wishes of the deceased and their family. If you are unsure what to do with the flowers, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the family for guidance.
By thoughtfully considering these options, you can honor the memory of the deceased while respectfully managing the beautiful, yet ephemeral, gift of funeral flowers. Remember, there’s no single “right” answer; the most important thing is to choose an option that feels meaningful and appropriate to you.
