
Funeral flowers are a beautiful and traditional way to express sympathy, love, and respect for the deceased. However, once the funeral or memorial service is over, many people are left wondering what to do with these floral arrangements. While it may seem like a small detail, the decision of what to do with funeral flowers can carry emotional weight and significance. This article explores various options for handling funeral flowers, offering practical and meaningful suggestions to honor the memory of a loved one.
1. Preserve the Flowers as Keepsakes
One of the most heartfelt ways to handle funeral flowers is to preserve them as keepsakes. Drying or pressing flowers allows you to retain their beauty and sentimental value for years to come. Here are a few methods to consider:
- Air Drying: Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dry place for several weeks. This method works well for roses, hydrangeas, and other sturdy blooms.
- Pressing: Place flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. Pressed flowers can be framed, added to a scrapbook, or used in crafts.
- Resin Preservation: Encasing flowers in resin is a modern way to create lasting mementos, such as jewelry, paperweights, or decorative items.
2. Donate the Flowers to Hospitals or Nursing Homes
Funeral flowers can bring joy and comfort to others who may be going through difficult times. Consider donating them to local hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice centers. Many facilities welcome floral donations to brighten up common areas or patient rooms. Be sure to call ahead and confirm their policies, as some places may have restrictions on accepting flowers.
3. Create a Memorial Garden
If you have access to outdoor space, consider using funeral flowers to start a memorial garden. Planting flowers or shrubs in memory of a loved one can create a peaceful and meaningful space for reflection. You can also scatter petals or compost the flowers to nourish the soil, symbolizing the cycle of life and renewal.
4. Share the Flowers with Family and Friends
Funeral flowers can be divided and shared among family members and close friends. This allows everyone to take home a small piece of the arrangement as a personal reminder of the loved one. You can also repurpose the flowers into smaller bouquets or single stems to give to others who may have been unable to attend the service.
5. Use Flowers in Art or Craft Projects
For those who enjoy creative pursuits, funeral flowers can be incorporated into art or craft projects. Here are a few ideas:
- Shadow Boxes: Combine dried flowers with photos, letters, or other mementos to create a personalized shadow box.
- Candles: Embed dried petals into homemade candles for a unique and fragrant tribute.
- Paper Making: Blend dried flowers into homemade paper to create stationery or artwork.
6. Compost the Flowers
If preservation or donation isn’t feasible, composting funeral flowers is an eco-friendly option. Composting allows the flowers to return to the earth, contributing to new growth and symbolizing the natural cycle of life. Be sure to remove any non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic wrappers or floral foam, before composting.
7. Hold a Flower Release Ceremony
A flower release ceremony can be a touching way to say goodbye. This can involve scattering petals in a meaningful location, such as a favorite park, beach, or body of water. Alternatively, you can release biodegradable floral arrangements into the water, allowing them to float away as a symbolic gesture of letting go.
8. Repurpose Flowers for Future Events
If the flowers are still fresh, consider repurposing them for other events or occasions. For example, they could be used to decorate a family gathering, a celebration of life, or even a wedding. This approach not only honors the memory of the deceased but also gives the flowers a second life.
9. Turn Flowers into Potpourri
Dried funeral flowers can be transformed into potpourri, creating a lasting fragrance that evokes memories of your loved one. Simply dry the flowers, mix them with essential oils and spices, and display them in a decorative bowl or sachet.
10. Seek Professional Preservation Services
If you’re unsure how to preserve funeral flowers yourself, consider hiring a professional preservation service. These experts can create custom keepsakes, such as framed arrangements, jewelry, or even glass art, using the flowers from the funeral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep funeral flowers fresh for a longer period? A: Yes, you can extend the life of funeral flowers by changing the water daily, trimming the stems, and keeping them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Q: Are there any flowers that are difficult to preserve? A: Some delicate flowers, such as lilies or orchids, may not dry or press as well as sturdier blooms like roses or carnations. It’s best to research preservation methods for specific flower types.
Q: Is it appropriate to donate funeral flowers to strangers? A: Absolutely. Donating flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities is a kind and thoughtful gesture that can bring comfort to others.
Q: What should I do with flowers that have wilted? A: Wilted flowers can still be composted or used in crafts. Even in their faded state, they can hold sentimental value and be repurposed meaningfully.
Q: Can I use funeral flowers to create a memorial tree? A: While you can’t directly plant funeral flowers to grow a tree, you can use their compost to nourish a tree planted in memory of your loved one. This creates a living tribute that grows over time.