Flowers are a powerful way to show love, respect and sympathy when someone dies. Whether you’re choosing blooms for a cremation or sending them to someone who is grieving, it’s natural to wonder what happens to those flowers afterwards and what the alternatives might be.
In this article, we’ll explore what typically happens to funeral flowers after a cremation, how different beliefs might shape what’s appropriate, and meaningful ways to honour someone’s life, with or without flowers.
We also have a free guide with even more useful information and help on what to say when someone dies, what to write on sympathy cards, as well as other ways you can show your support.
Are the funeral flowers cremated?
No, funeral flowers are not cremated with the person who has died. After the service, the flowers are usually collected by the crematorium staff. From there, families have a few options:
- Take them home to enjoy
- Leave them in the crematorium’s remembrance garden, if one is available
- Share them with family and friends as a way of continuing the tribute
While hospitals and hospices can no longer accept funeral flowers, some care homes may appreciate the gesture, particularly if the arrangement doesn’t look too formal or too much like funeral flowers.
Can funeral flowers be reused or preserved?
Fresh flowers will naturally begin to fade after a few days, but many people find comfort in reusing or preserving parts of the arrangement. Here are a few ideas:
- Press or dry petals to include in a memory book or keepsake box
- Make floral candles, coasters, or ornaments using resin
- Create a dried flower wreath or potpourri to keep at home
- Turn the compost into something meaningful, like planting a new tree in their memory
- Use blooms to craft handmade paper, perfect for writing letters or notes of remembrance
Some crematoria will also compost the natural elements from tributes left behind, giving those flowers a new purpose.
What if you don’t want to give flowers?
While flowers are a traditional gesture, they’re not always the right fit. Some families prefer not to receive them, and others may find it hard to let them go when the time comes.
You might see phrases like “family flowers only” or “in lieu of flowers” in a funeral notice. This is often a way of inviting guests to consider other tributes.
Here are a few respectful alternatives to sending flowers to a cremation:
- Make a donation to a charity that mattered to the person who died
- Write down memories or stories and share them with the family
- Create a scrapbook or memory jar
- Contribute to a memorial bench or plaque
- Give practical support, like food for the ceremony or a care package for the family
You can also check with the family or funeral organiser to see what feels right.
Funeral flowers and religious beliefs
Not every culture or religion includes flowers as part of the funeral tradition. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, here’s a quick guide:
- Christian (Catholic and Protestant): Flowers are generally welcome, though donations to charity are also common.
- Jewish: Flowers are not traditionally used. Instead, food or charitable donations are encouraged.
- Muslim: Simplicity is central, so it depends on the family's wishes; some may prefer no flowers at all.
- Hindu: Flowers are part of the funeral itself, but it’s not typical to bring them to the grieving family.
- Buddhist: White flowers are considered respectful. Red flowers or food should be avoided.
- Mormon: Flowers are welcome, but avoid religious symbols like crosses.
If you’re not sure, the most thoughtful thing you can do is ask the family or follow any requests shared in the funeral announcement.
What flowers do you get for a cremation?
There’s no single answer here; just choose something you think the person would have loved. Their favourite colour or flower is a lovely way to make your tribute feel personal.
Popular options include:
- Lilies, roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums
- Simple, seasonal arrangements that reflect the time of year
- Shapes like wreaths, hearts, sprays or posies
White flowers are a safe and elegant choice if you’re unsure, but don’t be afraid to include colour if you know what they would have liked.
You can also include a short message with your floral tribute. If you need inspiration, read our article on what to write on funeral flowers.
Honouring a loved one in your own way
At Pure Cremation, we believe there’s no right or wrong way to remember someone. A beautiful bouquet can say a lot, but so can your time, words, and actions.
Here are a few more ways to honour a life:
- Volunteer or support a cause close to their heart
- Create a memory space in your garden or home
- Share their stories with people who didn’t know them
- Host a gathering or event in their name
- Make something with your hands, whether that’s a photo album, a playlist, or a piece of art
Grief is deeply personal, and so is remembrance. What matters most is finding a way that feels meaningful to you.
If you're planning a cremation or thinking ahead, we’re here to help. Whether you have questions about funeral plans or want to talk through your options, Pure Cremation offers compassionate advice whenever you need it. Call our friendly team for free on 0800 470 23 93.
