Sending flowers to a funeral, or sending sympathy flowers to the bereaved, is a timeless expression of compassion and condolences. This guide covers everything you need to know about ordering funeral and sympathy flowers in Canada — from what flowers are most appropriate to how much to spend, when to send them, and eco-friendly alternatives.
Sympathy Flowers vs Funeral Flowers: What Is the Difference?
Sympathy Flowers
Sympathy flowers are sent directly to the home or workplace of the bereaved family as a personal expression of condolence. They are typically smaller, table-top arrangements designed to bring comfort and warmth to the grieving household.
Sympathy flowers can be sent at any point from when you hear of the death through to weeks afterward. White flowers — lilies, roses, and carnations — are traditional, though all colours are appropriate. Peace lily plants are also a popular choice as they are long-lasting and low-maintenance.
Prices for sympathy flower arrangements in Canada typically start at $70 to $120 for a simple bouquet or plant, ordered online.
Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers are formal floral tributes sent to the funeral service itself. They are typically larger, standing arrangements designed for display on an easel, or casket sprays placed on top of the coffin.
Funeral flower prices generally start at around $129 for a simple standing arrangement, with large sprays or casket arrangements ranging to $300 or more.
What Flowers Are Appropriate for a Funeral in Canada?
While there are no rigid rules, certain flowers are traditionally associated with funerals and sympathy in Canada:
- White lilies — the most traditional funeral flower, symbolising purity and the restored innocence of the soul
- Roses — red roses convey love; white roses suggest reverence; pink roses are appropriate for a younger person
- Carnations — long-lasting and often used to fill out arrangements; white carnations symbolise pure love
- Chrysanthemums — associated with death and grief in many European and Asian traditions
- Gladioli — tall and dignified, often used in standing sprays
- Orchids — elegant and long-lasting; suitable for sympathy arrangements
Bright, colourful flowers are increasingly common — especially for celebrations of life. Many families now specify a colour theme in the funeral notice to honour the personality of the deceased.
What to Write on a Funeral Flower Card
A short, sincere message is always appropriate. Some options:
- “With deepest sympathy”
- “Thinking of you and your family”
- “In loving memory of [Name]”
- “Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time”
- “With love and condolences from [your name]”
If you knew the deceased personally, including a brief specific memory is a meaningful gift to a grieving family.
Funeral Flower Terminology
- Funeral Wreath — a circular arrangement symbolising eternal life
- Spray — a one-sided arrangement designed for display on an easel
- Casket Spray — a large arrangement designed to lie on top of the casket, usually ordered by the immediate family
- Standing Spray — a large fan-shaped arrangement on an easel, visible throughout the service
- Floral Arrangement — flowers displayed in a vase, basket, or container, suitable for the home or service
Funeral Flowers in Different Cultural Traditions
Canada’s cultural diversity means that appropriate funeral flowers can vary significantly. It is always worth checking with the family if you are attending a service from an unfamiliar tradition.
- Christian funerals: white flowers are traditional; lilies and roses are widely appropriate
- Jewish funerals: traditionally, flowers are not sent. A donation to a charity is a more appropriate gesture.
- Hindu and Sikh funerals: flowers are generally appropriate. White or orange flowers are common.
- Buddhist funerals: white flowers are traditional. Avoid red flowers, which are associated with celebrations.
- Indigenous funerals: practices vary significantly by community — it is best to ask a family member.
For more on attending services from different traditions, see our guide to funeral etiquette in Canada.
Eco-Friendly Flower Alternatives
As environmental awareness grows, many Canadian families are moving away from conventional cut flowers in favour of more sustainable tributes.
- Potted plants and succulents — living plants last far longer than cut flowers and can be kept as a lasting memorial
- Locally grown, seasonal flowers — avoid imported, out-of-season flowers grown in energy-intensive conditions
- Wildflower seed packets — a thoughtful and eco-friendly sympathy gift
- Charitable donations in lieu of flowers — increasingly requested in obituaries
- Memorial tree donations — organisations such as Trees Canada allow you to plant a tree in memory of a loved one
If the family is planning a green or natural burial, a donation to a conservation organisation may be particularly meaningful.
When and Where to Send Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers sent to the service should be delivered to the funeral home at least 2 hours before the scheduled start. Order at least 24 hours in advance — more if the service is in a rural area or requires a custom arrangement.
Same-day funeral flower delivery is available in most Canadian cities. Sympathy flowers sent to the family’s home can be sent at any point from the time you hear of the death, through the weeks following the funeral.
Tips for Saving Money on Funeral Flowers
- Order online directly — online flower retailers typically offer lower prices than funeral home flower services
- Look for promotional codes — online flower retailers frequently offer discount codes
- Keep the arrangement simple — simple bouquets can be just as dignified as elaborate standing sprays
- Send a plant instead — a peace lily or orchid plant is often less expensive and lasts considerably longer
Frequently Asked Questions
White lilies, roses, and carnations are the most traditional choices. Chrysanthemums and gladioli are also commonly used. For a celebration of life, brighter colours are increasingly appropriate — always check the funeral notice for any guidance specified by the family.
Traditionally, no. Flowers are not a part of Jewish mourning customs. A charitable donation in the name of the deceased, or bringing food to the shiva, is typically a more appropriate gesture.
A simple bouquet or sympathy plant from $70 to $120 is entirely appropriate for a friend or colleague. Those wanting a more prominent tribute might spend $150 to $300 on a standing spray or casket arrangement. The gesture matters far more than the amount.
Direct cremation services typically do not involve a formal service, so there is no venue to send flowers to. Instead, consider sending sympathy flowers to the family’s home, or making a donation to a cause they specify.
It means the family has requested that guests make a donation to a specified charity or cause that was meaningful to the deceased, rather than sending floral tributes. This is increasingly common in Canadian obituaries.
