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 |  | Carnations and Common Flowers: $40-$80 |  | Roses, Lilies or Exotic Flowers: $90-$250 |  | Sprays and Wreaths: $125-$350 |
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Whether a simple bouquet in a vase, or a large wreath or floral heart on a stand, flowers are often sent as a sign of support to the grieving family and to honor the memory of the deceased. The immediate family often supplies a main floral arrangement or casket spray, but neighbors, friends, coworkers and others may send additional flowers.
Typical costs: | - A basic bouquet in a vase or basket starts between $40 and $80 for a simple arrangement of carnations or other common flowers with filler such as babies' breath or ferns; it increases to $90-$250 or more for larger bouquets of roses, lilies or other high-end or exotic flowers. FTD.com[1] offers bouquets in a vase or basket for $40-$212. Instead of cut flowers, an arrangement of potted plants with similar growing-condition requirements can cost $30-$90 or more.
- A casket spray (designed to be laid over the casket whether it's open or closed) is usually ordered by the immediate family of the deceased, and starts around $60-$125 for a small, simple spray but more often costs $150-$250 for larger arrangements of standard flowers, and can be $300-$450 or more for large arrangements of roses, lilies, orchids or other more expensive flowers. Dick's Flowers[2] sells a range of casket sprays, from $150 for carnations to $400 for long-stemmed red roses in full bloom.
- Stand-alone sprays and wreaths start between $50 and $100 for common flowers in a simple spray on a stand/easel, but it often costs $125-$350 for a stand/easel holding a large spray, wreath or specialty arrangement in the shape of a heart, cross or other symbol. Costco[3] sells specialty arrangements for $280-$290, and large casket sprays for $300-$350.
- Pallbearers' boutonnieres range from $4-$20 each, but average about $10 apiece.
- A complete funeral floral package (bouquet, casket spray, boutonnieres, etc.) can range from $200-$800 or more but averages about $300-$500, depending on how many flowers are included, the type used and local rates.
Related articles: Funeral Service, Funeral Processions, Funeral
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What should be included: | - A floral arrangement should arrive at least two hours before the funeral or memorial service. A standard funeral package from a funeral home or mortuary will typically include handling the flowers -- receiving them, setting them up for a service, transporting them to a graveside ceremony, making arrangements for them after the funeral/memorial is over, and keeping track of who sent which floral arrangement so thank-you cards can be sent later. If this is not included in a package price, the bereaved family may need to decide how to arrange, track and dispose of the floral arrangements.
- Flowers are not appropriate in all cases. 800Florals.com provides an overview of flower etiquette[4] for different religious faiths. Flowers are not considered appropriate for a Jewish funeral, for example. See How Much Do Jewish Funerals Cost.
- It's traditional to include a sympathy card with the flowers. Dick's Flowers lists a few sample sympathy messages[5] . Many experts suggest making sure the florist includes a description of the arrangement as well as who sent them, to make it easier for the bereaved family to keep track.
- Be aware that many online or 800-telephone floral services take an order, deduct their costs then place an order with a local florist for less than the total amount of the order. The flowers delivered are supposed to resemble the image shown online, but there's no guarantee. (When ordering, some services allow you to specify no substitutions.) FloristDetective.com explains some of the pitfalls of flower wire services [6] . For an out-of-town funeral, many experts recommend having a local florist place an order with a florist in the area of the funeral. There may be a minimal charge ($5-$20) for this service, but it can give more control over the quality of the arrangement.
Additional costs: | - Local florists may charge a delivery fee of $5-$10, depending on the distance. Most online or 800-number floral services advertise free delivery, but add a shipping/handling/service charge of $10-$15. Ask about extra fees before ordering.
Discounts: | - Flowers from the garden, carefully arranged in a tall vase, can be personally carried to the funeral or memorial service.
Shopping for funeral flowers: | - Before ordering flowers, ask if any family members have strong allergies or other concerns. FTD.com explains the possible meanings[7] of different kinds of flowers.
- Tell the florist about the deceased's interests and hobbies, or if the person had favorite flowers or colors. Explain how and when the flowers will be used (at the front of a funeral or graveside service, on a table with the guest book, etc.). FloristDetective.com provides links to independent local florists[8] . Referrals are also available from the Society of American Florists[9] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: GAPeaches in Hartwell, GA. | Posted: September 15th, 2021 02:09PM |
| Type of Flowers: Roses | Florist: Petals |
Ordered 12 roses, 6 white, 6 red, in a vase with a blue ribbon for my dad's grave. The roses smelled heavenly and each blossom opened to be about 5 inches across. They lasted for more than a week at the grave, which was in full sun. I thought it was a reasonable price, but the florist did not do any delivery so I had a sibling pick up the flowers and take them to the church cemetery. |
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| Posted by: June Anderson in Blue Bell, PA. | Posted: June 17th, 2019 08:06AM |
| Type of Flowers: Vase | Florist: Larsen's |
Family members said it wasn't worth $125.00 |
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External Resources: | - www.ftd.com/sympathy-funeral-ptg/for-the-service/occasion-sympathy/occasion-sympat...
- www.dicksflowers.com/html/casket_sprays.html
- www.costco.com/
- www.800florals.com/care/faiths.asp
- www.dicksflowers.com/html/funeral_wreaths.html
- www.floristdetective.com/wst_page13.aspx
- www.ftd.com/sympathy-funeral-ptg/meaning-of-sympathy-flowers/occasion-sympathy/occ...
- www.floristdetective.com/wst_page7.aspx
- nationalfloristdirectory.com/
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