10 Most Popular Funeral Flowers in Toronto and What They Symbolize
Choosing the right flowers for a funeral or memorial service is a thoughtful way to express sympathy and honour the life of a loved one. Every flower carries its own language, conveying messages of love, remembrance, purity, and strength when words may not be enough. Understanding this symbolism can help you select an arrangement that truly captures your feelings and respects the occasion. This guide explores the ten most popular funeral flowers commonly seen in Toronto, offering insight into the special meanings each one holds.
Top 10 Funeral Flowers in Toronto and Their Meanings
Here are the top 10 funeral flowers in Toronto, along with what they symbolize:
1. Lilies
Lilies are one of the most traditional and well-known flowers for funerals. Their beautiful, star-shaped flowers are a strong sign of purity, majesty, and new beginnings. In Toronto, you will often see lilies used in formal settings, such as standing sprays next to the casket or beautiful bouquets. White lilies are the most popular choice because they show respect and humility in an attractive, dignified way. Pink Stargazer lilies, on the other hand, are also a meaningful choice because they symbolize sympathy and honour.
2. Roses
Roses are durable and adaptable flowers that can convey a wide range of emotions, from deep love to profound respect and admiration. Each colour can have a very different meaning, which allows you to create a tribute that is unique to you. Red roses are a common choice for a spouse or close family member because they show deep love and sadness. White roses symbolize respect and humility, while pink roses represent gratitude and elegance. Yellow roses are often a symbol of friendship, serving as a warm reminder for friends to cherish memories. Roses are used in many thoughtful ways at funerals all over Toronto. A single rose on a casket can be a simple but powerful way to say goodbye. Family, friends, and coworkers often send them in sprays, wreaths, and bouquets as well.
3. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, also known as "mums," are often associated with honour, loyalty, and truth, making them a meaningful way to remember a life well-lived. These flowers are explicitly reserved for memorials and expressions of grief. As a flower of mourning, they have a long history of being used to show respect and acknowledge loss. You will see them used to make complete and lasting tributes in many Toronto services. Different colours have different meanings, but white chrysanthemums often symbolize sadness or devoted love, while red mums can represent deep love.
4. Carnations
Carnations are a classic and well-liked flower for showing sympathy. They have deep meanings of remembrance, gratitude, and lasting love. Their ruffled, delicate petals add a softness to arrangements while expressing deep sentiment. You can add a personal touch to the meaning by changing the colour. Red carnations typically symbolize deep love and respect, while white ones signify pure love and innocence. Pink carnations are probably the best flowers for funerals because they directly represent remembrance, which keeps the memory of the deceased alive.
5. Orchids
Orchids are a beautiful flower that sends a message of eternal love and gentle strength. Their elegant beauty speaks to a love that lasts beyond mere appearance, making them a significant tribute. In Toronto, people often give orchids as potted plants, which the family can take home as a lasting gift of sympathy. This living tribute can help people feel better long after the service is over.
6. Gladiolus
The gladiolus flower is a potent symbol of honesty, moral integrity, and strength of character. They are often used to make beautiful standing sprays and fan-shaped displays that are put near the casket or on an altar. Gladioli come in a variety of colours that have special meanings, such as white, pink, red, and purple. Each colour shows respect and remembrance.
7. Hydrangeas
People love hydrangeas because their large, fluffy flowers symbolize honesty and deep feelings. White and blue hydrangeas are common choices for expressing sympathy and peace. Still, other colours can also be used, depending on what the family wants and the overall mood of the memorial. They serve as a warm and gentle reminder that we all share the same grief.
8. Tulips
Tulips add a touch of grace, beauty, and quiet dignity to memorials. They are often thought of as symbols of spring and new life, but they also carry strong meanings of forgiveness and renewal, making them a suitable choice for a funeral. The colour of the tulip adds another layer of meaning: white is a classic symbol of respect and forgiveness, while red represents deep, lasting love. Yellow tulips can symbolize warmth and happy memories in certain situations, reminding us of the good times we've shared.
9. Irises
People often choose the iris flower because it stands for faith, hope, wisdom, and courage. Blue and purple irises are the most popular choices because their dark colours make people feel royal, faithful, and calm. White irises, which stand for purity and respect, are also a good choice. Including them in an arrangement is a lovely and respectful way to show support and remember someone.
10. Peonies
Peonies are a beautiful flower with full, soft petals and a sweet smell. They stand for respect, kindness, and a life well-lived. Their rich and full look can symbolize a whole and happy life, making them a poignant way to remember someone you loved. Peonies are often featured in seasonal arrangements in Toronto, particularly for spring and early summer events. The peony is a heartfelt and elegant way to honour a loved one. Colours like white, blush, and darker pinks all send a message of love and respect.
Looking for the Best Place to Buy Funeral Arrangements? Compassion Flowers Has You Covered
When words aren't enough, choosing funeral flowers is a deeply personal way to express your care, respect, and remembrance of the person who has passed away. You can use tradition and symbolism to help you choose, but the best floral tribute is always one that truly shows how you feel, respects the family's wishes, and honours the person's unique spirit. In the end, any arrangement sent with love is a lovely and comforting way to show support during a hard time.
The staff at Compassion Flowers is here to help you with this process with care and sensitivity when you're ready to pick an arrangement. We understand the importance of creating a tribute that feels just right. Our florists can help you select the perfect flowers to convey your sympathy, and they will ensure your arrangement arrives at its destination on time, anywhere in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of flowers are best to send to a funeral?
Any flower sent with genuine sympathy is a delicate gift. Roses, lilies, and carnations are always good choices because they are well-known symbols of love, purity, and remembrance. However, picking a flower that the person who passed away liked or that reflects their personality can also be a thoughtful and personal way to honour them. The most important thing is the meaning behind the gesture, so choose an arrangement that feels right to you and honours the person you are remembering.
What colour flowers should I send to show my sympathy?
White is the most common colour for funeral flowers because it stands for purity, peace, and respect. Soft pastels, such as pink, light blue, and lavender, also convey kindness and grace. Bright colours can sometimes be seen as festive, but they might be right for a "celebration of life" service or to honour someone with a lively personality. If you're unsure, white or light-coloured arrangements are always a classic and respectful choice that shows your sincere regret.
What kinds of flower arrangements for funerals should I think about?
Casket sprays, standing sprays, wreaths, and bouquets are all common types of funeral flower arrangements. Casket sprays are placed directly on the casket, while standing sprays and wreaths are displayed on easels near the service. Sending flowers to the family home is a common way to show sympathy. Each type has its own use and lets you show your sympathy thoughtfully.