Standing Sprays vs. Wreaths: Which Sympathy Flower Arrangement is Right?
Choosing the right flowers to honour a loved one is a deeply personal decision, but when you’re browsing a florist's website, the two most common options you see are standing sprays and wreaths. While both are beautiful and designed to stand tall on an easel, they carry different symbolic meanings and visual styles.
Read below to learn the main differences between these two and make the right choice for a perfect tribute.
Differences Between Wreaths and Standing Sprays
Both arrangements are meant to be viewed from the front in a service, and they are similar in height, but their construction and symbolism differ significantly.
The Standing Sprays
A standing spray is a large, one-sided floral arrangement that is usually teardrop or oval-shaped. They are designed to resemble a “spray” of flowers that reach to the sky.
Visual Style
These are often quite lush and dramatic. They have a large surface area so florists can use all types of long-stemmed flowers such as lilies, gladiolus and roses to create a feeling of height and fullness.
Purpose
Standing sprays are often sent by close friends, distant family or business associates. They are intended to be a show-stopping element at the funeral home or graveside.
Customization
Sprays are easy to customize by shape, with ribbons (that say things like "Beloved Father" or "Deepest Sympathy").
Wreaths
A wreath is a circular arrangement of flowers. This shape is very meaningful; the circle has no beginning and no end, and it represents the “circle of life” and the idea of eternal love or the immortality of the soul.
Visual Style
Wreaths have a more formal and structured look. They can be airy and wild, but are generally dense with carnations, chrysanthemums, roses, etc. to keep that perfect ring shape.
Purpose
Wreaths are often selected by immediate family members or very close-knit groups (such as a department at work or a long-term club) because of the heavy symbolism of unending love.
Heritage
Wreaths have a very traditional vibe. If the service is high church or highly formal, a wreath often fits the air perfectly.
How To Choose One Over The Other
The choice between a wreath and a spray is usually driven by three main factors: your relationship to the deceased, the personality of the person being honoured, and the service setting.
Think About Your Relationship
As a general rule, the more symbolic the arrangement becomes, the closer you were to the person. If you want to stress that your love for them will never end, the wreath is the gold standard. A standing spray is a generous and thoughtful way to make a grand gesture of support and admiration for the family.
Match the Personality Type
Think of the person who has died.
For the “Life of the Party”: A standing spray is often bright, tall and makes its presence known. It’s good for someone with a big, vibrant personality.
For the Traditionalist: A wreath is neat and tidy. It’s a good fit for someone who appreciated tradition, grace and understated elegance.
Consider the Venue
Standing sprays are suitable for large chapel funerals as they are tall enough to be seen from the back of the room. Wreaths, also on easels, are usually more compact. A wreath is a beautiful tribute in a smaller, more intimate space, where it does not overpower the room.
Budget Issues
Both are usually premium arrangements. However, wreaths require a special frame and dense arrangement of flowers to hide the structure, and can sometimes take more labour (and cost a bit more) than a spray of equal size.
No Matter What You Choose, Get the Freshest Flower Arrangements at Compassion Flowers
When it comes to sympathy flowers, there is no right or wrong. The family will appreciate your gesture, whether you select the soaring beauty of a standing spray or the timeless, eternal circle of a wreath. Flowers provide a sense of peace and comfort during one of life’s most difficult times. Selecting a display that captures the essence of your loved one will be a lovely setting for their final goodbye.
During the most difficult moments of losing your loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is the quality of your floral tribute. Compassion Flowers specializes in handcrafted standing sprays and wreaths that honour the dignity of a life lived well.
We source our blooms daily so they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the service and after. We’ll take care of all the details so you can focus on what’s most important, remembering and celebrating a life well lived. Our extensive collection across the GTA promises to offer something for everyone with free delivery that ensures all your orders are delivered on time.
FAQs
Are standing sprays and wreaths deliverable to the family’s home?
Usually not. They are large and sit on wire easels, so they are for funeral homes, churches or graveside services. If you want home delivery, you should choose a “tribute basket” or a vase arrangement.
Can I use bright colours or should I stick to white?
The traditional colour of sympathy is white because it symbolizes peace and purity. But modern trends often embrace colour! If your loved one loved yellow sunflowers or bright pink roses, using those colours is a great way to personalize the tribute.
What do you do with the flowers after the service?
Often, families take the flowers to the grave for burial. Sometimes, if the family agrees, smaller pieces of the arrangement can be given to guests or the flowers donated to local nursing homes or hospitals.