Tombstone Saddles Explained: How to Choose the Right Headstone Flowers

If you have ever noticed flower arrangements that gracefully arc over the top of a headstone, rather than sitting beside it or on the ground, these are known as tombstone saddles, a popular way to bring flowers to a grave without a stand or cone holder. For someone picking out headstone flowers for the first time, knowing what sets a saddle apart from other arrangements can make the choice easier. In the blog below, we help you understand what tombstone saddles are, when they are the right choice, and how to choose one that does your loved one justice.

Tombstone Saddles: All You Need to Know

A tombstone saddle is a floral arrangement placed over the top edge of an upright headstone, much like a saddle sits over the back of a horse. The design means the flowers sit on the stone itself rather than being inserted into the ground or propped against the base. Saddles are usually arched or curved, with flowers at the front and back so that the tribute appears finished from whatever angle it may be viewed. They work well on wider flat-topped headstones, but the fit is not exact and depends on the shape and size of the specific monument.

What Is a Saddle and How Is It Different From a Wreath or Cone Piece?

• Placement: A wreath rests or lies beside a headstone, a cone piece is embedded into the ground, and a saddle rests on the top of the stone.
• Headstone compatibility: Saddles need a flat-topped, upright headstone wide enough to hold the arrangement. A saddle may not grip well on rounded or narrow headstones.
• Visual Effect: A saddle sits on top of the stone itself, so it looks more a part of the headstone than sitting next to it.

Saddles are great for headstone unveilings, anniversaries of a passing, or any time you want the tribute to feel connected to the stone itself rather than the ground around it. They’re also a thoughtful choice when a family wants something that photographs well for those who can’t be there in person, as the arrangement sits prominently across the top of the monument.

Picking the Right Saddle for a Headstone

Not every saddle will fit each headstone, and a few details make an important difference in the way the tribute looks when it is in place.

Measuring Your Headstone Before Ordering

It helps to know the width of the flat top of the headstone before ordering, as saddles are usually made in a few standard sizes. A saddle that is too small can look sparse, while a saddle that is too large can shift or hang unevenly. If you are uncertain of the measurements, a rough estimate or photo can usually help you choose the right size.

Choosing Your Flowers and Colours

More hardy flowers, such as chrysanthemums, carnations and greenery, will usually hold their shape and position well on a saddle, as the arrangement is more exposed to wind than a ground-level piece. Families often customize the colour scheme to reflect the person being memorialized, although soft, muted colours are common for headstone tributes.

Things to Think About Before Ordering

There are some practical details that can help avoid disappointment once a saddle is put on.

Ensure the headstone is upright and flat-topped. Do not use saddles on rounded, sloped or flat ground markers.

Check for any restrictions on decorations placed directly on monuments. Some locations have specific policies.

If the saddle is to be in place for a function (like an unveiling), ask when the arrangement should be delivered so that it will be fresh for the function.

Show Your Deepest Sympathy with the Newest Sympathy Blooms, Only at Compassion Flowers

Selecting the proper floral tribute for a headstone is a small but meaningful way to honour someone's memory. Whether it’s a saddle, a wreath, or something else, it’s the love you have for the person you’ve lost that counts the most.

Compassion Flowers creates tombstone and other headstone arrangements, with an emphasis on the specific monument they will sit on, using flowers chosen to keep their form outdoors. If you are ordering from afar for an unveiling or special date, our team can help you select the right size and style. Visit Compassion Flowers to find a saddle or headstone arrangement suitable for your loved one’s memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a tombstone saddle fit all headstones?

No, tombstone saddles are designed for flat-topped headstones. Rounded, sloped or flat ground markers generally won’t hold a saddle securely.

How long does a new saddle last on a gravestone?

A new saddle will typically last five to seven days, but hot weather or direct sunlight can shorten that time. Flowers like chrysanthemums, which are hardy, last longer.

Can I use silk flowers instead of fresh to make a saddle?

Yes, silk saddles are available for those wanting a longer-lasting tribute between visits, and are a common choice for headstones that are visited less often.