Funeral Flower Colour Meanings: A Gentle Guide to Choosing the Right Arrangement
Choosing flowers after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Flowers carry emotion, symbolism and meaning — and for many families, they become one of the last gifts they give to someone they love.
In this guide, we explore the meanings behind different funeral flower colours to help you choose arrangements that feel personal, thoughtful and comforting.
This can be especially helpful if you're considering funeral flower preservation, so your flowers can become a lasting memorial.
Why Flowers Matter During Loss
Saying goodbye is one of the hardest experiences we face.
Funeral flowers bring a sense of peace, beauty and meaning to a difficult moment. They can:
- Reflect the personality of the person who has passed
- Offer comfort to grieving family
- Communicate love, respect and sympathy
- Become a symbol of remembrance
Understanding what different colours represent can make choosing flowers feel more intentional and personal.
What Different Funeral Flower Colours Represent
White
White is the most traditional funeral flower colour.
It represents:
- Peace
- Innocence
- Honour
- Serenity
White is suitable for any funeral and pairs beautifully with green foliage. It is also a timeless choice for funeral flower preservation.
Red
Red flowers symbolise:
- Love
- Strength
- Courage
- Deep respect
They add warmth and emotion to an arrangement and are often chosen for partners or close family.
Blue
Blue flowers represent:
- Peace for the family
- Calm
- Understanding
- Deep condolences
They’re thoughtful and soothing, especially when combined with white.
Yellow & Orange
These bright, joyful colours often symbolise:
- Happy memories
- Celebration of life
- Warmth
- Optimism
Yellow and orange arrangements are beautiful choices when you want the flowers to reflect the joy and personality of your loved one.
Pink
Pink expresses:
- Sympathy
- Compassion
- Gentleness
- Love
It is a respectful, comforting colour often chosen for soft, elegant arrangements.
Purple
Purple represents:
- Dignity
- Respect
- Admiration
It pairs beautifully with pinks for a colourful, comforting tribute, or with whites for something peaceful and refined.
Creating a Meaningful Combination
Many families choose to mix colours to create an arrangement that carries a deeper meaning.
Here are some beautiful combinations:
Purple, Orange & Yellow
A vibrant mix symbolising a joyful celebration of life.
White Lilies with Deep Green Foliage
A calm and peaceful arrangement that feels gentle and serene.
Red & White Roses
A popular choice symbolising peace (white) and strength or love (red).
Whatever combination you choose, trust your instincts — the flowers should feel like they reflect your loved one, their personality and the memories you shared.
Preserving Funeral Flowers as a Memorial
It is absolutely okay to preserve funeral flowers.
Many families find comfort in having a small, lasting keepsake made from the flowers they chose for the funeral.
At Sal’s Forever Flowers, I gently preserve funeral flowers and create memorial pieces such as:
- Memorial jewellery
- Resin paperweights
- Resin ornaments
- Pressed flower keepsakes
These pieces become something you can hold, wear or keep close — a tangible reminder of someone who meant so much.
💛 If you’d like to preserve funeral flowers from a loved one’s service, I’d be honoured to help.