What The Funeral Florist Chose for Her Mother’s Casket Spray
Creating a casket spray for my own mother was one of the most emotional arrangements I’ve ever made. My mum, Patricia, and I shared a lifelong love of flowers, and we even ran a flower shop together over twenty years ago – The Fletton Flower Fairies. She adored all flowers and all colors, but there were a few favorites that I knew had to be included.
When selecting flowers for her casket spray, I chose a palette of burgundy, pale pink, and mid-pink – colors that represented her love for Valentine’s season, even though it was always the busiest time in the shop. Mum especially loved rich, deep reds and was fond of the rose variety Black Baccara – a velvety dark red rose. I had trouble sourcing these roses, but on a 6am trip to my flower supplier, I spotted three bundles. I knew it was a sign, and I grabbed them instantly.
But like all floral work, there were a few hiccups. Some flowers in my order were the wrong shades, bordering on orange-pinks and purple-pinks. Instead of settling, I took the time to search for the perfect colors, eventually finding the beautiful pink calla lilies, dark dahlias, and pale, feather-like astilbes. In the end, the arrangement felt like a beautiful tribute to Mum – exactly what I wanted to create.
Each flower had special meaning:
Roses (Ayden, Black Baccara, Sweet Porcelina) – Roses are timeless symbols of love. The dark burgundy and red roses represent deep love and respect, while the pale pink roses carry softer meanings of grace and admiration.
Calla Lilies – These elegant blooms represent purity, faith, and rebirth. They added a sense of peace and calm to the arrangement.
Dahlias – Representing inner strength and grace under pressure, dahlias felt like the perfect homage to Mum's strong, caring spirit.
Scabiosa – Often symbolising pure love and remembrance, scabiosa’s delicate look added depth and a sense of timeless love.
Lisianthus – This flower symbolises appreciation and gratitude, a reminder of how thankful I am for everything Mum gave me.
Ivy – Ivy symbolises friendship, and eternal love, a perfect representation of the bond between a mother and daughter that will never end.
Mistletoe – Mistletoe, traditionally symbolising peace and protection, felt like a lovely addition. I collected it myself from a low tree on a recent dog walk, connecting me even more deeply to the arrangement.
Finishing the casket spray with these flowers, each with its own story and symbolism, felt like creating a final, beautiful tribute. I know she would have loved the arrangement, and every flower held a memory or meaning that I hope will bring a little comfort to all who remember her.
