When choosing flowers for a funeral, you'll often come across the term "floral arrangement" or "an arrangement for laying down." What does this actually mean, and why is this type of arrangement often more suitable for funeral ceremonies than a classic hand-tied bouquet?
These arrangements are a dignified, stable, and long-lasting alternative that makes the logistics of the whole farewell easier.
What Is a "Floral Arrangement Set in Foam"?
Unlike a classic bouquet, where the stems are tied together with a ribbon, here the flowers are arranged (inserted) into a special floral foam (so-called "oasis" or floral foam), which is soaked with water. This foam sits in an unobtrusive plastic dish or base that forms the foundation of the arrangement.
The Main Advantages of This Solution:
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Its own water source: The flowers drink water directly from the foam. Thanks to this, they stay fresh several days longer than tied bouquets, even during transport to the grave.
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No vase needed: The arrangement has a flat base. In the ceremonial hall, it's simply placed on the ground in front of the coffin or on the catafalque.
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Stability: These arrangements are heavier and have a low center of gravity, so they won't tip over even in a draft or on uneven cemetery ground.
A Showcase of Foam Arrangements (For Laying Down)
Shapes: From a Pyramid to a Heart
Thanks to the floral foam, we can shape flowers into forms that wouldn't be possible with a tied bouquet.
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Teardrop / pyramid: The most common shape. The flowers slope down from the center to the sides, which looks very elegant when laid on the ground.
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A heart of flowers: A symbol of deep love. Often chosen by partners or the children of the deceased.
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A cross: A traditional Christian symbol.
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A wreath: A funeral wreath is technically also a "foam" arrangement set into a circular base.
Which Flowers and Colors to Choose?
Etiquette has loosened in recent years, but certain recommendations still exist.
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Flowers: We most often use roses (a symbol of love), lilies (purity of the soul), gerberas (general respect), or chrysanthemums (the traditional funeral flower, which lasts a long time). Gladioli or hydrangeas are often added for volume.
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Colors:
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For men: We tend to choose darker, more muted tones (deep red, blue, purple, green).
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For women: Softer colors suit better (pink, purple, salmon).
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For older people: Traditional purple (a symbol of respect) or white.
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For younger people: Lighter tones, white or cream.
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A florist's advice: "Even though etiquette exists, the wishes of the deceased matter most. If they loved yellow roses, it's perfectly fine to have a yellow arrangement made, even if it's unconventional."
Where Is the Arrangement Placed?
A foam arrangement is intended primarily to be laid down.
In the ceremonial hall: Funeral service staff will place it on the floor in front of the catafalque, or directly on the coffin lid (if it's smaller).
In a church: In front of the altar, or beside the coffin.
At the grave: After the ceremony ends, it's transported to the gravesite, where it lasts longer than cut flowers, since it still holds a water supply in the foam.
If you're unsure about the right size or shape, contact us. We deliver funeral arrangements directly to the ceremonial hall (Strašnice, Olšany, Motol, and others), so you don't need to worry about transport.
