At Belfield Blooms, we understand that choosing funeral or sympathy flowers can feel overwhelming, especially when arrangements need to be made quickly. This guide explains the different types of floral tributes, where they are usually sent and how to choose something meaningful for the family and the person being remembered.

What is the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?

Although the terms are often used together, funeral flowers and sympathy flowers usually serve slightly different purposes.

Funeral flowers are designed for the funeral, church, chapel, memorial service or graveside. These may include casket covers, wreaths, crosses, hearts, standing sprays and personalised tributes. They are usually delivered directly to the funeral home or service venue at an arranged time.

Sympathy flowers are generally sent to the family's home to let them know you are thinking of them. These may be a bouquet, vase arrangement, ceramic arrangement, hatbox or another design that can be easily displayed and cared for at home.

There is no strict rule. The most suitable choice depends on your relationship with the person who has passed and how you would like to support the family. You can browse our complete sympathy flower collection or our dedicated funeral tribute collection.

Which funeral flower tribute should you choose?

Casket or coffin flowers

A casket cover is the main floral arrangement placed on top of the coffin. It is most commonly selected by the immediate family and can be created as a full, three-quarter or smaller cover, depending on the family's wishes.

The design can reflect the person's favourite flowers, colours, culture, personality or garden. Some families prefer a classic tribute in white and green, while others choose bright seasonal flowers, native flowers, soft pastels or a meaningful colour combination. View our casket spray collection, including the premium GLORY casket spray.

Funeral wreaths

The circular shape of a wreath traditionally represents eternal life and remembrance. Wreaths are a thoughtful choice from extended family, friends, workplaces, community groups or organisations. They can be designed in traditional white, a single favourite colour or a more personalised mix.

Heart-shaped tributes

Floral hearts are a deeply personal expression of love. They may be chosen by a partner, children, grandchildren, siblings or close family members. Both solid and open-heart designs are available, and ribbon wording can be added when appropriate.

Crosses and religious tributes

A floral cross may be suitable when faith was important to the person or family. Religious tributes can be created in classic white and green or personalised with selected colours and flowers. Our hearts and crosses collection offers meaningful starting points.

Teardrop and standing arrangements

Teardrop sprays and front-facing arrangements are designed for display at the service. They are suitable from family, friends, colleagues or community groups and can be placed near the coffin, lectern, altar, photograph or entrance.

Personalised floral tributes

Letters, names, symbols, team colours and custom-shaped tributes can honour a person's identity, interests or relationships. These designs require more planning, so it is best to contact Belfield Blooms as early as possible to discuss the idea, size, flower availability and delivery requirements.

What flowers and colours are appropriate?

There is no single “correct” flower for a funeral. The most meaningful choice is often one that reflects the person being remembered.

• Roses for love, respect and remembrance
• Lilies for peace and sympathy
• Disbud Mums and chrysanthemums for traditional, long-lasting tributes
• Carnations for love and admiration
• Orchids for elegance and lasting affection
• Native flowers for a natural, distinctly Australian tribute
• Seasonal flowers for a softer and more personal garden style

White and green remains a timeless choice, but funeral flowers do not need to be white. Soft pink, blue, lilac, yellow, red, burgundy or bright mixed colours may feel more fitting. Favourite football-team colours, cultural colours or ribbon colours can also be incorporated.

If an exact flower is unavailable, our florists can recommend a seasonal alternative while keeping the intended colour, style and meaning of the tribute.

Should sympathy flowers be sent to the home or the funeral?

If you would like your flowers to be present at the service, send them to the funeral home, church, chapel or memorial venue. Include the full name of the deceased, the service date and time, the venue and the funeral director's details if known.

If you would prefer to offer private support to the family, send a bouquet or arrangement to their home. Sympathy flowers can be sent before or after the funeral—grief does not end when the service is over, and flowers delivered in the following days or weeks can be especially comforting. Browse our sympathy bouquets and box arrangements.

When a funeral notice says “in lieu of flowers,” it is respectful to follow the family's request and consider donating to the nominated charity instead.

What should you write on a sympathy card?

A card message does not need to be long. Simple, sincere words are often the most comforting.

With deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

Thinking of you and your family with love.

In loving memory of a beautiful person who will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending love, strength and comfort to your family.

Forever remembered and always in our hearts.

If you knew the person well, adding a short personal memory or mentioning a quality you admired can make the message especially meaningful. Always include the names of the senders so the family knows who the flowers are from.

When should funeral flowers be ordered?

Please contact us as soon as the service details are confirmed. Belfield Blooms requires funeral orders to be placed at least 24 hours before the delivery date. Larger or customised tributes may need additional notice because specific flowers may need to be ordered from the market.

When placing an order, have the following information ready:

• The full name of the deceased
• The date and time of the service
• The funeral home, church, chapel or cemetery
• The delivery or access time, if provided by the funeral director
• Your preferred tribute, colours and budget
• The card and ribbon wording
• Any cultural or religious preferences our florists should understand

If you are unsure about any detail, the funeral director and florist can often coordinate delivery timing directly.