The loss of a loved one is never easy. When attending a funeral or memorial service, many people choose to bring flowers as a way to pay their respects and show sympathy to the grieving family. But what color roses are appropriate for honoring someone who has passed away? Here’s a guide to help you choose the right colors and varieties of roses to bring to a funeral.
The Meaning of Rose Colors
Different rose colors convey different sentiments. While red roses represent romance and passion, other colors have symbolic meanings better suited for funerals and memorials:
| Rose Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Purity, innocence, reverence, new beginnings |
| Pink | Gratitude, grace, admiration, sympathy |
| Yellow | Friendship, joy, optimism |
| Lavender | Calmness, tranquility |
| Orange | Energy, passion |
As you can see, the symbolism varies widely between hues. It’s best to select a color that conveys the sentiment you wish to express to the grieving family.
Most Appropriate Colors
When choosing roses for a funeral, stick with more somber, respectful colors and avoid bright red or yellow roses. Here are some of the most appropriate rose colors to give at a memorial service:
White Roses
White roses are the traditional flower of remembrance and are a perfect way to honor the life of the deceased. Their pure white color signifies innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They express sympathy while also conveying hope. White roses would be an excellent choice for funeral flowers.
Pink Roses
With their gentle pink hue, pink roses express grace, admiration, and sympathy. The subtle color embodies the sentiment of healing, making them appropriate roses for funerals. Pink roses offer a thoughtful, heartfelt gesture.
Lavender Roses
Lavender roses convey serenity and calm due to their soft purple shade. Their tranquil energy makes them appropriate for sending condolences to grieving families. Lavender roses promote comfort and inner peace.
Blue Roses
Blue is an unconventional rose color, often created by dyeing white roses. But blue holds great significance in many cultures as a symbol of eternity, immortality, and deep spirituality. Blue roses would make a touching, meaningful funeral flower.
Rose Varieties to Select
Along with choosing rose colors suitable for honoring the deceased, you’ll also want to select the right types of roses. Here are some recommended varieties:
Single Stem Roses
Giving single stem roses allows you to pick a few stems in varying colors that hold personal meaning. Mix white, pink, and lavender roses for a delicate arrangement. Single stems are classic and heartfelt.
Rose Bouquets
For a fuller, lush presentation, choose a pre-arranged bouquet of funeral roses. Look for rounded bouquets mixing whites, pinks, purples, and greens for an elegant memorial tribute.
Wreaths and Sprays
Wreaths and sprays of roses are common at funeral services. They make a beautiful focal point near the casket or urn. Choose full wreaths in all-white or mixed pink and white roses for a classic, respectful wreath.
Large Funeral Arrangements
Standing sprays, hearts, crosses, or leading letters spelling a meaningful word like “MOM” can incorporate dozens of roses. Typically ordered by the family, these large arrangements create breathtaking funeral rose tributes.
Presenting Your Roses
How you present your roses also matters. Here are some tips:
– Tie ribbons in somber colors like grey, silver, mauve, or black rather than bright ribbons.
– Attach a note card with your personalized message to the family.
– Have roses delivered to the funeral home on the day before or morning of the service.
– Give roses in a vase the family can take home to enjoy.
– Offer to make a donation to a charity in memory of the deceased.
Choosing the Right Color and Variety
Losing someone you care about deserves flowers that convey the significance of the moment. With their beautiful symbolism, roses remain a time-honored way to show you care. Choose white, pink, lavender, or blue roses to say goodbye with grace and reverence. Select single stems, floral bouquets, wreaths, or large arrangements using uplifting rose colors and your roses will send the perfect heartfelt message of honor, comfort, and hope.
Conclusion
When paying respects to someone who has passed away, stick with lighter, softer rose colors like white, pink, lavender, and blue over bold yellows and reds. Traditionally white roses symbolize purity and remembrance, while pink conveys grace, admiration, and sympathy. Lavender roses promote calmness and tranquility, and blue roses represent eternity and spirituality. Pick single stems, bouquets, wreaths, or large funeral arrangements using these meaningful rose colors. With their poignant symbolism, roses remain a timeless way to say goodbye with utmost respect, comfort, and hope.