What flowers to choose for a Polish funeral? Types, solors, symbolisms

What flowers do we recommend for a funeral wreath? The types of flowers that traditionally work best at Polish funerals are:

Gladioli

Impressive, beautiful, and elegant, gladioli are perfect for lavish funeral arrangements. Their tall stems give florists plenty of creative possibilities, making them an excellent foundation for funeral bouquets. Available in a wide range of colors, they are both versatile and refined — a dignified way to honor a loved one.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums have become a symbol of funeral traditions throughout Poland. They are strongly associated with cemeteries and are especially common during All Saints’ Day. They symbolize sorrow, grief, and mourning, making them one of the most popular flowers chosen for funerals.

Roses

Are roses suitable at a Polish funeral? Yes — roses are flowers that fit every occasion - both happy & solemn. At Polish funerals, white, pink, cream, and red roses are most popular. They work beautifully in wreaths and bouquets, but also as single stems, making them a timeless and meaningful tribute.

Carnations

Durable and versatile, carnations are an excellent choice for funerals in Poland. No matter the season, they can last a long time at the gravesite. They are often used to complement other flowers or arranged into elegant all-carnation compositions.

Gerberas

Subtle gerberas make a very fitting choice for funeral bouquets in Poland. With their wide range of colors, they can be beautifully incorporated into many different funeral arrangements.

Lilies and calla lilies

These funeral flowers symbolize innocence, longing, and sorrow. At funerals, calla lilies and lilies add a solemn and dignified character. They are delicate yet remarkably elegant, making them a refined choice for farewell arrangements.

What flowers to choose for a funeral wreath in winter?

As Polish autumns and winters tend to be pretty cold, it is best to choose arrangements made from the most durable flowers. There are several types that florists particularly like to use when creating funeral wreaths during the colder months. The most long-lasting flowers for winter funeral arrangements include:

1. Carnations

2. Chrysanthemums and hydrangeas

3. Roses

4. Gerberas

These hardy flowers, ideal for winter funerals, can be found in arrangements such as:

Is it appropriate to bring artificial flowers to a Polish funeral?

When autumn and winter bring sub-zero temperatures, many wonder whether it’s appropriate to bring artificial flowers to a funeral so they last longer. While artificial flowers are common and acceptable in cemetery arrangements, they are not considered suitable for funerals. Tradition holds that fresh flowers are the true symbol of deep respect, and their fleeting beauty represents the fragility of life. For this reason, most people regard artificial flowers as inappropriate for funeral ceremonies.

Many people, when choosing flowers for a funeral wreath, are unsure which colors are most appropriate for such an occasion. While the choice is often a personal matter, it is worth remembering the symbolism behind each color.

White Funeral Flowers

White flowers at funerals symbolize peace, respect, and purity. White and cream blooms, such as white roses, are especially chosen for the funerals of young people or children, representing their innocence and lives cut tragically short. White funeral flowers are also a symbol of serenity — a calming color that carries a message of hope.

Currently available white funeral arrangements for delivery include:

Red funeral flowers

Funeral wreaths in red or scarlet tones are a powerful expression of deep love. Red flowers are most often used in wreath arrangements and are traditionally chosen by the closest relatives of the deceased — children, grandchildren, or a life partner.

Purple Funeral Flowers

Purple funeral flowers are a symbol of mourning in Poland. This color is widely used in various types of sympathy and funeral arrangements, reflecting dignity, spirituality, and reverence.

Yellow Funeral Flowers

Yellow flowers in a funeral wreath symbolize strong bonds, attachment, melancholy, and sorrow.

The choice of color should also depend on the closeness of the relationship we had with the deceased. If the person was very dear to us, more expressive colors may be appropriate. When we know the deceased well, we may choose any flowers in any color — especially if they were their favorites — as a personal and heartfelt tribute.

When selecting funeral flowers, it’s not only about the type and color of the blooms — the form of the arrangement matters as well. The most common choices are between a smaller bouquet/spray and a larger wreath.

Wreaths

A wreath is the largest and most formal type of floral tribute. Usually designed in an oval or round shape, funeral wreaths can also take the form of a heart. These arrangements are placed on a base and almost always include a decorative ribbon with a farewell message. Because of their size, wreaths are often handed over to the funeral organizers at the beginning of the ceremony.

Wreaths are traditionally chosen when saying goodbye to parents, siblings, grandparents, or a partner. They represent closeness, respect, and intimacy.

It is worth noting that wreaths are also the most expensive option — depending on size and flower choice, the cost can reach several hundred złoty. The priciest are the more elaborate shapes, such as heart-shaped wreaths made from densely woven, varied flowers.

Choose a wreath if:

• You are saying farewell to someone very close to you (immediate family or partner).

• You have the budget, or are purchasing together with colleagues, siblings, or a group.

• The size and weight of the wreath are manageable for you.

• You can place the order in advance, since wreaths take more time to prepare than bouquets.

Sprays and Funeral Bouquets

Many people choose a funeral spray or bouquet instead. This is a smaller arrangement, most often brought by extended family, neighbors, or family friends. Like wreaths, sprays usually include a ribbon with a farewell message and the names of the senders.

A typical spray consists of a dozen or so flowers, and the price is lower than a wreath — usually between 100 and 250 zł.

Choose a spray or bouquet if:

• You are honoring someone more distant (colleagues, extended relatives, neighbors, etc.).

• You didn’t know the deceased very well but wish to show support to the grieving family.

• You are on a smaller budget or are not ordering as part of a group.

• The funeral is very soon and you are ordering at the last minute (a florist may not have time to prepare a large wreath in under two hours).

• You prefer a lighter, easier-to-carry arrangement.

Flowers for an Urn Funeral

For funerals where an urn is presented instead of a casket, arrangements are often made in the form of an urn decoration or a floral wreath surrounding the urn. This type of arrangement is usually organized by the closest family. Other attendees can bring smaller sprays or funeral bouquets, which are more suitable for such ceremonies.

No matter whether you choose a wreath or a bouquet for the funeral, complete the arrangement by adding a farewell sash with a personalized message. Examples of such sash messages (in Polish and in other languages) can be found in our blog post: