Choosing funeral flowers can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to do the right thing during a difficult time. The good news is you don’t need to “know the rules”. You simply need a tribute that feels respectful and personal.
This guide explains the most common types of funeral flower arrangements, where they’re normally placed, and who typically sends them — so you can choose with confidence.
We hand-craft all funeral tributes in our Aberdeen flower shop with free delivery and guaranteed on-time delivery to funeral directors (often the day before the service, or directly to the funeral directors as arranged).
Quick guide: which tribute should I choose?
Football / bespoke tributes – shirt/badge/ball/team colours or hobby-themed designs.
Coffin / casket spray – the main tribute placed on top of the coffin (usually from close family).
Single ended spray – a teardrop-shaped tribute; can go on the coffin or alongside it.
Wreath – circular tribute, suitable from family, friends, colleagues; often placed beside the coffin or at the service.
Heart – a strong “love” symbol, often chosen by partners/children/grandchildren.
Posy – smaller, neat and round; a thoughtful choice from friends/colleagues/neighbours.
Cushion / pillow – traditional shapes symbolising rest and comfort (often from close family).
Letters & numbers – “MUM”, “DAD”, names, ages or special numbers (need a little notice if possible).
Sheaf (tied spray) – a flat, bouquet-style tribute; a more natural, informal option.
1) Coffin / casket sprays (the main family tribute)
A coffin spray is the tribute most people picture first — flowers arranged to sit on top of the coffin. It’s usually the main tribute from close family such as a spouse/partner, children, or immediate relatives.
Best for: the main tribute from family
Placement: on the coffin (funeral directors position this)
Style choices: single ended or double ended sprays, in soft traditional tones or richer, bolder colours.
2) Single ended sprays (teardrop shaped)
Single ended sprays are arranged in a teardrop shape, rounded at one end and tapering to a point. They’re a versatile choice and can be used as a main tribute or an additional one.
Best for: family or friends who want something classic and elegant
Placement: on top of the coffin or alongside other flowers
Colour options: anything from white/green and pastels to stronger tones like reds, blues, yellows and purples.
3) Funeral wreaths (traditional and suitable for anyone)
Wreaths are a circular tribute and a very traditional choice. They’re suitable from family, friends, colleagues or neighbours and work well for crematorium, church or graveside services.
Best for: friends/colleagues/neighbours (or family)
Placement: beside the coffin or at the service
Meaning: wreaths are often associated with eternity, love and remembrance.
4) Funeral hearts (a tribute that clearly shows love)
A heart tribute is created in the shape of an open or solid heart and is often chosen by those closest to the person who has passed — partners, children and grandchildren in particular.
Best for: partners, children, grandchildren, close family
Placement: beside the coffin / at the service
Personal touches: colours, favourite flowers where possible, and ribbon messages.
5) Cushions & pillows (traditional, comforting shapes)
Cushions and pillows are traditional tributes designed in soft square/rectangular shapes, symbolising rest and comfort. Cushions are usually square and pillows more rectangular.
Best for: close family
Placement: beside the coffin / at the service
Style: classic white/green, pastels, or deeper colours depending on preference.
6) Funeral posies (smaller, neat, and very popular)
A funeral posy is a neat, round tribute and a good choice when you’d like something smaller and simple, while still looking beautiful and thoughtful.
Best for: friends, colleagues, neighbours (also suitable for family)
Placement: by the coffin, crematorium, or graveside
Why people choose it: it’s respectful, affordable, and easy to place.
7) Funeral letters & numbers (names, words, ages, squad numbers)
Letter and number tributes are made on shaped frames to spell names/words (like “MUM”, “DAD”, “GRAN”) or special numbers (ages, meaningful dates, squad numbers).
Best for: close family (and sometimes close friends)
Placement: usually alongside the coffin
Timing tip: because frames may be needed, we recommend ordering a few days before where possible (especially for longer names or special colour requests).
8) Funeral sheaves (a more natural, informal tribute)
A funeral sheaf (also called a tied sheaf) is a flat, bouquet-style tribute tied together with ribbon or wrapping. It’s a good option if you want something simpler and more “natural” looking.
Best for: anyone — family, friends, colleagues
Placement: beside the coffin, crematorium, or graveside
Personalisation: message card, and sometimes ribbon details.
9) Football and bespoke tributes (for hobbies, teams, and personality)
If you want something that reflects who they were, bespoke tributes can be created around hobbies, interests and special memories.
Football tributes are designed in shapes like shirts, badges, footballs, or in club colours — and can often include names or numbers.
Best for: anyone where football / hobbies / identity were a big part of their life
Placement: funeral directors will position at the service
Timing tip: bespoke and football designs usually benefit from a little notice, but we’ll always try to help.
Choosing funeral flowers for a man
If you’re specifically choosing funeral flowers for a man, many families prefer stronger, traditional colours (blues, reds, whites, greenery) or designs that reflect his interests — but there are no strict rules.
If you’d like more ideas, see our dedicated guide on male funeral arrangements (with examples and inspiration).
Delivery in Aberdeen (peace of mind)
We provide free delivery in Aberdeen on funeral arrangements and work closely with local funeral directors to ensure your tribute arrives in good time for the service (often the day before, or directly to the funeral directors as arranged).
If you’re unsure what to choose, you can order online or call and we’ll guide you based on your budget, the relationship, and what feels most appropriate.