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 in Aberdeen 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?
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
Crosses - A floral cross is a deeply personal symbol of faith and hope
Football – shirt/badge/ball/team colours
Children Tributes - Teddy bears, butterflies, angels, or stars in gentle pastels or bright, cheerful colors.
Bespoke tributes - call us to discuss a custom design
Sheaf (tied spray) – a flat, bouquet-style tribute; a more natural, informal option.
1) Coffin / Casket sprays
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.
View our full range: Browse our collection of Traditional and Modern Coffin Sprays to find the perfect main family tribute.
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.
Shop this style: Explore our selection of Single Ended Funeral Sprays, available in a wide variety of seasonal colors.
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.
Send a classic tribute: Choose from our Traditional Funeral Wreaths for a timeless symbol of eternity 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.
Express your love: See our beautiful Heart-Shaped Funeral Tributes, handcrafted with care in our Aberdeen shop.
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.
Comforting designs: Browse our Funeral Cushions and Pillows to send a symbolic message of rest and peace.
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.
Simple and thoughtful: View our Affordable Funeral Posies—a perfect choice from friends, neighbors, or colleagues.
7) Funeral letters & numbers (names, words, ages, 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).
Personalized tributes: Order Custom Funeral Letters and Names to create a truly personal farewell for your loved one.
8) Funeral Crosses (A traditional religious tribute)
A floral cross is a deeply personal symbol of faith and hope. These are most often chosen by immediate family members or close friends of the church community. They serve as a powerful primary tribute, often placed on or near the coffin.
View our range: Browse our [Religious Funeral Crosses] handcrafted in our Aberdeen shop.
Best for: Close family or those wishing to honor the person's faith.
Placement: On top of the coffin or displayed on an easel at the service.
Styles: Available as "based" (a solid base of white chrysanthemums with a small flower spray) or "loose" (a more natural, open-textured mix of flowers).
View our range: Browse our Religious Funeral Crosses handcrafted in our Aberdeen shop.
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.
Celebrate their passion: See examples of our Football-Themed Tributes or call us to discuss a custom design.
10) Children’s Funeral Tributes (Handled with extra care)
We understand that choosing flowers for a child or young person is incredibly difficult. These tributes are designed with extra sensitivity, often using softer colors, smaller shapes, and personal touches like favorite characters or hobbies to celebrate a life taken too soon.
Best for: Parents, grandparents, and close family.
Popular designs: Teddy bears, butterflies, angels, or stars in gentle pastels or bright, cheerful colors.
Personalization: We can incorporate specific toys or colors that were special to the child.
View our selection: Explore our Children’s Funeral Flowers & Tributes or call us to discuss a custom design.
11) 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.
Natural and informal: Shop our Hand-Tied Funeral Sheaves for a simpler, bouquet-style tribute.
Choosing funeral flowers for a man
When choosing a tribute for a man, many families opt for bold, classic colors like deep reds, royal blues, and crisp whites set against rich greenery. You might also consider "foliage-heavy" designs or arrangements that reflect a lifelong hobby, such as a favorite football team or a love for the outdoors.
Get Inspired: For more specific ideas, see our Dedicated Funeral Flowers for Men featuring masculine arrangements and local Aberdeen favorites.
Popular Styles: Structured sprays, wreaths in primary colors, or bespoke hobby-themed tributes.
Choosing funeral flowers for a Woman
Tributes for a woman often lean toward softer, more delicate palettes like pastels, lilacs, and pinks, though vibrant "meadow-style" arrangements are also very popular. Many choose to incorporate her favorite blooms—such as roses, lilies, or seasonal wildflowers—to make the tribute feel deeply personal.
Get Inspired: Read our Funeral Flowers for Women to see examples of traditional and contemporary floral designs.
Popular Styles: Elegant heart-shaped tributes, delicate posies, or flowing casket sprays in soft, feminine tones.
Free Delivery in Aberdeen
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.