What to Do with Flowers from a Funeral: A Discussion on Memory, Sustainability, and Creativity

When we attend a funeral, flowers often play a significant role in expressing condolences, honoring the deceased, and providing comfort to the grieving. However, once the service is over, many are left wondering what to do with the flowers from the funeral. This question opens up a broader discussion about memory, sustainability, and creativity. In this article, we will explore various ways to handle funeral flowers, each offering a unique perspective on how to honor the departed while also considering the environment and personal well-being.
1. Preserving Memories: Drying and Pressing Flowers
One of the most traditional ways to handle funeral flowers is by preserving them. Drying or pressing flowers allows you to keep a tangible memory of the occasion. Dried flowers can be used to create memorial keepsakes, such as framed arrangements, bookmarks, or even jewelry. Pressed flowers can be incorporated into scrapbooks or memory boxes, serving as a gentle reminder of the loved one who has passed.
How to Dry Flowers:
- Air Drying: Hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry place for several weeks.
- Silica Gel: Bury the flowers in silica gel to speed up the drying process while maintaining their shape and color.
- Microwave Drying: For a quicker method, place the flowers between paper towels and microwave them in short bursts.
How to Press Flowers:
- Book Pressing: Place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book and leave them for a few weeks.
- Flower Press: Use a specialized flower press to achieve more even results.
2. Sustainable Practices: Composting and Recycling
In an era where sustainability is increasingly important, composting funeral flowers is an eco-friendly option. Flowers are biodegradable, and composting them can turn them into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow new plants. This process not only honors the deceased but also contributes to the cycle of life.
How to Compost Flowers:
- Remove Non-Biodegradable Elements: Take out any plastic wrappers, ribbons, or wires.
- Chop the Flowers: Cut the flowers into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.
- Add to Compost Bin: Mix the flowers with other compostable materials like vegetable scraps, leaves, and grass clippings.
Recycling:
- Donate to Local Gardens: Some community gardens or parks may accept flower donations for composting.
- Floral Recycling Programs: Check if there are any local programs that recycle flowers into new arrangements or compost.
3. Creative Reuse: Crafting and Art Projects
For those who enjoy DIY projects, funeral flowers can be repurposed into various creative endeavors. This not only gives the flowers a second life but also allows you to create something meaningful that can be cherished for years to come.
Ideas for Creative Reuse:
- Candles: Embed dried flower petals into homemade candles.
- Potpourri: Mix dried flowers with essential oils to create fragrant potpourri.
- Artwork: Use pressed flowers to create unique pieces of art, such as collages or resin jewelry.
- Memory Jars: Fill glass jars with dried flowers and other mementos to create a visual representation of your memories.
4. Sharing with Others: Donating Flowers
Another thoughtful option is to donate the flowers to others who may benefit from their beauty and comfort. Hospitals, nursing homes, and shelters often appreciate flower donations, as they can brighten up the environment for those who are ill, elderly, or in need.
How to Donate Flowers:
- Contact Local Institutions: Reach out to hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters to see if they accept flower donations.
- Community Centers: Some community centers or churches may also welcome flower donations for their events or spaces.
- Floral Repurposing Services: Some organizations specialize in repurposing funeral flowers into new arrangements for those in need.
5. Rituals and Ceremonies: Releasing Flowers into Nature
For those who find solace in nature, releasing flowers into a body of water or scattering them in a meaningful location can be a powerful ritual. This act symbolizes letting go and returning the flowers to the earth, creating a sense of closure.
How to Release Flowers:
- Water Release: Gently place the flowers in a river, lake, or ocean. Ensure that the flowers are free of any non-biodegradable materials.
- Land Scattering: Choose a meaningful location, such as a favorite park or garden, and scatter the flowers there.
- Biodegradable Urns: Some companies offer biodegradable urns that can be filled with flowers and released into water, allowing them to dissolve naturally.
6. Personal Reflection: Creating a Memorial Garden
Creating a memorial garden is a beautiful way to honor a loved one while also giving the flowers a lasting purpose. Planting the flowers in a dedicated garden space can serve as a living tribute, providing a place for reflection and remembrance.
How to Create a Memorial Garden:
- Choose a Location: Select a spot in your yard or a community garden that holds significance.
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-prepared and suitable for the types of flowers you wish to plant.
- Plant the Flowers: Arrange the flowers in a way that feels meaningful to you, perhaps incorporating other plants or decorative elements.
- Maintain the Garden: Regularly tend to the garden, keeping it as a place of peace and remembrance.
7. Digital Memorials: Photographing and Sharing Flowers
In the digital age, creating a digital memorial can be a modern way to honor the deceased. Photographing the flowers and sharing them online allows you to create a lasting tribute that can be accessed by friends and family from anywhere in the world.
How to Create a Digital Memorial:
- Take High-Quality Photos: Capture the beauty of the flowers with good lighting and composition.
- Create an Online Album: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or dedicated memorial websites to share the photos.
- Write a Tribute: Accompany the photos with a written tribute or memories of the deceased.
- Invite Contributions: Encourage others to share their own photos and memories, creating a collective digital memorial.
8. Therapeutic Practices: Using Flowers for Healing
Flowers have long been associated with healing and emotional well-being. Using funeral flowers in therapeutic practices can help you process grief and find comfort during a difficult time.
Therapeutic Ideas:
- Aromatherapy: Use the scent of the flowers in aromatherapy sessions to promote relaxation and emotional healing.
- Meditation: Incorporate the flowers into meditation practices, focusing on their beauty and the memories they represent.
- Journaling: Write about your feelings and memories associated with the flowers, using them as a prompt for reflection.
9. Cultural and Religious Practices: Honoring Traditions
Different cultures and religions have unique practices for handling funeral flowers. Understanding and honoring these traditions can provide a sense of connection and respect for the deceased’s background.
Examples of Cultural Practices:
- Asian Cultures: In some Asian cultures, flowers are burned as part of funeral rituals to honor the deceased.
- Christian Traditions: Flowers are often placed on graves or used in church services as a symbol of resurrection and eternal life.
- Native American Practices: Some Native American tribes use flowers in burial ceremonies to guide the spirit to the afterlife.
10. Personal Choice: Doing What Feels Right
Ultimately, what you do with funeral flowers is a deeply personal decision. Whether you choose to preserve, compost, donate, or release them, the most important thing is that your choice feels meaningful and respectful to you and your loved one.
Questions to Consider:
- What would the deceased have wanted?
- How do the flowers make you feel?
- What option aligns with your values and beliefs?
Related Q&A
Q: Can I donate funeral flowers to a hospital? A: Yes, many hospitals accept flower donations, but it’s best to call ahead and confirm their policies.
Q: How long do dried flowers last? A: Dried flowers can last for several years if kept in a dry, dark place and handled gently.
Q: Is it environmentally friendly to release flowers into water? A: It can be, as long as the flowers are free of non-biodegradable materials and you choose a location where they won’t harm the ecosystem.
Q: Can I use funeral flowers to make essential oils? A: While it’s possible, the process of making essential oils is complex and typically requires a large quantity of flowers. It may be more practical to use the flowers for other purposes like potpourri.
Q: What should I do if I have too many flowers to handle? A: Consider sharing them with friends and family, donating to local institutions, or repurposing them into multiple projects to ensure they are used meaningfully.