5 Uncommon (But Fitting) Funeral Flowers

November 6, 2017

How do you choose the perfect funeral flowers? Flowers are how we mark so many important, emotional milestones: births, weddings, and the celebration of a life well lived. Traditionally, funeral flowers consist of roses, carnations, lilies, and gladiolus. These are classic choices, but they aren’t the only choice. Here are some creative, non-traditional ideas to celebrate and honor your loved one.

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Uncommon funeral flowers

1. Wildflowers to symbolize freedom, the love of nature

Perhaps your loved one was a nature lover. Perhaps they loved to spend time outdoors. Maybe they had a garden. Gathering wildflowers from their favorite spot, or even from their own garden, can be a lovely touch to their celebration of life. You could even include leaves and branches, depending on the season. This is also an extremely cost effective option for funeral flowers.

2. Tropicals such as protea, bird of paradise, or gloriosa lilies.

If your loved one enjoyed nothing better than sunshine and crashing waves, tropical flowers can be a unique and lovely choice. They are stunning to behold, vibrant in color, and long-lasting. Flowers like these have excellent staying-power and will last for several days cut.

3. Sunflowers give joy

Sunflowers are perhaps the most joyful of flowers. Big, bold, and vibrant, maybe they are the perfect descriptor of your loved one. Since they are so bright and large in size, a few flawless stems can go a long way, making them a cost effective choice as well.

4. Peonies: a soothing choose

Peonies may be the most luxurious, soft, and elegant flowers in nature. Their presence suggests english gardens, high tea, and lazy afternoons in the perfect air of late springtime. With delicate colors in shades of pink and white, and a heavenly fragrance, they can be a particularly soothing choice to celebrate your loved one. While they are on the expensive side depending on the season, each bloom is so big and fluffy that you won’t need many to make a big statement.

5. Non-floral options that replace funeral flowers

While funeral flowers are the traditional choice to honor a loved one, there are plenty of non-floral options that are just as beautiful. Consider creating decorative origami or tissue paper flowers to brighten up the celebration of a creative soul. Decorate with fresh fruit or vegetables for the gardener or farmer. Display collages of pictures and beautiful memories. Ask friends and family to donate to a favorite charity in lieu of sending flowers to the service. The options are endless as your consider how you want to uniquely celebrate the life of your loved one.

 

If you have any additional questions about adequate funeral flowers or pre-planning funerals, contact Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory at (434) 237-9424.

March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
By Missy Hardenburg February 9, 2026
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