Flowers for Dad: A Guide to Arranging Funeral Tributes for a Father
Losing a father is one of life’s deepest heartbreaks. Whether your dad was a quiet strength in your life, a guiding voice, or a steady hand through challenges, saying goodbye is never easy. When words fall short, flowers can help express the love, gratitude, and respect you hold for him. Arranging funeral flowers for your dad can be both a meaningful tribute and a small way to begin healing. This guide is written gently, with care, for those navigating the pain of loss and seeking a thoughtful way to honour their father’s memory. Have a read below & if you would like some personal advice, Kalina and the team at Flowers Creations are always available. They are kind, patient & experts at creating your final funeral tributes for your Dad.
Choosing Funeral Flowers That Reflect Who your Father Was
Your father was more than a title, he was a person with a personality, a story, and a legacy. Think about the things that made him who he was. Was he outdoorsy and down-to-earth? Quiet and dignified? Warm and generous? Let those qualities guide your flower choices.
Some flowers often used to honour fathers in funeral flowers include:
White lilies – symbolizing peace and the return to innocence, these are a classic, dignified choice.
Red or white roses – red for love and respect, white for purity and reverence.
Chrysanthemums – in many cultures, they are directly associated with honouring the dead.
Gladioli – tall, strong flowers that represent integrity and character, a fitting tribute to a father’s strength.
Carnations – a traditional flower for Father’s Day in many cultures, especially red ones symbolizing admiration.
You might also choose flowers based on personal connection: maybe sunflowers because he loved gardening, or wildflowers if he enjoyed walks in nature.
Types of Arrangements to Consider
There’s no “right” way to arrange flowers for your Daddy’s service, only what feels fitting for him and your family. Here are some common options, with suggestions tailored for honouring your father:
Casket Spray: Often chosen by immediate family, this large arrangement lies atop the casket. It can include a mix of masculine-toned flowers (deep reds, blues, and whites) and natural greenery.
Standing Spray or Cross: These are displayed beside the casket or at the front of the service. A cross or heart made of flowers may reflect faith, love, or the bond between father and child.
Wreaths: A symbol of eternal life and remembrance. You might customize it with colours your dad loved, or even themed additions like a ribbon reading “Beloved Dad.”
Floral Tribute Pieces & Names: These can include shapes or themes like a fishing rod, a golf club, a car emblem, or a flag if he was a veteran, offering a deeply personal touch. Names or simple words like DAD often say it all.
Bouquets or Table Arrangements: Smaller arrangements or baskets placed around the venue or graveside can add gentle beauty and allow family members to take a piece home after the service.
Incorporating Personal Elements
Adding personal touches to your dad’s floral arrangements can be deeply comforting and meaningful. Here are some ideas to consider:
• Favourite colours: Choose blooms in shades that reflect his favourite colour, the colours he wore often, or even the colours of his favourite sports team.
• Hobbies and passions: Think about what brought your dad joy, whether it was fishing, golfing, working on cars, or cheering on his favourite sports team. Many florists can incorporate small themed elements, such as a miniature car, a sports emblem, a golf tee, or even a fabric ribbon in his team’s colours.
• Cars: If your dad loved classic cars, restoring engines, or simply enjoyed Sunday drives, you might include a small car-themed accent, or choose a larger themed arrangement that feels rugged and timeless, reflecting that part of his life.
• Sports: For a dad who was a lifelong fan, ask your florist to weave in his favourite team’s colours or even subtly feature a logo or memorabilia piece within the display. Some families also choose a wreath shaped like a football, baseball, or a stadium emblem to celebrate that passion.
• A handwritten note: A simple card tucked into the flowers with a few heartfelt words like "Forever in our hearts, Dad" or "Thank you for every game day together", can add a personal and lasting touch.
• Military or occupational honours: If your father served or had a career, he was proud of, symbols like a flag, service badge, or work-related memento can be thoughtfully included in the design.
These small but significant details help the floral tribute tell a story, not just of a life lived, but of a life loved.
Selecting a Colour Palette
While white is traditionally associated with funerals, especially for its symbolism of peace, there’s no rule that says your Dad’s funeral flowers must be pale. Many families choose colours that reflect their father's spirit or life. Consider:
• Rich, earthy tones – for fathers who were strong, humble, and grounded.
• Blues and whites – calming and dignified, often chosen for men’s arrangements.
• Bold colours – if your dad had a vibrant personality, bright flowers can be a celebration of his life, not just a farewell.
Let the colours express what words might not.
After the Service
After the funeral, you may be left wondering what to do with the flowers. Here are a few thoughtful options:
Create keepsakes: Press or dry a few flowers and place them in a memory box, frame, or photo album.
Share with family: Offer small bouquets to siblings or close friends who may find comfort in them.
Donate arrangements: Hospitals, nursing homes, or places of worship often accept flowers that can brighten someone else's day.
Lay them at a favourite spot: Visit a place your dad loved. A fishing dock, a park, a racetrack, or a backyard garden and leave a bloom in his memory.
If you're in the midst of planning and not sure where to begin, please know you don’t have to do it alone. At Flowers Creations, Kalina and her team are here to help you choose flowers that speak from the heart and honour your father in a way that truly reflects his life and spirit.
Whether you need thoughtful guidance, a custom arrangement, or simply someone who understands what you’re going through, we’re here for you with care, compassion, and respect for your journey. Kalina is YOUR florist for funeral flowers in Sittingbourne.
• Call 01795 871 308
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