When faced with the loss of a loved one, many families choose to honor their memory with an arrangement of beautiful funeral flowers. However, it’s not uncommon to be surprised by the high costs associated with these floral tributes. Understanding why funeral flowers carry such hefty price tags can provide clarity during this emotional time. Here’s a closer look at the factors that contribute to the expense of funeral flowers.
Seasonal Availability
One of the most significant factors influencing the price of funeral flowers is seasonal availability. Some flower varieties are only in bloom during specific times of the year, and demand for these blooms can drive prices up. For example, peonies are beautiful but may be more expensive if purchased out of season, peony season in Vancouver, Canada happens on the months of May, June and July, so if you want your florist to add peonies to your funeral tribute, your florist has to source flowers from different countries. A very popular flower for funeral in British Columbia that we use is the sunflowers, it's possible to get imported sunflowers all year round, but the best price for sunflowers happens on the months of August, September and October.
Quality and Variety
The quality of the flowers plays a crucial role in determining their price. High-quality flowers, which are often fresher and more vibrant, will naturally cost more. It's important to understand that when florist purchase flowers from growers, most growers have 2 or 3 qualities, there is Grade "Premium", "A1" and "A2", A2 flowers are very bad quality, most of the cheap markets use grade A2 flowers for keeping costs down, however these flowers only last few hours or a day without cooling. Moreover, funeral arrangements often include a variety of flowers, greenery, and filler plants, all of which add to the final cost. Providing a diverse and aesthetically pleasing arrangement requires skilled florists to select and combine flowers effectively, contributing to labor costs.
Labor and Expertise
Creating a beautiful funeral arrangement requires a significant amount of skill and expertise. There are many florists out there, but just a few know how to make funeral arrangements, a professional florists spend years honing their craft, learning how to create arrangements that convey emotion and respect. The labor involved in designing a funeral custom floral arrangement, including the time spent discussing preferences with the family and the artistry required to assemble the arrangement, is a crucial factor in the overall cost. In our flower shop in Burnaby, Canada, Adele Rae Florists, we've been crafting funeral flower arrangements since 1963, so we have years of expertise in creating memorial tributes.
As well, a funeral tribute uses a good amount of flowers, there are funeral casket sprays that use between 120 - 150 blooms just in one design.
Over Head Costs
Florists, like any other business, have overhead costs that need to be accounted for in their pricing. This includes rent for their shop, utility bills, staff wages, and the costs of keeping their inventory fresh and well-maintained. Additionally, many florists provide delivery services directly to funeral homes or family residences, further contributing to their operational expenses. All these factors combine to influence the price of funeral and sympathy flowers.
As well for funeral arrangements, florists use specialty funeral supplies and back supports that are very expensive to buy, just the easel for standing the flowers have an approximate retail price of $45.
Symapthy and Support
Flowers are an essential part of expressing sympathy and support during a time of grief. The emotional aspect of purchasing funeral flowers often leads individuals to seek floral arrangements that reflect the personality of the deceased or the feelings of the bereaved, for example, a favorite flowers or a favorite colour. This desire for a meaningful tribute can lead to higher costs, as families may opt for more elaborate arrangements or specific flower types that hold significance.
Cultural and Tradition Practices
In many cultures, flowers play a significant role in funeral rituals and traditions. Certain flowers may be favored for their symbolic meanings, and families may feel compelled to purchase specific arrangements that align with these customs. Understanding and adhering to cultural practices can sometimes lead to additional expenses, especially if certain flowers are in demand or difficult to source.
In conclusion the price of funeral flowers can be surprisingly high, especially during a time when emotions are running high. However, understanding the various factors — from seasonal availability and quality to labor costs and emotional significance — can help families navigate this aspect of funeral planning. While the cost may be steep, the beauty and sentiment that flowers bring to a final farewell can provide comfort and serve as a fitting tribute to a loved one’s life. When choosing funeral flowers, it is essential to find a balance between budget and the heartfelt message that you wish to convey, speak to your florist, let your florist know how much budget do you have, how many pieces would you like to have in the service, a professional florist will help you to navigate and find the best funeral arrangements to meet your needs and your budget.
Adele Rae Florists is a local funeral florist in Vancouver, British Columbia, we are experts in funeral and sympathy flower arrangements, we deliver to most funeral homes, churches and burial parks in the Lower Mainland. Our team of professional floral designers will assist you in this difficult process, we are here to help and deliver the most funeral tribute to your loved one.
