Florist's Top Tips for Funeral Work

Use a Lazy Susan

One of the most useful items that I use when making funeral pieces is a cake turntable, which is aptly referred to as 'Susan'. Wreaths, posies, hearts - pretty much any foam frame that is flat and up to about 16" wide will fit on the turntable. It's perfect to be able to swiftly move and see your design from all angles with minimal effort required.

Get the ironing board out

When creating coffin sprays I like to make mine with the shape being vertically in front of me so that I’m looking down on it. In this instance an old ironing board is the perfect thing to use. The height is adjustable, the length matches a large casket spray and you can use a marker pen to write the different size options so you don't have to use a tape measure.

Foliage

Depending on what funeral item I'm making will depend on what foliage I'll use but I do always like to have at least two types when greening them up. Normally I'll go for a cheap standard foliage such as leather leaf, pistache or salal. Then a secondary foliage in a lighter tone like eucalyptus or pittosporum to add contrast.

Flower selection

And of course, the gorgeous flowers! It's always great to have plenty of different textures. Staggering the height of your flowers is a great way to define your overall shape. As a finishing touch I always love to add something a bit different (within budget of course). Whether that be cutting up an ivy plant to trail through your design or using a couple of air plants for a more contemporary look. It then makes sure all your funeral pieces are unique and bespoke as they quite rightly should be for such an occasion.

Guiding customers through the purchase process

When customers are ordering funeral flowers, it can often feel like an unfamiliar, intimidating and overwhelming process at a time that is already difficult. This is why it's important as florists that we are able to guide them and in some cases take the lead when discussing tribute options.

A common stumbling block can occur when we hear the classic question ‘how big will it be?’ This question used to leave me scrambling for a tape measure (which, like pens, seem to disappear!) or scurrying to the computer, quickly trying to convert metric to imperial. Giving simple and clear size/scale comparisons not only creates a smoother experience for both the customer and the florist but can also lessen the time you keep your customer. I always keep in my back pocket some familiar and concise comparisons that are relatable and straightforward.

For instance, a 4ft (121cm) casket spray is roughly the width of a small double mattress and when discussing wreaths, I compare them to pizza sizes. A large pizza is roughly 14" and an extra-large is 16"-18". A large tear drop/single ended spray is approximately the width of a standard interior door and I’m sure there are many more examples that would be applicable. Of course, we can’t be 100% exact, this is just to give an indication. Using these examples may seem a bit strange or informal, but in my experience, providing we remain professional, this easy and relaxed approach to describing size and scale eliminates hesitation or confusion, gives the florist clarity and puts the customer at ease. Consequently, this helps them to clearly visualise and understand what they are looking for.

Thanks to florists Nicole Horsley and Sophie Waterfield for the tips.

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