For thousands of years, humans have left cemetery flowers at the graves of their loved ones. The ancient Greeks honored fallen warriors with flowers, believing that if they rooted into the ground and grew from the gravesite, it was a sign that the fallen had found peace.
This tradition continues today and is one of the most common ways we honor our loved ones at the cemetery.
There are several considerations to make before buying or placing cemetery flowers at the gravesite of a loved one, including:
- Should I choose real or artificial flowers?
- What type of flower is right for this time of year?
- Does the cemetery have rules about placing flowers in the ground or in a graveside vase?
- Where do I place the cemetery flowers?
Continue reading for answers to the most asked questions surrounding cemetery flowers.
5 Factors for Choosing the Right Cemetery Flowers for You
Whether you order from a florist, buy flowers online or have flowers delivered to the gravesite by a memorial provider, there are several considerations to make.
1. What Are the Cemetery’s Rules and Regulations for Flowers?
When picking out cemetery flowers to place at a gravesite, you’ll want to first understand the cemetery’s rules and regulations regarding flowers.
The most common rules involve artificial flowers.
- Many cemeteries allow you to place floral arrangements at the foot of memorials during the summer months but will remove them weekly, typically because of their general upkeep and lawn mowing routine. Floral arrangements can be placed in memorial vases on monuments without being disturbed if they are not directly in the ground.
- Most cemeteries have designated clean-up dates for fresh and artificial flowers. Often following holidays, this is when you’ll need to go get the flowers if you want to re-use them, otherwise the cemetery will remove them.
- However, some cemeteries that don’t allow artificial flowers year-round will permit them on holidays.
Make sure to check with the cemetery’s website or call them directly to find out what type of flowers are allowed, and when. Or you can talk to a flower delivery service provider, like Milano Monuments, for more information and assistance.
>>> Related Resource: We created the Northeast Ohio Cemetery Memorial Guide, where you can see the memorial regulations and fees at 40+ Cleveland-area cemeteries. Click here to access the guide.
2. What Kind of Flowers Do You Put on a Grave?
When advising families on flower options, there are several considerations to make regarding weather and the seasons.
With fresh cemetery flowers, you want them to look lively and beautiful for as long as possible. In Ohio, for example, flowers do best in moderate spring, summer and fall weather.
In the winter, we suggest artificial flowers or winter wreaths, perhaps those used to celebrate holidays.
With real flowers, you’ll want something in season. And if you prefer artificial cemetery flowers throughout the year, we recommend choosing ones that match the real flowers of that season.
In the spring you might look at assortments of roses, tulips, lilacs, daffodils and daisies. During the fall you might find sunflowers, carnations, marigolds, chrysanthemums and roses.
>>> Related Resource: Creative Ways to Decorate Headstones in Every Season
3. How Long Do You Want the Cemetery Flowers to Last?
As you probably expect, this is one of the biggest differences between real and artificial cemetery flowers.
Real flowers, depending on the weather, freshness and other factors, generally last a couple days to a week. You get a beautiful, fresh look, but know that it will not last like artificial flowers do.
Artificial flowers, on the other hand, often last up to two years with little fading. Some flowers even fade well, such as a bouquet of red roses that fade to become pink roses over the years.
If you plan to place the flowers on top of the memorial, we recommend using artificial flowers. These maintain their shape and color for much longer than real flowers do.
>>> Related Resource: 17 Flower Meanings and the Best Time to Send Them
4. A Warning About Artificial Cemetery Flowers
Not all artificial flowers are created equal. For use in cemeteries and memorials, you need to look for flowers designed for outdoor use. Without that distinction, the colors will bleed in the elements, potentially dying the memorial or the grass around it.
If you choose outdoor flowers, they could last for up to two years or more and the dye will never bleed. They will fade over time, but without any effect on your memorial.
5. What Is Your Budget?
When comparing prices, you’ll find that real and artificial flowers of similar styles are about the same price.
As you would expect, the price also depends on the size and complexity of the arrangement. At the Milano Monuments flower shop, we work with families to find the best option to fit their budget and needs.
Where to Place Cemetery Flowers at a Gravesite
You have a few different considerations when it comes to placement of flowers in relationship to the memorial.
Headstone Saddles
As the name implies, a memorial or headstone saddle is like a horse saddle that sits on top of a memorial.
They are designed for upright monuments, which have an elevated, flat surface to place the saddle upon.
Pictured are two monuments with flower arrangements held on by headstone saddles.
With the help of Styrofoam or another material, an entire flower arrangement will stay put in the saddle and not be blown away in the wind. The device also is adhered to the stone to ensure it will not shift or fall from different weather conditions.
Permanent Graveside Vases
Many memorials are designed with graveside vases or can be added later. These can be of various shapes, sizes and materials. With permanent vases, you’ll want to make use of them with a beautiful bouquet to complement the memorial. These bouquets can be made with fresh or artificial flowers at any time.
Make sure to anchor the flower into the vases using Styrofoam or another material. The purpose of that is to keep the flowers from blowing away in the wind.
In-Ground Cemetery Flowers
For flush or lawn-level markers and other headstones without built-in vases, flowers can be placed directly into the ground. This can be accomplished using an in-ground vase or a cone vase.
As a reminder, many cemeteries will remove these before mowing. Check with the cemetery if you want to ensure the flowers will not be removed before you have a chance to appreciate them.
Request Custom Cemetery Flower Arrangements or Flower Delivery
As one of Northeast Ohio’s largest inspirational and religious gift shops, Milano Inspirations has the perfect gift and decor for any occasion—including fresh and artificial flower arrangements. Stop by the 5,000 square-foot gift center anytime Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. to browse our selection or call (216) 362-1199 to request a custom arrangement.
Need flowers delivered? Our team also offers flower and decor deliveries directly to your loved one’s headstone! Click here to learn more about our delivery options.
