Support, Loss & Encouragement
Flowers for a Celebration of Life
For a celebration of life, choose warm, personal flowers that reflect who the person was — bright sunflowers and gerbera daisies for a joyful spirit, or softer roses and lisianthus for a gentler tribute — rather than somber funeral standards. These gatherings honor a life with color and personality, so let the arrangement feel like the person; ask the family whether they want vibrant or subdued before you decide.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
Flowers That Fit
Sunflower
Helianthus annuusBig, sunny faces that read as warmth and optimism — the signature flower of late summer.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera jamesoniiBig, bold, single-bloom daisies in pure saturated colors — the definition of a cheerful flower.
Rose
Rosa × hybridaThe most requested cut flower in the world — dependable, expressive, and available in nearly every color.
Lisianthus
Eustoma grandiflorumRuffled, rose-like blooms on airy stems — soft romance with a longer vase life than it looks.
Dahlia
Dahlia pinnataLate-summer showstoppers with geometric petals and a size range from golf ball to dinner plate.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria aureaThe workhorse of the cooler — long-lasting, budget-friendly, and multiple blooms on every stem.
Colors That Work
Worth Avoiding
- —Defaulting to stark funeral white if the family wants color and joy
- —Ignoring the person's own taste — this event is meant to reflect them
- —Oversized formal tributes when the gathering is casual and personal
The Practical Part
How big to go
Medium to generous, depending on the venue and the family's plans. For a home or informal space, a warm vase arrangement; for a larger gathering, coordinate with whoever is hosting.
Where to send it
The venue or the host's home, timed to arrive before guests. Confirm the date, time, and place with the family, since celebrations of life are often scheduled well after the death.
When to send it
Ahead of the gathering, which may be weeks or months after the death — celebrations of life are frequently planned once family can travel and gather. Confirm the date rather than assuming it follows a traditional funeral timeline.
What to spend
A moderate arrangement suits most guests; family members hosting may plan larger displays. For full event planning across a larger gathering, coordinate scale and color with the host so the flowers fit the space.
Customs vary
Celebrations of life vary enormously in tone — some are festive and colorful, others quiet and reflective. Because there is no single template, ask the family what they are envisioning, including whether they prefer bright, personality-driven flowers or something more subdued.
What To Write On The Card
The card is the hard part. Take any of these as-is, or as a starting point.
“Celebrating a life that touched so many. Thinking of you all.”
“What a gift to have known them. Honoring that today.”
“So much love, so many good memories. Grateful for their life.”
“Raising a toast to a life truly well lived.”
“Holding their memory, and this whole family, close today.”
Mistakes People Make
- Assuming somber funeral styling when the family wanted joy and color
- Missing the date because celebrations of life are often held long after the death
- Not reflecting the individual — these events are meant to feel personal
Common Questions
What flowers are appropriate for a celebration of life?
Warm, personal flowers that reflect the individual — bright sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and dahlias for a joyful spirit, or softer roses and lisianthus for a gentler tribute. Because these gatherings celebrate personality rather than follow funeral convention, ask the family whether they want vibrant or subdued.
How is a celebration of life different from a funeral for flowers?
A celebration of life is usually less formal and often held weeks or months after the death, so the flowers can be brighter and more personal than traditional funeral pieces. Confirm the date and the tone the family wants before ordering.
Ready when you are
Send The Right Thing
Browse arrangements that fit this occasion, or call and tell us the situation — a designer will choose with you.