What kind of flowers should I bring or send to a graveside?
The Short Answer
Graveside flowers should be sturdy and weather-ready, since they sit outdoors and are often exposed to Michigan sun, wind, or cold. Grave saddles, cemetery cones, and hardy seasonal bouquets all work well. These typically range from $45 to $150 depending on size and style.
Ready to order? Explore fresh, professionally designed arrangements available for local delivery through Bentley Florist.

Designs made for outdoor placement
Flowers left at a grave face the elements, so we build them differently than an indoor arrangement. A grave saddle drapes over the top of a headstone and stays put in wind. A cemetery cone or in-ground vase holds a bouquet upright in the soil. For a fresh visit, a hand-tied bouquet in a simple wrap is a heartfelt choice. We choose hardier flowers such as carnations, poms, and chrysanthemums for longevity, and add greenery that holds up outdoors. Tell us the season and we will make sure the piece suits Michigan weather.
Following cemetery guidelines
Many cemeteries have rules about what may be placed and when, especially around mowing schedules and holidays. Some allow only in-ground arrangements, while others permit saddles or small decorations for a limited time. It is worth a quick call to the cemetery office before you order anything permanent. Our designers are familiar with several Genesee County cemeteries and can suggest styles that tend to be accepted. When rules are unclear, a simple fresh bouquet placed during a visit is almost always welcome.
Seasonal graveside ideas
Graveside flowers can follow the year in a comforting rhythm. Spring calls for tulips and daffodils, summer for bright mixed bouquets, and fall for warm chrysanthemums and rich foliage. In a Michigan winter, an evergreen-based piece with berries or a saddle of hardy greens can weather the cold and snow beautifully. Marking the seasons this way becomes its own quiet ritual for many families, a gentle way to keep visiting and keep remembering throughout the year.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Choose grave saddles or in-ground vases for lasting outdoor placement.
- Select hardy flowers like carnations, poms, and mums for longevity.
- Check cemetery rules before placing permanent decorations.
- Match the arrangement to the Michigan season for durability.
- A simple fresh bouquet is always welcome for a personal visit.
We're here to help you honor their memory
Our designers will guide you gently through every option, from casket sprays to sympathy arrangements for the home.
Plan A Meaningful TributePrefer to order flowers now? Shop the Bentley Florist collection — same-day delivery across Burton and Flint.
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