Flowers can say something that words sometimes can't. They might be abundant and colourful, quietly seasonal, wonderfully unconventional or beautifully traditional.
We've brought together a selection of independent florists, each with a different style and approach to funeral flowers. Whether you have a particular arrangement in mind or haven't the faintest idea where to begin, there's no single right way to do it.
Perhaps they loved roses. Perhaps their garden was always full of colour, or they had a particular fondness for wildflowers, sweet peas or sunflowers.
You might want a traditional coffin spray, a wreath or a sheaf. Or perhaps something much less conventional: a collection of favourite flowers, foliage gathered from a garden, or individual stems for people to place on the coffin.
Flowers can be part of the funeral ceremony, the journey to the crematorium, a natural burial or the gathering afterwards. They don't have to be grand or elaborate to be meaningful.
The florists below offer different styles, so have a look around and see what appeals.
If you like flowers that feel as though they've been gathered from a garden or meadow rather than arranged to a formula, these are lovely places to start. Think interesting shapes, movement, seasonal colours and arrangements that feel personal.
Elaine at Pesh creates natural, individual farewell flowers, with a lovely sense of colour, texture and movement.
Favourite flowers, garden cuttings, photographs and meaningful little details can all become part of an arrangement. Pesh also takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability, using reusable mechanics and avoiding floral foam.
A lovely independent flower shop on North Cross Road, run by a family with a long history in growing and floristry.
Their funeral flowers use seasonal blooms and foliage, with a natural approach and biodegradable materials where possible. You can speak directly to their experienced florists about a particular flower, colour or arrangement.
For something a little wilder and more unconventional, The Wylding creates distinctive farewell arrangements inspired by nature and the individual being remembered.
Their approach avoids floral foam and single-use plastics. They can incorporate locally sourced flowers and foliage, including flowers from someone's own garden, and adapt designs for natural and eco burials.
If you have something more traditional in mind, there are some excellent florists who can help with coffin sprays, wreaths, sheaves, posies, hearts, crosses, tribute letters and other familiar funeral arrangements.
A long-established family florist on Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, trading since 1989.
Laurels has a dedicated funeral flowers collection, including coffin sprays, hearts, crosses, wreaths, posies, sheaves and personalised tributes. A good option if you have a particular traditional arrangement in mind.
A traditional village florist in the heart of Dulwich, with a lovely old-fashioned shopfront and a personal, made-to-order approach.
If you prefer a more classic floral tribute, speak to the team about what you have in mind, the flowers you'd like to include and delivery to the funeral venue.
A long-standing Norwood florist, now part of the East Dulwich Flower Co. family of businesses.
Their funeral flowers catalogue includes coffin sprays, pillows, wreaths, hearts, crosses, tribute letters and personalised designs. There are plenty of traditional options, alongside more unusual arrangements.
You don't need to know the names of flowers or have a particular arrangement in mind. Sometimes the smallest detail is the best place to begin.
A good florist will help you work out what might feel right, what is available at the time of year and how much you would like to spend.
Did they love roses, tulips, dahlias or sweet peas? Was there something growing in their garden that you associate with them?
Perhaps they always wore bright colours, loved deep autumn shades or preferred a simple combination of white and green. A colour can be a lovely starting point.
Spring bulbs, summer garden flowers, autumn foliage and winter branches all have their own character. Seasonal flowers can be beautiful and often offer more interesting choices.
You might prefer a loose sheaf, a few hand-tied bunches, individual flowers for people to place on the coffin or an arrangement inspired by a particular garden or landscape.
Flowers for a woodland burial might look quite different from those for a church or crematorium. If you're having a natural burial, ask about floral foam, plastics and fully compostable arrangements.
When contacting a florist, let them know the date, time and location of the funeral, along with the type of arrangement you have in mind. Ask them to confirm the delivery arrangements and any notice they need. Prices, availability and delivery areas vary between florists.
If you are arranging flowers for a coffin, tell the florist which coffin is being used and speak to us about how the arrangement will be positioned.
You don't have to decide on flowers straight away. If you're arranging a funeral with us, we can talk through the different possibilities, help you think about what might suit the person being remembered and point you towards a florist.
Whether you choose a single stem or something wonderfully extravagant, the important thing is that it feels right.
The florists featured here are independent businesses. Please contact them directly for current prices, designs, availability and delivery arrangements. Photographs are examples of their work; flowers and seasonal availability will vary.