News of a death usually comes without warning, and in Vietnam the funeral follows quickly, so flowers often have to be chosen in a hurry. If you did not grow up here, it is also easy to worry about sending the wrong thing. This guide explains how to choose a funeral wreath that is appropriate and meaningful, and that shows respect and sympathy to the bereaved family.
What a funeral wreath means
In Vietnam, flowers sent to a funeral are understood to speak to two sides at once: to the person who has died, and to the family they leave behind.
For the person who has died
A funeral wreath is a last farewell. It is a way of showing grief, attachment and gratitude towards the person who has passed away.
It also tells everyone present that you share in the sorrow and that you held the deceased in respect. For many people it is the final kind word they are able to offer, and a sign that the person will be missed.
For the family
For the family, a wreath shows that others mourn with them and share their pain at the hardest moment. Many people also see funeral flowers as carrying a hope of rebirth and of a more peaceful place for the one who has died, which is why they are felt to be a real comfort to a household in mourning.
Seeing the wreaths arrive, the family knows that they have sympathy and support around them.
Colours to choose for funeral flowers
The colour of funeral flowers is not only a matter of taste. It is read as a message about what the sender feels for the deceased and wishes for the family. Three colours are used most often.
White
White is associated with purity and a clear, good spirit. It is also the colour of solemnity, quietness and restraint. White funeral flowers are understood as deep mourning and respect for the person who has died.
White orchids, seen as pure and dignified, are a popular choice at funerals
Yellow
Yellow at a funeral stands for respect, nobility and abundance. Yellow flowers are taken as a sign of gratitude and high regard for the deceased, and as a wish for their peace and happiness in the next world.
Yellow funeral flowers stand for a wish of peace and happiness for the deceased in the next world
Purple
Purple is usually read as longing and deep affection for the person who has died. It is also considered an elegant, refined colour.
Purple flowers are sometimes chosen to say that the person is truly missed, and to offer a last mark of attachment and respect.
Purple funeral flowers usually express longing and deep affection for the deceased
Five flowers to choose for a Vietnamese funeral
The words most often printed on a Vietnamese funeral ribbon are Thành kính phân ưu (“With deepest sympathy”), and the flowers are expected to say the same thing. Each kind of flower is thought to carry its own shade of meaning, both for the person who has died and for the family. These five are the ones most often sent.
White tuberose: reverence
White tuberose is a symbol of reverence and deep gratitude. Slender and pure white, it is seen as a dignified way of honouring the deceased, and as the last thanks of the living to the one who has gone.
A funeral wreath of white tuberose, elegant and striking
White chrysanthemum: remembrance
White chrysanthemums are linked with remembrance, sorrow and lasting affection. They are simple flowers, yet they are felt to express a regret that is hard to put into words and a love that does not fade. They call to mind the time spent together and the grief of those left behind.
A funeral wreath of white chrysanthemums, quiet and full of remembrance
White orchid: a final farewell
White orchids stand for the final parting. Their noble, refined appearance is taken to express gratitude and the highest respect, and they are understood as a last goodbye to the soul of the deceased.
A funeral wreath of white orchids, elegant and refined
Purple orchid: condolence
Purple orchids are often chosen to express condolence and deep regret. The soft purple carries sorrow and sympathy for relatives whose loss has often come without warning. It is also regarded as a tactful way of showing respect for the person who has died.
A wreath of purple orchids, a fitting and handsome choice for a funeral
White rose: regret
The pure colour of white roses is taken to stand for innocence and for the sender’s heartfelt sorrow. White roses are commonly sent to funerals to express grief at the loss of a relative or a friend.
White roses, a gentle way of saying goodbye to the deceased
What to keep in mind when choosing a funeral wreath
A well-chosen wreath honours the person who has died and shows care and respect for their family. These are the points to keep in mind:
Choose flowers that suit the person. It matters that the flowers fit the one who has died. Roses, for example, are often chosen for someone who was young and full of energy, while orchids, seen as dignified and noble, suit an older person. Think about which flower reflects the character of the deceased.
Keep the design simple. A funeral wreath should be simple and refined. Avoid elaborate arrangements with a great deal of extra foliage, so that the attention stays on the sincerity of the gesture. A plain, well-made wreath carries a more solemn message of sympathy.
Choose quiet colours. White, cream and pastel shades are the safe choice and show respect. Gentle colours give the funeral a calm, pure atmosphere and are taken to reflect the sender’s sincere feelings.
Choose a fitting size. The size should be in proportion to the occasion. A very large wreath can feel heavy and overpowering at a small funeral, while one that is too small can look less solemn and seem to understate the sender’s respect. Choose a size that suits the space where the ceremony is held, or the place of burial.
Ordering funeral flowers and wreaths from Flosa
Flosa makes funeral wreaths and condolence baskets, including arrangements for both Catholic and Buddhist funerals, and delivers them across Vietnam. If you are abroad, you can order online and pay by international card; delivery times are in Vietnam time (GMT+7), and we send you a photo of the flowers. Our florists put care and sincerity into every piece, because these flowers speak on your behalf.
Flosa works with flower growers in Vietnam, and our team is glad to advise you if you are unsure what is suitable. You can reach us on +84 90 252 6176.
Choosing funeral flowers by colour, type of flower and style is a way of showing respect to the person who has died, and it takes the place of words of condolence that are often hard to find. We hope this guide helps you choose flowers that honour the memory of the deceased and bring some comfort to the family.
