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Funeral Flowers Ireland: A Complete Guide - The Flower Factory

Funeral Flowers Ireland: A Complete Guide

by Cian Burrowes on June 09, 2026

Funeral flowers in Ireland fall into two main categories.

Funeral flowers in Ireland fall into two main categories. Formal tributes such as wreaths and sprays are placed at the service itself and are usually ordered by immediate family. Sympathy bouquets are sent to the family home and can be ordered by anyone. This guide covers both, what each one is, who orders what, what flowers are appropriate, how much they cost and how to order them.

 

What Is the Difference Between Funeral Flowers and Sympathy Flowers in Ireland?

Funeral flowers are formal tributes arranged at the service itself. Wreaths, sprays and sheaves placed on or near the coffin, displayed at the funeral home during the removal, or brought to the graveside. These are coordinated with the funeral director and are typically ordered by immediate family or very close friends.

Sympathy flowers are sent to the family home as a personal gesture of condolence. A bouquet delivered to the door is a sympathy arrangement. It is separate from the formal funeral tribute and can be ordered by anyone, from close friends and extended family to colleagues and neighbours.

If you are unsure which applies to your situation, a sympathy bouquet to the home is never wrong. You can see our funeral flowers range here: theflowerfactory.ie/collections/funeral-flowers-ireland

 

What Is a Funeral Wreath in Ireland?

A wreath is a circular arrangement, typically between 30 and 60 centimetres across, made on a foam or wire base covered with flowers and foliage. The circular shape is traditionally associated with eternal life and is one of the most recognised funeral tributes in Ireland. Wreaths are displayed at the removal and funeral service, placed on or beside the coffin, and are brought to the graveside afterwards. They are appropriate for immediate family and close friends who want to send a formal tribute to the service.

 

Floral wreath with white roses and greenery on a white background

 

What Is a Funeral Spray in Ireland?

A spray is a flat, shaped arrangement designed to lie on top of the coffin. It is the most prominent tribute at a funeral service and is almost always ordered by immediate family. Sprays are larger than wreaths and are arranged in an elongated shape to suit the coffin. If you are organising the funeral itself, the spray is the arrangement you will likely be asked about first. You can view our funeral range here: theflowerfactory.ie/collections/funeral-flowers-ireland

 

Bouquet of white flowers with greenery on a white background

 

What Is a Funeral Sheaf in Ireland?

A sheaf is a hand-tied arrangement designed to lay flat, similar to a spray but lighter and less structured. They are a slightly less formal option and are sometimes chosen by extended family or close friends who want something more personal than a wreath but who are not organising the funeral itself.

 

What Flowers Are Appropriate for a Funeral in Ireland?

White and cream are the standard. Lilies, chrysanthemums, roses, freesia and carnations in white or ivory tones are appropriate for funeral tributes in Ireland and work across different traditions including Catholic, Church of Ireland and non-denominational services.

Soft colour can be incorporated if it reflects the wishes of the family or the personality of the person who has died. Pale pink, lavender and soft yellow are acceptable in the right context. Bright or tropical arrangements are not appropriate for formal funeral tributes.

Chrysanthemums are particularly associated with funerals and remembrance in Ireland. Lilies carry strong associations with peace and are a natural choice for both wreaths and sympathy arrangements. Our Tranquility bouquet in white and ivory is our most requested for bereavement occasions and can be seen here: theflowerfactory.ie/collections/featured/products/tranquility-sympathy-flowers

 

How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost in Ireland?

Sympathy bouquets for delivery to the home vary depending on the size and style of arrangement. A single bouquet sits toward the lower end of the range while larger arrangements and gift bundles that include extras for the family sit higher.

Wreaths and sprays vary in price depending on size and flower selection. You can view our full funeral tribute range here: theflowerfactory.ie/collections/funeral-flowers-ireland

 

Who Orders Funeral Flowers in Ireland and What Is Each Type For?

Coffin sprays are ordered by the immediate family who organised the funeral. Wreaths are ordered by immediate family, close friends and colleagues sending a tribute to the service. Sheaves and posies are ordered by extended family or friends who want a tribute at the service. Sympathy bouquets to the home can be sent by anyone at any point before or after the funeral.

If you are not sure which is appropriate for your relationship to the family, a sympathy bouquet to the door is the most straightforward option and is never out of place.

 

Should Funeral Flowers Be Sent to the Funeral Home or the Family Home in Ireland?

Formal tributes such as wreaths and sprays go to the funeral home. Most funeral homes require flowers to arrive at least two to three hours before the removal. If you are ordering a formal tribute, contact the funeral home directly to confirm timing and coordinate delivery.

Sympathy bouquets go to the family home. They are a personal gesture rather than a formal tribute and are most meaningfully received at the door where the family can open them directly.

When in doubt, send a sympathy bouquet to the home. It is always appropriate.

 

How Far in Advance Should Funeral Flowers Be Ordered in Ireland?

For formal tributes, as early as possible once you know the funeral arrangements. Ideally 48 hours before the service. Wreaths and sprays take longer to prepare than a standard bouquet and need to be coordinated with the funeral home. We will always do our best to accommodate shorter notice where we can.

For sympathy bouquets to the home, same-day delivery in Dublin is available for orders placed before 1pm. Next-day delivery nationwide is available for orders placed before 9pm the previous evening.

 

How to Order Funeral Flowers in Ireland from The Flower Factory

Our full funeral flower and sympathy range is available to order online here: theflowerfactory.ie/collections/funeral-flowers-ireland. Same-day delivery in Dublin for orders before 1pm. Next-day nationwide for orders before 9pm.

For wreaths, sprays and formal funeral tributes, please contact us directly on 1800 108 108 or at support@theflowerfactory.ie. We will discuss what you need, confirm availability and coordinate timing with the funeral home so you do not have to.

Losing someone is hard enough. The flowers should be the straightforward part.