Why are funeral flowers so expensive? (2024)

FAQs

Why are funeral flowers so expensive? ›

Certain flowers may be more expensive or harder to source depending on the time of year. Quality and freshness: Funeral flowers are typically expected to be of high quality and freshness, which may require extra care in sourcing and handling. Flowers that are in peak condition often come at a higher price.

With all this in mind, the average cost of funeral flowers is typically between $50 to $150. You should generally expect to spend around $100-$300 depending on the arrangement you're sending or $500+ if you're purchasing flowers for decoration at a funeral.

A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), which must be factored into the cost of a funeral. A majority of the expense is typically in the funeral home professional fees and merchandise for the funeral or memorial itself.

Large groups of people generally send floral sprays and wreaths as gifts. Funeral flower etiquette dictates that members of the family (including the children of the deceased, their siblings, and grandchildren) take care of the spray that covers the coffin.

Labor and expertise: Skilled florists invest time and expertise in designing and arranging funeral flowers to create meaningful tributes. The labor involved in creating intricate arrangements contributes to the overall cost.

The bereaved family will usually decide what to do with the funeral flowers. Unless specified, the funeral flowers will usually be left at the graveside or in a memorial garden. You could choose to take some of the flowers home with you or give them away to friends and family.

If you receive funeral floral deliveries from friends and family, the florist delivery person should receive a small gratuity (between $3 and $5).

Shop at a Local Store

Shopping for funeral flowers from local shops, such as grocery stores, discount stores, or supermarkets, can minimize the expense of buying funeral flowers. Often, pre-arranged flowers are also sold in these local shops that can be bought at a lower rate, as compared to those grand flower shops.

A casket often is the single most expensive item you'll buy if you plan a "traditional" full-service funeral. Caskets vary widely in style and price and are sold primarily for their visual appeal.

Is $20000 enough for a funeral? ›

There are different tiers of caskets, coffins, flowers, memorial stones, cemetery plots, and other miscellaneous services that can easily take a $7,000 funeral to $25,000 or more. You can expect the total cost of your funeral to range between $5,000 - $25,000, depending on the services your family chooses to go with.

The most expensive part of a funeral is typically the basic services fee of a funeral home. The median cost of basic services fees is about $2,300.

As we've already noted, older generations might be surprised to find how many funerals are requesting donations—and how few people send flowers these days. It's not rude or inconsiderate. In fact, if the grieving parties are requesting donations, it's actually better etiquette to send the requested form of donation.

If you know death has caused a financial burden for the family, money is always appreciated. Some families are financially prepared, so in those cases, I wouldn't. A nice plant or a donation to some charity to honor the deceased might be more appropriate. The amount is up to you.

Husbands, wives, children, sisters, brothers, parents, and grandparents may order any type of floral arrangement they like. However, there are certain types that are reserved for immediate family members. Keep in mind that flowers from family are typically placed closest to the casket during the viewing or wake.

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.

If we had to give a number we recommend anywhere between 10-15% of your ENTIRE wedding budget going to flowers. This number is dependent on how truly important your flowers are to you. Of course to us, they are the most important.

The IRS considers flowers provided under special circ*mstances as a de minimis fringe benefit so they are therefore not taxable. If flowers are for an employee and are not for sympathy, they are taxable if $100.00 or more and should be expensed under Employee Award Taxable.