FAQs

We often see lilies, roses, and carnations chosen for their timeless beauty and symbolism. Lilies, in particular, speak of peace and the soul’s return to innocence. White roses express reverence and quiet love, while carnations, especially in white and soft pinks, are long-lasting and deeply meaningful.

Many families also include favourite blooms, creating a personal tribute. We forage much of the floral material that our florists require to make these tributes for your loved ones, and everything that is left over is either recycled or composted - ensuring your arrangement is as gentle on the environment as it is beautiful.

In our experience, flowers can bring gentle comfort, especially when they reflect the character or story of the person being remembered.

Sending flowers is a thoughtful way to show you care. Soft, gentle arrangements, such as white lilies, orchids, or pastel-coloured roses, are often chosen when words feel hard to find. If you’re unsure, a simple bouquet or a hand-tied sheaf sent to the family’s home is always appreciated.

Please check the funeral notice, as some families prefer donations to a chosen charity instead. It's a small kindness, but one that speaks volumes in difficult times.

Flowers can express feelings that are hard to put into words. In funeral arrangements, white often symbolises peace and remembrance. Soft pinks convey gratitude, yellow may reflect friendship, and red represents love and respect.

Each bloom carries meaning; chrysanthemums represent grief in many cultures, while roses can speak of love, loss, or reverence. Choosing flowers that reflect the person’s spirit or favourite colours can feel like a quiet, meaningful way to say goodbye.

Prices vary depending on the size and type of arrangement. A simple bouquet might be around £30–£50, while larger wreaths or coffin sprays may range from £80 to £250. Bespoke tributes, perhaps shaped or designed with personal touches, can cost more.

Our own in-house floristry team are happy to guide you gently through the options and will work within your wishes and budget.

There’s no strict rule, but it’s always thoughtful to check if the family has shared any preferences. Often, flowers are sent directly to the funeral venue, while smaller arrangements or messages of sympathy can be sent to the family’s home.

A card with a few heartfelt words can bring quiet comfort. If no flowers are requested, a donation to a chosen cause is a meaningful alternative. However you choose to honour someone, sincerity matters most.

Most florists appreciate at least two to three days’ notice, especially for larger or personalised designs. If you have something particular in mind, like including a favourite flower or creating a shaped tribute, it’s helpful to give five to seven days if you can.

That said, many florists are understanding and will do their best to help, even at short notice. Our florist always approaches their work with great care and compassion.

Poetry can gently capture what’s hard to say aloud. Many families choose timeless pieces like ‘Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep’, ‘She Is Gone’, or ‘Remember Me’. Uplifting poems, nature-inspired verses, and those that reflect the person’s humour or outlook can all be deeply meaningful.

We’re often moved by how a simple reading can bring peace. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you find something that feels right for the moment.

Some families prefer a lighter touch; a verse that celebrates life, love, or laughter. ‘Death Is Nothing at All’ or ‘Afterglow’ are gentle, hopeful choices. Many also find comfort in nature-based verses, where endings feel more like transformations.

There’s no need to follow convention; if a poem makes you smile or remember warmly, it’s the right one. Please feel free to ask us for ideas. We enjoy helping families create ceremonies that reflect the person they knew.

There’s no single right choice; only the one that feels true to the person. Some families choose classic hymns like ‘Abide with Me’ or ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’. Others play favourites like ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ or ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

Gentle instrumentals, folk songs, or even something upbeat can be deeply moving. We’ve heard everything from jazz to sea shanties. Music has a way of bringing people together, and the choice of music should ultimately reflect the person who’s being remembered.

The most familiar funeral prayers in the UK include ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Psalm 23’, and traditional Church of England blessings. These offer comfort, especially to families with a Christian background.

However, many people choose reflective readings, spiritual words from other faiths, or readings of a secular nature. We welcome all beliefs and are happy to support any preferences. Whether formal or informal, spoken or silent, prayer can bring a sense of peace and connection in a deeply personal way.

Absolutely. This is your time to honour a life in a way that feels right. Music can bring such comfort, whether it’s a favourite song, a cherished hymn, or something that simply sets a peaceful tone.

We’ve had classical pieces, folk music, even birdsong playing softly through the woods. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re happy to share what’s worked beautifully before. You’re always welcome to talk through your ideas with us; we’re here to help.

Yes, of course. If hymns hold meaning for you or your family, we’ll help you include the ones that feel right. ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Jerusalem’, and ‘Morning Has Broken’ are often chosen, but there’s no set list; you’re welcome to choose what you feel best reflects your loved one’s spirit or beliefs.

We can help arrange hymn sheets, music, or live singing if you wish. Please take your time and talk it through with us when you’re ready.

A good reading feels true to the person you're remembering. It could be a poem, a passage from a favourite book, something spiritual, or even a few lines they once said. ‘The Road Not Taken’, ‘Gone From My Sight’, or verses by Mary Oliver and Kahlil Gibran are often chosen.

We also welcome family-written words as these are often the most heartfelt. Whatever you choose, we’re here to support you and can offer suggestions if you’d like some gentle guidance.

There’s no rule; only what feels right. Eulogies are often given by close family or friends, but sometimes a celebrant or minister speaks on their behalf. Some people prefer to write the words and have someone else read them.

It’s a deeply personal task, and we always encourage people to take their time. If you need support, we’re here to help shape the words or rehearse the reading with you.

One quote that brings quiet comfort to many is: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” (Queen Elizabeth II). It reminds us that deep sorrow reflects deep connection.

Another often chosen is from Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” We’ve seen families choose quotes from literature, scripture, or song lyrics; anything that brings peace. If you’re searching for the right words, we’re always happy to help.

A simple, heartfelt toast can say so much. You might raise a glass and say, “To a life well lived, and a person deeply loved – may their memory live on in each of us.” Some families include a shared moment of reflection, a favourite saying, or a line from a song. There’s no need to speak formally. It’s about honouring them with warmth and sincerity. Please feel free to ask if you’d like examples to consider.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest words that mean the most. “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “They were deeply loved and will be missed” can offer quiet comfort. You don’t need to have the perfect thing to say; just being present and listening speaks volumes.

If you're unsure, a gentle touch on the arm or a warm smile can say everything. Grief needs space, not solutions, and kindness always makes a difference, however it's expressed.

We recommend keeping readings between one and three minutes; long enough to be meaningful, but short enough to hold everyone’s attention gently. That usually works out to a poem, a short passage, or a couple of heartfelt paragraphs.

If several people are speaking, shorter readings create a lovely rhythm. There’s no pressure to say too much. A few well-chosen words can be deeply powerful. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you shape or time your reading.

You don’t have to wear all black, but it’s best to choose something modest and respectful. Dark, muted colours, such as navy, charcoal, or forest green are all perfectly appropriate. Some families request brighter clothing to reflect the person’s personality, especially at a celebration of life.

If there’s a dress code, it’s usually included in the funeral notice. You should wear what feels respectful and comfortable. It’s less about strict rules and more about showing your support by being present.

Yes, if you’d like to, but there’s no expectation. Many people wear light, natural makeup to feel more put together, especially if they’re speaking or seeing extended family. Others prefer to go without.

There’s no right or wrong decision; only what feels right for you. Funerals are emotional spaces, and no one is judging appearances. We always encourage people to dress in a way that feels gentle and authentic, whatever that may mean for them on the day.

It’s best to avoid anything too casual, revealing, or brightly patterned unless the family has said otherwise. In the UK, outfits that feel too bold, like loud prints, party clothes, or sportswear, might seem out of place.

We suggest steering towards subdued, respectful clothing in darker tones. Comfortable shoes are important, especially if you’re walking or standing outdoors. If in doubt, simpler is usually better. The aim is always to show quiet respect and support for the family.

Not at all. While suits are traditional, they’re not required. What matters most is showing up with respect and sincerity. A smart shirt or blouse with dark trousers or a skirt is perfectly appropriate.

Many people no longer own formal suits, and that's absolutely fine. Some families even request informal dress. If you're ever unsure, feel free to ask; as we’re always happy to gently guide guests and ensure everyone feels comfortable and included on the day.

A dark shirt or jumper with tidy trousers, or a simple dress or skirt in muted tones, is more than appropriate. You don’t need a suit to show respect; just something smart, understated, and comfortable.

A coat or jacket in darker colours can also help make a simple outfit feel more formal. We see all kinds of dress at funerals now, especially at natural and woodland services. It’s less about tradition and more about presence and care.

It’s possible, but rarely a concern. Most people appreciate a respectful effort. A formal dress or smart blazer is usually welcome, but wearing something very glamorous, such as sequins, bold jewellery, or high fashion, can feel out of place unless requested by the family.

If you’re unsure, go for modest and understated. Funerals are quieter occasions, where the focus is on remembrance, not appearance. That said, we’ve seen wonderful exceptions when families invite colour and celebration. It all depends on the tone.