What to do With Funeral Flowers: Transform Funeral Flowers into Beautiful Keepsakes

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Funeral flowers hold a deep, emotional significance. They are often a final gesture of love and respect, making them more than just a fleeting tribute. For many of us, these flowers represent cherished memories of our loved ones. But, if you are like me, I wondered what to do with the funeral flowers after my father’s recent death.

With a bit of time and some fairly ordinary materials, funeral flowers can be turned into keepsakes that last. This post will guide you through various methods to preserve funeral flowers, such as pressing, drying, and crafting them into unique keepsakes. These techniques will help you keep the memory of your loved ones alive through beautiful, handmade mementos.

What to do with funeral flowers?

Many people just leave the flowers at the funeral home or on the grave, and of course that is perfectly ok. But as you know, we all love sustainability here and just leaving expensive flowers to wilt and die without anyone appreciating their beauty seems such a waste.

At my dad’s funeral I was asked by the funeral director what I would like to do with the flowers. It was a bit of an unexpected question as I thought they always remained behind, but to be given the option to take them away with me was too good an opportunity to miss to make something sustainable and memorable, from such a sad occasion.

 

Three questions. Two minutes. A flower list chosen for your actual garden, not some idealised one.

Let’s find your flowers.

 

The biggest challenge I had was to get them back to my home in the best possible condition to process them, especially when I had to stay away for a few days after the funeral.

Why preserve funeral flowers?

Preserving funeral flowers isn’t just about keeping a memento; it’s about honouring the memory of those we’ve lost. Each petal holds a story, a moment, and a sentiment. By preserving these flowers, we can keep a tangible reminder of our loved ones close at hand.

Funeral flowers often have a sentimental value that goes beyond their beauty. They symbolise love, respect, and the emotional ties we have with the departed. Preserving these flowers can provide comfort and a way to maintain a connection to those we’ve lost.

Rather than letting the flowers fade, it often feels right to turn them into something that lasts. Preserved flowers can be turned into keepsakes that you can see and touch, providing a sense of continuity and remembrance.

What to do with funeral flowers: Pressing flowers

One of the most timeless methods for preserving flowers is pressing. This technique has been used for centuries to capture the delicate beauty of flowers in a flat, two-dimensional form.

Step-by-step instructions on pressing flowers:

1. Selecting the right flowers: Choose flowers that are not too thick. Flat flowers like pansies, daisies, and violas work best. If you’re using bulkier flowers like roses, consider pressing individual petals.
2. Preparing the flowers for pressing: Gently remove any dirt or insects. Trim the stems and place the flowers on absorbent paper, like parchment or blotting paper.
3. Pressing the flowers: Arrange the flowers on the paper so they don’t overlap. Place another sheet of paper on top and then put them in the middle of a heavy book. Add more books or weights on top to ensure even pressure.
4. Drying process: Leave the flowers undisturbed for about two weeks. Check occasionally to ensure they are drying properly and to prevent mould growth.

Tips for achieving the best results:

• Use absorbent paper to prevent moisture from causing mould.
• Place the pressing book in a dry, warm area.
• Check on the flowers periodically to ensure they are drying evenly.

Ideas for using pressed flowers:

• Framed art: Arrange pressed flowers in a frame to create a beautiful, natural artwork for your home.
• Bookmarks: Attach pressed flowers to card stock to create personalised bookmarks.
• Greeting cards: Use pressed flowers to add a special touch to handmade cards for friends and family.
• Resin coasters: Arrange the pressed flowers in a mould and pour over the resin to create individual drinks coasters for your friends and family.

What to do with funeral flowers: Drying flowers

Drying flowers is another wonderful way to preserve their beauty and keep the memories they represent alive. This is the method I chose for my dad’s flowers. It was straightforward, and it meant I could preserve more of them. The picture below is one of the wreaths I made.

There are several methods to dry flowers, each offering unique results.

Overview of different flower drying techniques:

1. Air Drying:
   • Instructions: This is the easiest technique and requires no additional equipment to do it. Gather the flowers into small bunches and tie the stems with twine. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark place with good air circulation. I used my garage.
   • Tips: Ensure the flowers are not too crowded to allow for proper air flow.
2. Silica Gel Drying:
   • Instructions: Place a layer of silica gel in a container, then arrange the flowers on top. Gently cover the flowers with more silica gel, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal the container and leave it for about a week. This is more suited for smaller flowers, otherwise you need a lot of silica gel.
   • Tips: Handle the flowers carefully to avoid damage, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling silica dust.
3. Microwave Drying:
   • Instructions: Place the flowers between two microwave-safe plates or in a microwave-safe container with a desiccant like silica gel. Microwave on low for 30-second intervals, checking frequently until dry.
   • Tips: Be cautious not to overheat the flowers, as they can become brittle.
4. Air Fryer Drying:
   • Instructions: My air fryer has a dehydration setting, so I choose to use this. It will use the lowest temperature setting for about 3 or 4 hours. Check the flowers frequently until dry.
   • Tips: As flowers are all different shapes and sizes try and dry similar flowers together.

Creative uses for dried flowers:

• Wreaths: Create a beautiful, everlasting wreath by attaching dried flowers to a wire or foam base. These were the wreaths and arrangements I made out of my dad’s funeral flowers.

• Shadow Boxes: Arrange dried flowers in a shadow box for a three-dimensional display that can be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.
• Potpourri: Mix dried flowers with essential oils and other natural elements like pinecones or dried citrus peels to make fragrant potpourri.

If this kind of making helps you think, or simply gives your hands something steady to do, you might enjoy the Flower Files. I share simple, seasonal flower projects there, including a video of how I dried and arranged my dad’s funeral flowers at home.

What to do with funeral flowers: Crafting unique keepsakes

For those who enjoy DIY projects, crafting unique keepsakes from funeral flowers can be a fulfilling and therapeutic activity. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Jewellery making:

• Resin Jewellery: Embed dried flowers in resin to create stunning pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Resin jewellery is not only beautiful but also durable, ensuring your keepsakes last for years.
  • Instructions:
    • Arrange the dried flowers in a mould.
    • Mix the resin according to the instructions.
    • Pour the resin over the flowers and let it cure for the specified time.
  • Tips: Work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gloves.

Candle making:

• Memory Candles: Embed dried flowers into the sides of a candle or place them around the wick for a decorative and meaningful touch.
  • Instructions:
    • Melt wax and pour a small layer into a candle mould.
    • Place dried flowers around the edges.
    • Pour in the remaining wax and insert the wick.
  • Tips: Use clear wax to better display the flowers and avoid placing flowers too close to the wick to prevent burning.

Memory jars or terrariums:

• Memory Jars: Create a memory jar by filling a clear jar with dried flowers, mementos, and notes. This can be a beautiful way to keep memories and personal items together in one place.
  • Instructions:
    • Select a clear jar with a tight-fitting lid.
    • Arrange dried flowers, photos, and small keepsakes inside.
    • Seal the jar and decorate the outside if desired.
  • Tips: Use a jar with a wide mouth for easier arrangement of items.

Tips for storing preserved flowers

Here are a few tips to help you keep your preserved flowers for as long as possible.

• Avoid direct sunlight and humidity: Store your keepsakes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade. Humidity can lead to mould or deterioration, so keep flowers in a controlled environment.
• Proper cleaning and maintenance of keepsakes: Dust your keepsakes regularly and handle them with care. For items in frames or cases, use a soft cloth to clean the glass.

Preserving funeral flowers is a heartfelt way to honour the memory of our loved ones. By turning these flowers into beautiful keepsakes, we can keep their memories alive and close to our hearts.

As you embark on your journey of preserving and crafting with funeral flowers, remember that the process is as meaningful as the final product. Taking the time to create something with your hands can be a therapeutic and comforting experience.

Making something with the flowers didn’t fix anything – but it gave the days some shape, and that mattered.

A quote that resonates deeply with the essence of this endeavour is from writer George Eliot: “Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.” Through the preservation and transformation of funeral flowers, we ensure that the memories of our loved ones remain vivid and cherished.

If you want plenty of flowers without turning gardening into a second job, The Flower Files might be just what you need.

In the world of sustainable seasonal flower gardening, we often find ourselves dealing with cycles of growth and decay. By repurposing funeral flowers, we give a second life to something that would otherwise fade away. This practice not only honours our loved ones but also aligns with the principles of sustainability and creativity.

I hope this guide has inspired you to create your own beautiful keepsakes. Share your experiences and creations in the comments below.

A quick aside: I built a little app for flower growers who want gentle reminders about what to do and when - without it turning into another thing to feel guilty about. It's called the Flower Grower Companion. You tell it your location and your flowers, it tells you what actually needs doing this week (and just as importantly, when there's nothing to do at all)

Have a look