When arranging funeral flowers, it’s helpful to understand the distinctions between the main tribute types: funeral sprays, wreaths, and sheafs. Though all serve to express sympathy and honour, each has its own style, placement, and symbolism. Choosing the right type can make your tribute more fitting, respectful, and meaningful.
Funeral Sprays (Casket Sprays, Standing Sprays, Flat Sprays)
A funeral spray is a floral arrangement designed to lie flat against a surface. The most common version is the casket spray, which rests on top of a coffin. Casket sprays are often chosen by immediate family members and can span the full length of the coffin (full-couch style) or cover part of it (half-couch style), depending on whether the coffin is open or closed.
Standing sprays (also called easel sprays) are vertical versions mounted on an easel or tripod. These are displayed beside the coffin, near the altar, or at the entrance to the service. Standing sprays may also take shapes such as crosses, hearts, or teardrops. In simpler contexts, “spray” may refer to flat sprays used on walls, memorial panels, or graves. Some sprays are single-ended (one tapering side) or double-ended (tapers on both ends) to better cover the coffin.
Because sprays are flat and face upward, they are ideal as the principal tribute on the coffin or as prominent visible pieces in the funeral setting.
Wreaths
A wreath is a circular arrangement of flowers and foliage. The circle carries strong symbolic meaning: representing continuity, eternity, and the idea that life’s cycle never ends.
Wreaths are commonly used in funeral services. They might be displayed on easels throughout the ceremony, placed by the coffin, or later laid at the graveside. Their shape and visual impact make them fitting for public or formal honour tributes.
Styles vary: wreaths can be fully filled with flowers or use greenery bases with clusters of blooms; sizes can also vary depending on the level of tribute intended.
Because of their symbolic circle, wreaths are often chosen when one wishes to convey a message of everlasting memory and respect beyond grief.
Sheafs (Tied Sheafs, Flat Sheaf Bouquets)
A sheaf (or tied sheaf) is a hand-tied bouquet arranged in a flat or fan shape and bound together, often with ribbon or twine, with stems trailing below the tying point. Because of this structure, a sheaf can lie flat against a coffin or grave without needing support.
Sheafs are simpler, less formal than sprays or wreaths, and often preferred when senders want a tribute that feels elegant but not overly elaborate. They are also sometimes more easily transported or displayed in smaller settings.
In many cases, a sheaf is used as an alternative to a wreath or spray. Because the same flower types can often be used, the primary difference is the style and presentation rather than the components.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Positioning and dimension: Sprays lie flat (or stand when on easels), wreaths are circular and upright, and sheafs lie flat but are tied like bouquets.
- Formality and symbolism: Wreaths carry formal symbolism of eternity, sprays serve as grand tributes on coffins or stands, and sheafs offer a more personal, modest tribute.
- Visual impact: Sprays and wreaths are usually more visually dominant in the service space, whereas sheafs are elegant in their simplicity.
- Use and flexibility: Sprays and wreaths often remain at the service or graveside; sheafs may be taken home by the family or placed on the coffin and later moved.
Why Choose One Over the Other?
Funeral casket flowers are typically chosen by the immediate family and sit directly on the casket as the central tribute. Your choice among sprays, wreaths, or sheafs may depend on your relationship to the deceased, the nature of the service, space and display options, budget, or desired symbolism. For example:
- A close family member may choose a full casket spray for prominent tribute.
- A group or organization might opt for a wreath displayed at the service.
- A friend or guest may send a sheaf as a heartfelt, graceful gesture.
Whether you choose a spray, a wreath, or a sheaf, each can be crafted to honour the deceased with dignity, beauty, and meaning.
