Wreaths

Funeral and commemorative wreaths

Funeral wreaths come from close family, an employer, a school or an association the person belonged to. They are kept in muted colors (white, cream, burgundy, purple) and usually carry a ribbon with a short inscription. Commemorative wreaths are laid on national holidays, anniversaries and jubilees, for example at monuments on 11 November, Poland's Independence Day, or on 3 May, Constitution Day. They often have a white and red ribbon with the name of an institution or company.

Choosing a wreath

The size depends on who is giving it. A large wreath on a stand is a gesture from family, a company or an institution; friends usually bring a smaller wreath or a flat spray. Durability matters too: at a summer funeral, choose heat-tolerant flowers such as carnations, roses or chrysanthemums, which stay fresh-looking for longer. Besides the classic round wreath you will also see wreaths shaped like a heart or a pillow, though the choice depends on the florist. The ribbon only needs a short, legible inscription; for wreaths from companies and institutions it is usually their full name.

Delivery before the ceremony

A wreath has to arrive before the ceremony starts, not during it. Put the ceremony time, the name of the chapel, church or meeting point and the phone number of the person collecting it in the delivery notes. For state ceremonies a delegation usually carries the wreath, so it is easiest to have it delivered to the company, school or office. If the wreath is going straight to the cemetery rather than a chapel, agree with the family who will be there to receive it. Wreaths are made by selected florists and availability depends on the delivery address, so enter that first. For more on farewells, see funeral and condolence flowers.