Funeral and Sympathy Flowers
Funeral flowers are a last gesture toward the person who died and a sign of support for the family. Here is what to choose, what goes on the ribbon and how to make sure the flowers arrive on time.
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Wreaths, sprays and ribbons
At Polish funerals people bring wreaths (wieńce) and smaller sprays called wiązanki. A funeral wreath is a larger round arrangement on a frame, usually from close family, an employer or an institution. A wiązanka is smaller and flat and is laid on the grave after the ceremony. From friends and more distant relatives, a wiązanka or a few flowers is enough. Wreaths usually carry a ribbon (szarfa) with a short inscription: a word of farewell and who the flowers are from. Check the wreath's description to see whether the florist prepares the ribbon.
Colors are muted: white, cream, burgundy, deep red and purple. White lilies, roses and white orchids are the classics. Note the number: for funerals and graves Poles bring an even number of flowers, the opposite of happy occasions.
Arriving on time
Funeral flowers must arrive before the ceremony. Wreaths and sprays usually stand by the coffin or urn in the chapel or church, and afterwards family members or the funeral home staff carry them to the grave. Give the funeral home, chapel or church as the delivery address. In the notes, include the time of the funeral, the name of the deceased and a phone number for a relative or the funeral director. Choose a time slot with room to spare. You will get an email once the flowers have been delivered, so there is no need to call anyone.
Sympathy flowers for the family
If you cannot attend, send flowers to the family home: a calm white bouquet or a peace lily, a plant that stays with them for a long time. A gesture like this a few days after the funeral, when the house empties of guests, is often deeply appreciated. On the card one sentence is enough, such as "Thinking of you all at this sad time", followed by your name.
Frequently asked questions
What should the ribbon on a funeral wreath say?
Keep it short: a word of farewell and who it is from. Common Polish inscriptions are "Ostatnie pożegnanie" (last farewell), "Wyrazy współczucia" (deepest sympathy) or "Spoczywaj w pokoju" (rest in peace), followed by, for example, "Rodzina" (family) or "Koledzy z pracy" (colleagues).
How many flowers should I bring to a Polish funeral?
An even number, such as two, four or six roses. It is the opposite of happy occasions, when the number is odd. With wreaths and large sprays nobody counts.
Where should funeral flowers be delivered?
Usually to the funeral home, the cemetery chapel or the church where the mass is held. Check with the family or the funeral director where flowers can be dropped off and by what time, and put that in the delivery notes.
The obituary asks for donations instead of flowers. What should I do?
Respect it. Polish funeral notices often ask for support for a hospice or charity instead of flowers. You can still bring a small spray or send flowers to the family later, but the family's wishes come first.