What to Do With Funeral Flowers After the Service?
Floral tributes received at funeral homes in South Tucson, AZ, or elsewhere, are deeply meaningful expressions of sympathy and respect. They serve as a poignant tribute to the deceased, offering comfort and support to the bereaved. However, after the funeral service, many people are left wondering what to do with these flowers. This guide will explore several thoughtful and creative ways to repurpose funeral flowers.
Preserving Funeral Flowers: Creating Lasting Keepsakes
Preserving funeral flowers allows you to create a lasting keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. Several methods can be employed:
- Pressing: This technique involves placing flowers between two sheets of paper, then compressing them under a heavy object, preserving them in a two-dimensional form. Pressed flowers can be framed or used to create unique pieces of art or jewelry.
- Drying: This traditional method requires hanging the flowers upside down in a dry, dark place. This process maintains the shape of the flowers while allowing them to dry out naturally.
- Using Silica Gel: Silica gel, a desiccant, helps preserve the flowers’ original, three-dimensional shape and vibrant colors. This method involves burying the flowers in a container of silica gel for a week or more.
Once preserved, these flowers can be used to create memory boxes, bookmarks, jewelry, or other commemorative items.
Donating Funeral Flowers: Spreading Comfort and Joy
If preservation isn’t your preference, consider donating the flowers. Several organizations accept donated funeral flowers, breaking larger arrangements into smaller bouquets to deliver to hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. This act of repurposing can bring joy and comfort to others, extending the life and purpose of these floral tributes.
Composting Funeral Flowers: A Gift to the Garden
Composting is an eco-friendly way to repurpose funeral flowers. Rich in organic material, composted flowers can provide essential nutrients to your garden. Be sure to remove any non-compostable materials like plastic wrappings, wires, or ribbons before adding flowers to your compost pile.
Creating a Memorial Garden: A Living Tribute
Planting the flowers from the service in a garden can create a lasting, living tribute to your loved one. If the flowers are non-native or non-seasonal, consider using them as the inspiration for your plant selection. A memorial garden offers a place of serenity and reflection, helping the healing process.
Transforming Funeral Flowers into Meaningful Tributes
The floral tributes received at funeral homes in South Tucson, AZ, don’t have to mark the end of their journey after the service. Whether transformed into keepsakes, shared with those in need, returned to the earth, or used to create a sanctuary of remembrance, these flowers can continue to provide comfort and healing. As you navigate these decisions, remember that institutions like Sensible Cremation & Funerals are there to support you, providing guidance and comfort during this challenging time.
