Flowers have held a special place in funerals for hundreds of years. You will see them used in standing sprays, wreaths or other shapes such as hearts and crosses, as well as arrangements that are laid over the casket. While beautiful, they can be costly. However, knowing a few simple tips can reduce the cost while still providing beautiful arrangements. Directors of funeral homes in Camden, SC. have these tips to keep in mind while shopping for funeral flowers.  

1. Shop Local

Consider shopping at a local grocery store or other local shops. Many times these stores have a variety of arrangements that would work by themselves, or you can get creative and create your own arrangements. As a bonus, if you ask other family members to go along and help and you, it can be a wonderful way to bond during this time. 

2. Add More Greenery

Another way you can cut down costs is by reducing the amount of expensive flowers in the arrangements. Instead, consider adding more fillers and leafy fronds. Then, add in just a few nice flowers. This will still create a breathtaking arrangement but will be half the price. Some fillers to include could be: 

• Baby’s breath 
• Heather 
• Bells of Ireland 
• Holly 
• Ivy 

3. Select Flowers from Your Garden

To save even more, if you or a friend or family member has a garden, you could use some flowers that it has produced. This is a wonderful way to not only save money but add a personal touch.  And if you don’t know anyone with a garden, you could contact a community garden and ask permission to use those flowers.  

4. Select Seasonal Flowers

One easy way to save money on the flowers is to make sure you are selecting ones that are locally in season. While these flowers are in season, they are abundant and easy to find which makes them much less expensive than out of season, harder to find flowers.  

One great place to source seasonal flowers is your local farmer’s market. These vendors will have local in season flowers and will be able to offer you a good price since they are selling directly to you.

5. Use Sympathy Arrangements

If you (or other family members) have received any sympathy flowers these are a lovely arrangement to use. These are typically smaller arrangements in a vase or other container that were most likely delivered to your home.  Their size can make them a perfect addition to things like the memorial table or next to the sign in book. They could also be used to decorate tables at the funeral reception.  

Final Thoughts

While flowers play a big role in funerals, they don’t have to break your budget. It is completely possible to achieve beautiful arrangements on a limited budget. Things like shopping local, choosing in season options, utilizing sympathy flowers, adding more greenery, and sourcing flowers from local gardens can all add up to big savings overall.  

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you are making arrangements for your loved one with funeral homes in Camden, SC, you will have a lot on your plate. Enlist other family members to help with this task. Not only will that reduce your stress, but they may also welcome the opportunity to help and be involved.