Funeral flowers and wreaths in Ghana: Services and ordering

Flowers can bring a quiet sense of care to a funeral.

At Ghanaian funeral services, floral arrangements may appear beside the casket, at the church, around a photograph of the deceased, or as wreaths presented by family members, friends, workplaces and associations.

Choosing funeral flowers in Ghana is therefore both a personal and practical decision. Families need to decide what type of arrangement is appropriate, where it will be placed, when it must be delivered, and what the florist needs to know before preparing it.

This guide explains the cultural role of funeral flowers separately from the practical process of ordering them.

The cultural role of flowers at funerals

Flowers can communicate sympathy, remembrance, and respect without requiring many words.

For some families, their importance is connected to faith or religious practice. For others, flowers simply help create a dignified setting and provide a visible expression of support.

There is no single Ghana-wide rule that gives every flower or colour a fixed funeral meaning.

Preferences can differ according to:

• family tradition;

• religious background;

• community;

• age of the deceased;

• personal taste;

• the relationship between the sender and the deceased.

For this reason, families should not feel required to choose a particular flower simply because it is said online to have a specific symbolic meaning.

If a colour, flower or arrangement had personal meaning to the deceased or family, that can be a more useful guide.

Common types of funeral flowers and wreaths

The right arrangement depends largely on where it will be used.

Current funeral-flower providers in Ghana offer several distinct formats, including condolence arrangements, round wreaths, heart-shaped wreaths, cross or crucifix wreaths, and casket sprays.

Wreaths

A wreath is one of the most familiar forms of funeral flowers.

It may be presented by:

• immediate family;

• extended family;

• friends;

• employers;

• churches;

• professional associations;

• old students' groups;

• community organisations.

Wreaths can be circular or created in other forms depending on the florist and the family's preference.

Casket sprays

A casket spray is designed specifically to sit on or around the casket.

Because it forms part of the main visual presentation of the deceased, this type of arrangement should normally be coordinated with the immediate family or funeral home rather than ordered independently without checking.

Standing arrangements

Standing floral arrangements are designed to be displayed around the funeral venue.

They can be useful:

• near the casket;

• beside a memorial photograph;

• at the church;

• at the entrance to the funeral grounds.

Ask the provider whether the stand is included and whether it must be returned afterwards.

Sympathy bouquets and baskets

Smaller arrangements may be sent directly to the bereaved family rather than displayed as part of the funeral setup.

This can be suitable when the sender cannot attend the funeral or simply wants to express sympathy privately.

Cross or heart arrangements

Some florists offer shaped arrangements such as crosses or hearts. These should be chosen according to the family's religious background and personal preference rather than treated as suitable for every funeral. Current Ghanaian florist catalogues include both heart-shaped and crucifix wreath options.

What information should you give the florist?

A florist cannot prepare the right arrangement from the words “funeral flowers” alone.

Before ordering, provide the following where relevant:

1. Name of the deceased

2. Date of the funeral

3. Type of service

4. Venue

5. Required delivery time

6. Name and telephone number of the person receiving the flowers

7. Type of arrangement required

8. Preferred colours or flowers

9. Approximate size

10. Budget range

11. Message for the accompanying card or ribbon

12. Whether setup is required

If the flowers are being sent on behalf of an organisation, also give the florist the organisation's correct name.

This is especially important where a ribbon or card will be printed.

When should funeral flowers be ordered?

Do not assume that every arrangement can be prepared at short notice.

Once the funeral date and venue are confirmed, contact the florist and ask for the required lead time.

More elaborate wreaths, casket sprays or large quantities may require additional preparation.

Flower availability can also change. Premier Florist, for example, currently advises customers that seasonal availability may mean individual flowers have to be substituted with alternatives of a similar style, quality and value.

Therefore, ask before ordering:

“Are all the flowers in this design currently available, and what will you substitute if something is unavailable?”

That question can prevent surprises on the funeral day.

Confirm delivery and setup

Delivery is just as important as the arrangement itself.

A beautiful wreath arriving after the funeral service has started is of limited value.

Confirm:

• exact delivery address;

• delivery date;

• latest acceptable delivery time;

• name and telephone number of the person receiving it;

• whether the florist delivers directly to the church or funeral grounds;

• whether setup is included;

• whether stands or frames need to be collected later.

Fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or a combination?

Ask the provider what materials are being used.

Fresh flowers can create a natural appearance but need careful timing and handling, particularly in warm outdoor conditions.

Artificial flowers may be preferred where:

• the arrangement must remain displayed for longer;

• transport is difficult;

• the funeral is outdoors;

• the family intends to keep part of the arrangement.

Some providers may also combine materials.

There is no single correct choice. What matters is that the family understands what is being supplied before paying.

Questions to ask a funeral-flower provider

When comparing florists or wreath suppliers, use the same questions for each provider:

1. Do you regularly prepare funeral wreaths and casket flowers?

2. Can I see examples of your recent funeral work?

3. Are the flowers fresh, artificial, or mixed?

4. What is the actual size of the arrangement?

5. Which flowers are included?

6. What happens if a requested flower is unavailable?

7. Is the ribbon, card, or message included?

8. Is the stand included?

9. Do you deliver to the funeral venue?

10. Is delivery included in the quotation?

11. Will you set up the arrangement?

12. What lead time do you require?

13. What deposit or payment is required?

14. What happens if the funeral date or venue changes?

Ask for the final quotation and agreed details in writing.

This makes it easier to compare providers and reduces misunderstandings.

Compare arrangements, not just prices

Two wreaths described as “large” may differ significantly.

Before comparing quotations, check:

• dimensions;

• number and type of flowers;

• fresh versus artificial flowers;

• stand;

• ribbon;

• delivery;

• setup;

• location.

A lower price may simply reflect a smaller arrangement or fewer included services.

For that reason, Ghana Funeral Services should not present one florist as automatically better than another based on price alone.

Find flower and wreath providers on Ghana Funeral Services

Families can use the Flowers/Wreaths category on Ghana Funeral Services to search for relevant funeral service providers. The Ghana Funeral Services directory is designed to help users discover and contact providers rather than rely on a single recommended supplier.

When contacting a provider, send the funeral details and the type of arrangement required before requesting a quotation.

This helps the provider respond with an offer that can actually be compared with others.

Flowers are part of the farewell, not the whole funeral

Flowers and wreaths can add dignity and meaning to a funeral setting.

But families do not need to choose the largest arrangement or the most expensive flowers for the tribute to be meaningful.

Start with the purpose.

Decide whether the flowers are for the casket, venue, family, or as a wreath from an organisation. Confirm the size, wording, delivery, and setup. Then compare providers using the same information.

A thoughtfully chosen arrangement can say something simple and important:

We came to remember. We came to honour. We came to show that this person mattered.

Written by: David Owusu Asante