When it comes to a funeral, there`s nothing worse than flowers that are wilting around the casket during the ceremony. You want to purchase floral arrangements that are going to last long after the service and that will brighten the gravesite for days to come. However, it can be difficult to find the appropriate floral arrangement for this purpose . . . flowers that look good and last a long time, without being bright or cheery for the occasion.

Finding the right flowers that will last for a good long time can be difficult. Some of the most beautiful flowers are quite delicate, but here are a few guidelines to help you choose the perfect funeral flowers.

Thicker Flowers: Thin, delicate petals lose moisture quickly and will wilt away before the memorial service is over. Instead, when choosing funeral flowers, look for ones with thicker, fleshy petals that can withstand heat and won`t wilt for quite some time. Some good choices within this range include carnations, marigolds, and dahlias, as well as lilies, which are a very elegant sympathy flower. Lilies will last for a very long time and are ideal for funerals, particularly when combined with other flowers to add a softer touch. Birds of paradise can last up to a couple of weeks and just the name makes them quite fitting for a memorial.

Full Flowers: Often you`ll find that fuller flowers don`t wilt as quickly. While beautiful and available in an array of colors, mums, dahlias and pom poms tend to last a very long time without wilting.

Flowers on Branches: Generally speaking, blooms that come multiples to a stem or on a branch will last for quite some time, sometimes even months. Peruvian lilies are a good example of multiple flowers on a stem, while apple or cherry blossoms create a long lasting bouquet that is truly one-of-a-kind and may be particularly appropriate for children`s funerals.

Standard Issue: There are some oldies, but goodies that just don`t give up the ghost too early. Flowers like carnations and daisies tend to last a lot longer than the average cut flower and you can expect these beautiful blooms to be cheaper as well. They can be found in a variety of colors, making these standard issue flowers the ideal ones for a small funeral bouquet. A gathering of dark red or blue carnations or a handful of darker colored daisies can be the best flower arrangement to remember a friend or loved one.

Flowers to Avoid for Funeral Arrangements

There are some flowers that are simply not up to staying perky and fresh for long. While beautiful, they won`t last and are seldom worth the money paid. You want flowers that can be set up at the gravesite and enjoyed for more than a few hours.

Flowers to avoid include the more delicate flowers such as forget-me-nots and roses. Irises are far too delicate to stand up to a funeral and won`t last long enough to be taken out of the funeral home.

Choosing sympathy flowers for a funeral is delicate business. While you want something that will do the service justice, it is also important to select long-lasting flowers that will bloom for several days or even a couple of weeks.

When in doubt, it`s a good idea to ask your florist which flowers they recommend. Professionals will be able to give you an estimate on how long each bouquet is likely to last and they can also suggest appropriate colors for the situation. However, the tips above should give you a good idea of which flowers to select.