The design should focus on the person, what s/he loved or held dear. Did s/he enjoy nature or being outside? What were his passions? What did the survivor(s) love most about him?

Without some good knowledge of the person we design a floral tribute to nothing we suggest will resonate with the family. Interviewing someone close to the deceased is very important. If you want to honor an individual, design something that would speak to him/her. The design should reflect his/her life long interests. For palette, what we his/her favorite colors? The client must her/his heart and share this information with the designer. Design inspiration will come from there and carry the most meaning for the bereaved.

Here is a case in point: A man has passed and his wife has approached me to design the flowers for his funeral service. After an interview with her I designed these altar arrangements.

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The memorial flower presentation

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The design resembling a ship's silhouette

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The Shamrock detail

This detail shows the “Iron Cross” Oxalis (4- leaf clover with a deep burgundy center) in the lower right hand side of the photo. Dozens of these were water tubed.

Above, is one of a pair of arrangements of asymmetrical matchbook designs with a subtle reference to sailing ships in the silhouette of the pieces referencing the gentleman’s love of the sea, boating and maritime art collecting. The inclusion of Shamrocks (Oxalis “Iron Cross”) scattered throughout the pieces references his Irish ancestry. Blue, his favorite color, acknowledges his Dad, “a man in blue”, a police chief, the waters he sailed and the church he attended.

Included are delphinium “ Sea Waltz”’ “Shocking Blue” hydrangeas and echinops – Blue Globe Thistle, also a nod to his world travel. The green, obviously associated with his Irish heritage, also refers to his accounting profession, managing the financial interests of the corporation that he served so brilliantly as CFO. This floral presentation, in its size and detail, reflects a man of substance and great accomplishment and justifiable pride.