In the Catholic tradition, flowers have a long and welcome place in mourning. They honour the person who has died, they comfort the living, and their beauty speaks to the hope of resurrection at the heart of the funeral rites. If you are arranging Catholic funeral flowers in New York City, this guide explains what is appropriate and where.
The three parts of a Catholic funeral
A Catholic funeral usually unfolds in three stages, and flowers belong to the first two.
The vigil, often called the wake, takes place at a funeral home in the evening before the funeral. This is where most flowers are displayed — sprays, wreaths, and standing arrangements gather around the casket as family and friends gather to pray and pay respects.
The Funeral Mass is held at the church. Flowers are generally welcome here too, though practice varies by parish: some churches place arrangements near the altar or casket, others keep the sanctuary simple. It is always worth asking the parish what they prefer.
The Rite of Committal is the burial itself. Flowers are not usually sent here; arrangements from the wake or Mass are often brought to the graveside.
What to send to the wake
The vigil at the funeral home is where formal tributes are seen. Standing sprays on easels, wreaths, and large arrangements are all appropriate. The casket spray — the arrangement that rests on the casket itself — is traditionally chosen by the immediate family. Extended family, friends, and colleagues send standing pieces and wreaths. Browse formal options in our funeral service flowers collection.
White lilies and the meaning of Catholic funeral flowers
White is the traditional colour, and the white lily is the flower most associated with a Catholic funeral. The lily is an old symbol of the soul restored to innocence, and its link to Easter ties it directly to the resurrection the funeral rites proclaim. White roses, calla lilies, and orchids carry the same quiet, reverent tone — see our white sympathy flowers. Colour is not forbidden, particularly for a celebration-of-life Mass or when it reflects the person who died, but white is never wrong.
Mass cards and spiritual bouquets
Alongside flowers, many Catholic families deeply appreciate a Mass card — a card indicating that a Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of the person who died. These are arranged through a parish, not a florist, but they pair naturally with a floral tribute and are a meaningful, distinctly Catholic gesture.
What to send to the family's home
After the funeral, a gentler arrangement sent to the family's home offers comfort in the quiet weeks that follow. A bouquet, a vase arrangement, or a living orchid is welcoming and asks little of a grieving household. See the sympathy flowers collection.
Ordering Catholic funeral flowers in New York City
Alaric Sympathy hand-designs every arrangement in Manhattan and delivers to funeral homes and churches across the city, timed to arrive before the service. We offer same-day delivery across Manhattan when you order by 2pm ET. If you need flowers for a specific wake or Funeral Mass, call us at (212) 308-3794 with the venue and service time and we will make sure they arrive in good time. Our funeral homes we serve page lists venues we deliver to regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Are flowers appropriate at a Catholic funeral?
Yes. Flowers are welcome in the Catholic tradition. They are displayed at the vigil or wake and are generally appropriate at the Funeral Mass, though some parishes prefer a simple sanctuary — it is worth asking the church.
What flowers are traditional for a Catholic funeral?
White lilies are the most traditional, carrying associations with the soul and the resurrection. White roses, calla lilies, and orchids are also fitting. White is the customary colour.
What is a casket spray?
A casket spray is the floral arrangement that rests on top of the casket. It is traditionally chosen by the immediate family. Friends and extended family typically send standing sprays and wreaths instead.
Can you deliver to a church or funeral home the same day?
Yes, across Manhattan when you order by 2pm ET. We time deliveries to arrive before the wake or Funeral Mass. Call (212) 308-3794 with the venue and service time.