Guide · Bereavement and funerals

Funeral flowers: choosing a wreath or a spray

Wreath, spray, cushion or a simple sympathy bouquet: the right choice depends on how close you were to the person who died, and on when you send flowers. We set out the usual formats, the flowers traditionally used, budgets in CHF and the Swiss florists able to deliver before the service.

See the ranking 6 services · updated September 2026

Round wreath of white roses, lilies, cream lisianthus and eucalyptus, with a plain white satin ribbon, resting on a stand in a chapel — White wreath, quiet chapel

Bereavement leaves little room for hesitation. Funerals often take place within a week of the death: time is short and decisions have to be made quickly. Before you order, read the death notice carefully: it gives the place of the service, the time and sometimes the family’s wishes. This guide brings together the usual formats, the flowers traditionally used, the budgets we see in Switzerland and the sites that can deliver within that window.

There are three distinct gestures. A wreath or a spray accompanies the service and carries a ribbon with a short inscription. A sympathy bouquet goes to the family’s home, sometimes a few days later. Flowers for the cemetery are placed on the grave, particularly around 1 November. If the right words escape you, our page on what to write on the card offers example messages.

Which flowers to give

Which flowers to send for a funeral or in sympathy

White, cream, soft tones and foliage remain the convention. Brighter colours are fitting if the person who died loved them.

Formats for the service

The pieces placed at the funeral home, the church or the chapel.

Wreath close family or colleagues
Flat-lying spray an understated personal gesture
Cushion compact and discreet format
Floral heart for an immediate relative

To send to the home

To support the family before or after the funeral.

Sympathy bouquet CHF 60 to 120
Basket arrangement no vase needed
Sympathy plant a keepsake that lasts
Hand-tied sheaf handed over in person

The traditional flowers

The varieties florists use most for bereavement work.

White roses a safe choice
Lilies a solemn presence
Lisianthus delicate cream tones
Orchids clean, simple lines

At the cemetery and on All Saints’ Day

Plants chosen to stay outdoors on the grave.

Chrysanthemums for graves only
Heathers cope with the cold
Potted plants hold up outdoors
Eucalyptus and foliage discreet structure

Good to know. The mourning ribbon carries a short inscription, for example "To our colleague", "Your friends" or "With deepest regret". The florist reproduces it exactly as given: supply the precise wording with your order, along with the name of the person who died, the place of the service (funeral home, church, chapel, cemetery) and the time.

What to write on the card? Examples of condolence messages for the family, a friend, a colleague or the ribbon of a wreath.

See the examples ↗

Where to order funeral flowers in Switzerland

Six French-speaking and nationwide services, ranked by how useful they are in this situation: speed, formats for the service and the ability to deliver to the right place.

Our recommendation

Kanel kanel.ch

Our top pick here. This Swiss workshop makes up sympathy pieces by hand and delivers within a few hours in Geneva and Lausanne, next day elsewhere in Switzerland. The code FABIEN10 gives 10% off.

Express 4hArtisanSeasonal flowersSympathy & subscriptions

Promo code FABIEN10, 10 % off

9.6/ 10

from CHF 59

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Fleurop fleurop.ch

A flower relay network since 1946 with thousands of partner florists: useful when the service is a long way from you, in Switzerland or abroad. The end result depends on the local florist.

National coverageInternationalReliable choice

9.1/ 10

from CHF 45

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Fleuriot fleuriot.ch

A long-established Geneva house, going back almost two centuries, at ease with high-end sympathy arrangements. Prices sit at the top of the market and the service remains centred on Geneva.

High-endGenevaEvents

8.9/ 10

from CHF 80

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Interflora Suisse interflora.ch

Another flower relay operator, with a very broad catalogue and worldwide delivery. The gift add-ons (chocolates, balloons) suit bereavement poorly: stick to the formats made for the service.

Large catalogueWorldwideGifts +

8.6/ 10

from CHF 40

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Vaud-Fleurs vaud-fleurs.ch

A carefully run French-speaking service, from making up the flowers to delivering them, with good value for money in the canton of Vaud. Beyond that area, a relay network is the better route.

RomandyValue for moneyLocal

8.4/ 10

from CHF 50

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Envoyer-des-fleurs envoyer-des-fleurs.ch

The budget option: artisan bouquets at gentle prices delivered across French-speaking Switzerland. The range of pieces for the service is limited, so it suits a sympathy bouquet best.

BudgetRomandy artisanSimple

8.1/ 10

from CHF 35

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Our advice

Three common situations

The cases people ask us about most often, and what to do.

The notice says "no flowers, no wreaths". That wish should be respected. Families often suggest a donation to a charity instead. If you know them well, a handwritten card is still appropriate, or a bouquet brought round to their home later, once the funeral has passed. When in doubt, skip the wreath.

A wreath from colleagues. A wreath is often given by close family or jointly by colleagues. Appoint one person to collect the money and place the order. Budget from CHF 120 to more than CHF 300 depending on size, and agree the ribbon wording before you call the florist, for example "To our colleague".

You hear about the death after the service. A sympathy bouquet sent to the family’s home still means a great deal in the days that follow. Allow CHF 60 to 120, choose soft tones and add a signed card. A long-lasting sympathy plant is another option, more enduring than a bouquet.

Frequently asked questions

Which flowers should you choose for a funeral?

White, cream, soft tones and foliage remain the convention: roses, lilies, lisianthus, orchids. Brighter colours are fitting if the person who died loved them. As chrysanthemums are associated with graves, keep them for the cemetery rather than a bouquet given to the family.

Wreath or spray: which should you pick?

A wreath is often given by close family or jointly by colleagues. A spray, either flat-lying or hand-tied, suits a more personal gesture. Cushions, floral hearts and basket arrangements are also available, depending on the space in the place where the service is held.

How much do sympathy flowers cost in Switzerland?

Allow roughly CHF 60 to 120 for a sympathy bouquet. A spray or a wreath usually falls between CHF 120 and more than CHF 300 depending on size. These figures are indicative: check the prices on each site before confirming.

Where should funeral flowers be delivered?

To the place of the service, before the time given on the notice: funeral home, church, chapel or cemetery. State the name of the person who died, the exact address and the time. A sympathy bouquet can also go to the family’s home in the days that follow.

Which flowers for the cemetery on All Saints’ Day?

On 1 November, graves are decorated with flowers, above all in Catholic regions where All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in several cantons. Chrysanthemums, heathers and potted plants that cope with the cold last best outdoors. Order a few days ahead.