Sussex funeral flowers: a guide to alternatives

We often tend to avoid talk of death or funerals until there is no choice but to do so: this can mean that, unless you are familiar with funeral flowers or have planned a funeral before, it can be difficult to know what to order when the time does come. Understandably, it can sometimes be easier to choose from a standard brochure and a set design - but I don’t think that all funeral flowers should look the same.

Bespoke funeral flowers

I offer an alternative at Bryony Mae Flowers in Hassocks, funeral flowers that are unique to the individual whose life is being celebrated and are designed to capture their personality and essence in some way. Flowers that can provide a beautiful way to help say goodbye and offer a little comfort and beauty at a difficult time.

Sussex funeral flowers

My funeral flowers are natural in style and whenever possible I will use local seasonal British flowers from one of the many flower growers near me in Sussex. I also include personal touches, significant or meaningful flowers, a colour preference from bright joyful tones to more gentle reflective colours and even use flowers that are grown in your garden.

It can be confusing to understand some florist terms for funeral flowers and where the tributes are designed to go, so here is a brief summary of the designs I offer.

If you don’t see what you are after here, please get in touch below.

Bryony Mae Flowers designs

Casket Spray

A large arrangement placed on top of a coffin, also known as single or double-ended sprays or as a coffin topper and designed to be seen from the side and above. I use agra wool as standard for these tributes rather than plastic floral foam (which is a single use plastic I try and avoid).

Funeral Sheaf

Also known as tied sheaf or flat back bouquet and available in a variety of sizes. A funeral sheaf can also be placed on top of a coffin, is biodegradable and suitable for a natural burial ground such as Clayton Wood in West Sussex. You can also use a few of these tributes to create the shape of a casket spray allowing multiple people to contribute to the key floral tribute. And after the ceremony you can take home the flowers or gift to guests.

Funeral Wreath

A popular choice, wreaths can be placed on top of a coffin or alongside a grave or used to mark the anniversary of the death of a loved one. I offer eco wreaths as standard, made with willow, moss and string – enviromentally friendly, plastic free and biodegradable, also suitable for a natural burial ground like Clayton Wood where floral foam, plastic and wire is prohibited.

Garlands and Posies

Garlands or small poses can be woven or tied onto a wicker coffin or posies can be placed in a casket. You can also create a basket of small posies or petals for guests to place or scatter.

I am located in the village of Hassocks in West Sussex and only a few minutes from Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground, Bowley Funeral Directors and Frank Davey & Co.

If you’d like to discuss options for alternative funeral flowers in a natural wildflower style, please get in touch. All designs and photos by Bryony Mae Flowers.