At Funeral Flowers London, we believe that floral tributes should remain beautiful and meaningful for as long as possible. Each bouquet and arrangement we create is crafted with care, using fresh, high-quality stems. With a few simple steps, you can help extend the life of your funeral and sympathy flowers, preserving their freshness and dignity throughout the days following a service or ceremony.
Our professional London florists have prepared this care guide to help families, venues, and businesses maintain floral tributes and memorial displays with respect and ease.
When your flowers arrive, unwrap them carefully and remove any protective materials. If your arrangement includes a water reservoir or floral foam base, keep it moist by adding small amounts of clean water daily. For bouquets, trim each stem at a 45-degree angle and place them in a clean vase filled with lukewarm water. This helps flowers absorb water effectively and remain hydrated.
Use the flower food provided to maintain the water’s freshness. Always wash your vase before refilling to prevent bacteria from shortening the life of your flowers.
Location matters when displaying funeral flowers. Keep arrangements in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and air conditioning units. Excess heat or airflow can cause petals to wilt prematurely. In memorial spaces or homes, avoid placing arrangements near fruit bowls, as ripening fruit emits gases that may affect longevity.
If your flowers are displayed at a service, ensure they are placed away from doors or areas of heavy traffic where drafts or movement could disturb delicate stems.
To refresh your flowers, change vase water every two days and re-trim stems slightly each time. Remove any wilted leaves or petals promptly to prevent bacteria from spreading. For floral foam arrangements, check water levels daily and top up as needed. Mist delicate blooms lightly to maintain moisture and brightness.
If a few stems begin to droop, submerge them in cool water for 30 minutes before returning them to the display. This simple step often revives flowers and restores their natural form.
Seasonal temperatures can affect how long flowers remain vibrant. During warmer months, keep arrangements in cooler areas and avoid direct sunlight. In winter, protect them from central heating and cold drafts. Choosing seasonal blooms — something we prioritise at Funeral Flowers London — naturally helps extend vase life and ensures stronger, hardier displays.
Wreaths, casket sprays, and standing arrangements are built on moisture-retaining bases to sustain freshness. These can be lightly watered daily to maintain condition. For outdoor tributes, position them in shaded areas when possible. In colder weather, light misting helps preserve petal texture and colour.
Many families choose to preserve certain flowers from a funeral or memorial. To dry individual blooms, hang them upside down in a cool, dark room or press them between paper sheets for a keepsake. Our florists can advise on the best method for your chosen flowers.
As experienced London funeral florists, we understand the care and emotion involved in every floral tribute. These flower care tips reflect the same attention to detail we bring to every bouquet we design. With gentle care and simple maintenance, your flowers will continue to express remembrance and comfort for days after their delivery.
