Casket Spray vs. Standing Spray vs. Wreaths: When to Send Each One

When someone we love passes away, flowers often become part of how we say goodbye. They add warmth to a room filled with grief, a quiet beauty that words can’t always carry. But if you’ve ever tried to order funeral flowers, you know it can feel overwhelming with so many options, so many traditions, and an unspoken worry about getting it right.

That’s where a little guidance helps. Funeral arrangements like casket sprays, standing sprays, and wreaths each have their own meaning and place in a service. Some are chosen by close family, while others are sent by friends, coworkers, or community groups. Knowing the differences not only makes the process less stressful, it also helps you choose something that truly honors the person you’re remembering.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the three most common types of funeral flowers, explain what makes each unique, and share when they’re usually sent, so you can feel confident in your choice.

Casket Sprays

A casket spray is one of the most traditional and significant funeral arrangements. It’s the large floral display you often see resting directly on top of the casket during a service. Because of its placement, a casket spray is usually chosen by the immediate family, such as the spouse, children, or very close relatives.

These sprays are often designed to reflect the personality or favorite flowers of the person being remembered. Roses, lilies, and carnations are common choices, but families may also request custom colors or blooms that hold special meaning. The size and shape can vary, from full-length sprays that cover the entire casket to smaller half-casket designs used for open services.

Casket sprays carry a deeply personal message. They’re not just flowers, but a final tribute from those closest to the loved one. If you’re outside the immediate family, it’s better to choose another arrangement, like a standing spray or wreath, to show your support.

Standing Sprays

Standing sprays are tall floral displays that rest on an easel, usually positioned near the casket or altar. Because they’re upright, they’re highly visible from across the room, making them one of the most common tributes you’ll see at a funeral or memorial service.

Unlike casket sprays, standing sprays aren’t limited to immediate family. They’re often chosen by extended relatives, close friends, coworkers, or even community groups who want to show their respect. These arrangements can be designed in many styles: soft and pastel for a peaceful tone, or bold and colorful to celebrate a life well-lived.

Standing sprays are appropriate for funerals, memorial services, and even graveside ceremonies. They offer a beautiful way for a wider circle of people to express sympathy and support, while also adding grace and presence to the service itself.

Funeral Wreaths

Funeral wreaths are one of the oldest and most symbolic tributes. Their circular shape represents eternity, love, life, and memory that never ends. You’ll often see them displayed on easels at the funeral service, near the casket, or at the graveside ceremony.

Unlike casket sprays, wreaths aren’t limited to close family. They’re a thoughtful option for extended relatives, friends, coworkers, or even groups who want to send support. Wreaths can be created in soft whites and pastels for a peaceful message, or in brighter tones to reflect a life full of energy and warmth.

Because of their symbolism and visibility, funeral wreaths are a versatile choice. They work well at both formal services and more personal gatherings, offering a timeless way to show care, remembrance, and respect.

Other Options to Consider

While casket sprays, standing sprays, and wreaths are the most common funeral arrangements, there are other thoughtful ways to show support:

• Sympathy Bouquets & Baskets – Smaller arrangements sent directly to the family’s home or workplace. These are perfect when you want to offer comfort outside of the service itself.
  
  
• Green & Flowering Plants – Longer-lasting than cut flowers, plants provide an ongoing reminder of care and remembrance. They can live on in a family’s home, offering comfort well beyond the service.
  
  
• Personalized Touches – Adding a favorite flower, a meaningful color, or even a heartfelt note can make any arrangement more personal.
  
  

These options are especially meaningful for those who may not be attending the service but still want to let the family know they’re being held in thought and care.

Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers

If you’re unsure what to send, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with finding the right arrangement, especially when they’re worried about etiquette or making a mistake. The truth is, any gesture of care will mean a lot to the family, but here are a few gentle guidelines that might help:

• Think about your relationship – Casket sprays are usually reserved for immediate family. If you’re a friend, coworker, or part of the wider circle, a standing spray, wreath, or bouquet is often more appropriate.
  
  
• Consider the setting – Large, formal designs like sprays or wreaths are ideal for funeral homes, churches, or graveside services. Smaller baskets or plants work well for a family’s home or office.
  
  
• Pay attention to symbolism – White lilies represent peace, roses often symbolize love, and chrysanthemums are connected with mourning in many cultures.
  
  
• Personalize when possible – If the person had a favorite flower or color, including it in your arrangement can make the gesture even more meaningful.

At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” choice. What matters most is the thought behind your flowers; the kindness, love, and support they carry.

Funeral Flower Delivery in Philadelphia

When you order funeral flowers, reliability matters just as much as beauty. Families need to know that arrangements will arrive on time, fresh, and exactly as expected. At Old City Flowers, we provide funeral flower delivery across Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, with same-day service available when needed.

We work closely with local funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries to make sure your flowers are placed with care and delivered seamlessly. From large casket sprays to delicate sympathy baskets, every arrangement is handcrafted and handled with respect from start to finish.

Whether you’re attending the service in person or sending flowers from a distance, you can trust our team to take care of the details, so your flowers bring comfort when it matters most.

Honoring Life Through Flowers

In moments of loss, it’s often the quiet gestures that mean the most. A spray of roses, a circle of blooms, a basket placed gently at a family’s door… each one carries love, remembrance, and support when words don’t feel like enough.

Whether you’re sending a casket spray, standing spray, or funeral wreath, your flowers become part of a tribute that helps honor a life and comfort the people who loved them. And no matter which option you choose, the thought behind it will always matter most.

At Old City Flowers, we’re here to guide you through the process with care and compassion. From design to delivery, we’ll make sure your flowers arrive fresh, on time, and with the dignity the moment deserves.

Browse our collection of funeral flowers today, or reach out to request guidance on choosing the right arrangement for your needs.