Choosing the colour of mourning flowers to pay tribute to a loved one is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's a deeply symbolic gesture, a way of expressing our emotions, respect and love without resorting to words.

At this time of mourning, each colour carries a special meaning, reflecting our most intimate feelings and our relationship with the deceased.

This guide is designed to help you through this delicate process, with empathy and care, so that your choice of flowers best reflects your unique bond with the person you have lost.

Traditional colours for mourning

Traditionally, there are two colours of flowers for mourning:

Blanc: Le blanc est traditionnellement associé au respect et à la pureté des sentiments. Ces fleurs incarnent aussi l’espoir et la lumière, apportant un message de paix au cœur de la tristesse.
Mauve: Le mauve, souvent lié à la modestie et au deuil, traduit une profonde mélancolie mais également du respect. C’est une couleur qui accompagne le souvenir et le passage dans une étape de vie différente.

If you don't know what to choose, or are afraid of making a mistake, these are the best choices. But maybe you'd like to go one step further and personalise your floral arrangement? the rest of this article is for you!

Colours according to the gender and age of the deceased

For a woman or a girl, cream or pastel shades take pride of place, reflecting a symbolic finesse and softness. These soft colours, such as pale pink, soft lilac or beige, express the tenderness and femininity of those who have marked our lives.

Conversely, floral arrangements for men and boys favour brighter, more distinctive colours. Passionate reds, bright yellows or deep blues are often chosen to symbolise the strength, courage and quick-wittedness characteristic of the deceased.

For the very young, especially children, white remains a favourite colour. Symbolising innocence and purity, floral arrangements in white or with light pastel touches are often chosen. These floral tributes, sometimes accompanied by soft shades of green, seek to capture light and hope.

For the elderly, a more nuanced approach is generally adopted. The tones chosen range from white to cream, with subtle variations of violet and pale pink, to convey respect and homage to a life lived to the full.

Choice of colours to suit the circumstances

Whether the ceremony takes place in a church, a cemetery, a crematorium or a private home influences the message the flowers are intended to convey. The relationship you had with the deceased - friendship, love, family or professional ties - also influences the choice of hues.

For ceremonies held in a place of worship or a more formal setting, whites and pastels evoke spirituality, respect and peace, while personal tributes might include specific colors reflecting the deceased's personality or preferences.

The nature of the relationship with the deceased encourages us to opt for colors with particular emotional significance. Warm hues like red and orange can celebrate deep love or shared passion, while yellow and pastel green can illustrate bonds of friendship and mutual respect.

Colors according to beliefs and cultures

In Christianity, white suggests purity and resurrection, while yellow and gold can be seen as colors of divine light and eternity.

Judaism emphasizes respect and sobriety in the choice of colors for mourning flowers, advocating modest, traditional arrangements.

For Islam, white also dominates, reinforcing the ideals of peace and purity.

In Eastern traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, bright colors, including white play a major role in expressing the passage of the soul and its reincarnations. Red, a symbol of strength and courage for some, can also embellish funeral rites, marking the celebration of life as much as the recognition of death.

Tips for choosing your mourning flowers

The timing for expressing support and compassion through flowers is delicate and requires thought. First, consider the personality of the deceased. Was he a cheerful person who loved life and bright colors? If so, a colorful floral arrangement could be a fine tribute to his character. If the deceased was more reflective and peaceful, softer tones or white flowers might be more appropriate.

Also consider your relationship with the deceased. Loved ones may opt for flowers that symbolize a strong, personal bond, such as roses for intimate love or lilies for the purity of a relationship. Friends can choose lighter colors or floral arrangements that express friendship and support.

Don't forget to consider the ceremony venue. Stately arrangements may be more appropriate for a church or grand place of worship, while a discreet bouquet may be preferable for a more intimate service or family gathering.

If you're unsure, a balanced arrangement of white flowers can suit almost any setting and will show your respect and condolence.