Handcrafted cemetery arrangements are a special way to honor the personality and individuality of your loved one. While personalizing pre-made floral arrangements adds a thoughtful touch, crafting your own from the vase-up is actually easier than you may think.
Things you need:
Cemetery Vase
Flowers (silk or cut)
Floral Foam Block (if you’ll be using silk or dried flowers)
Oasis floral foam (if you’ll be using cut flowers)
Ribbon
Filler materials, such as greenery, twigs, or lush fern leaves
Floral Tape
Personal touches, such as flags, charms, or photographs that hold special meaning for your loved one
Things to do:
1. Cut the floral foam so that it fits snugly inside the cemetery vase. If you’re using cut flowers, soak the oasis floral foam until it’s thoroughly saturated before placing inside the vase.
2. Begin your arrangement at the center and work your way outward, using greenery to conceal the edge of the vase. Use floral tape to bundle flowers together, or insert them into the foam individually. (If you’re using cut flowers, be sure to increase the surface area of the stems by cutting them at an angle to maximize water absorption.)
3. Add the finishing touches. Use wooden spoons to display photographs or bows. Tie on charms with clear fishing line or dental floss, or insert miniature American flags or a natural grapevine cross.
While many people assign their own personal connotations to flowers, the Society of American Florists compiled a list of historic flower meanings. For an extra special touch, create an arrangement that sends a special message:
Pink carnation, gratitude
White carnation, remembrance
Camellia – graciousness
Sunflower, adoration
Nasturtium – patriotism
Ivy – fidelity
Jasmine – grace and elegance
Larkspur – beautiful spirit
Red rose, passionate love
White rose, purity
Pink and yellow roses, friendship
Before making a handcrafted grave arrangement, you may want to check with the cemetery to see if there are any restrictions (some allow only biodegradable materials to be used), or the size of the arrangement.