How to Design a Casket Spray

Traditionally, flowers used in the casket spray are chosen according to their type and color. Each type of flower has a specific meaning. Some flowers have more benefits to the floral design in their capabilities to last longer. Casket sprays can be made in two styles: The foot spray covers half of the casket, while the full spray sits atop the casket and covers the casket's length. The family of the departed are the ones who decide upon the choice of flowers for the casket spray. Designing a casket spray is an honored position.

Floral tape
Bucket
Water
Large floral foam block
Floral saddle or galvanized container
Main flowers
Filler flowers
Base greenery
Florist knife or scissors

Instructions

Preparing the Foam
- 1
  Cut the foam block to fit the container that you will use, according to the size of spray you plan to make.
- 2
  Pour water into the bucket. Soak the foam block in the bucket of water.
- 3
  Place the foam block into the saddle or container.
Choosing the Flowers and Greenery
- 4
  
  Variations of colors can be presented in one flower or in different flowers of solid colors.
  
  Choose the type and color of flowers that you wish to use. Consider the departed and their family, as well as how the family wishes to express their loss. Red traditionally symbolizes admiration for the departed, pink symbolizes remembrance and white is a symbol of love and purity.
- 5
  
  Carnations are a popular type of flower used for funeral sprays.
  
  Ask the family if they wish to keep portions of the spray after the funeral to make other arrangements from the spray. If so, you may wish to make it from longer-lasting flowers like carnations.
- 6
  
  Red roses are the most traditional funeral flower choice.
  
  Choose flowers within the budget goal of the spray. You can still create the same effect with carnations that you can with roses, for example, for a lower cost. Other flowers that are common for funeral sprays are irises, lilies, gladiolas or chrysanthemums. You can mix and match these flowers to match the budget that you need.
- 7
  Choose a base greenery that goes well as a backdrop behind the flower you have chosen.
- 8
  Choose smaller filler flowers, like baby's breath, to help fill in the gaps of the spray.
Placing the Flowers
- 9
  Arrange the base greenery first by sticking the stem of the greenery into the wet florist foam.
- 10
  Snip the bottom leaves off of the main flowers and begin sticking them into the florist foam one at a time, arranging them from bottom to top. As you move up to the top of the spray, snip the stems shorter. The longer flowers need to go on the bottom of the spray.
- 11
  Fill in the spaces with the smaller flowers and extra greenery. Walk around the entire spray as you place filler flowers and greenery into the spray, so that it will be balanced all the way around.
- 12
  Top off the container that is holding the foam block with water from time to time, to keep the flowers well-hydrated.

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How to Design a Casket Spray

Instructions

Preparing the Foam

Choosing the Flowers and Greenery

Placing the Flowers