Lilac Funeral Sheaf of Soft Purple and White Flowers

The flowers in our lilac funeral sheaf

Each flower is layered so the front is full and the back lies flat, then the stems are gathered, tied and left on show. The roses are the largest flowers and give the tribute its shape and softness. Carnations add ruffled texture and last well through a long day. White lilies open into large, scented stars that lift the paler flowers around them, and a few heads of pale green hydrangea bring a cool, fresh note. Small scabiosa, sometimes called the pincushion flower, are dotted through the arrangement, so the eye moves from one flower to the next.

The design keeps to rounded, soft-petalled flowers that sit close together, so once it is laid down it looks like a pretty bouquet in lilacs from a cottage garden rather than a formal set piece.

A calm colour for a farewell

This shade sits between pink and violet. It is softer than a deep plum and quieter than pink, and many people find it calm and thoughtful among the other tributes at a service. It is often chosen for a mum or a nan, or for anyone whose favourite flowers were in these gentle tones. In Victorian times, mauve and lavender shades were worn in the later stages of mourning, and the touch of white keeps the whole design light.

If you are picturing a bouquet in lilacs and pinks, the pink sheaf sits beautifully beside this one, and some families send both. For gerberas and a stronger colour, see our Tied Sheaf in blue-violet. Every tribute in this family of colours is gathered on one page, and you can see all our hand-tied designs in the shop.

Sizes and prices

• Standard: £93.49
• Preferred: £104.49
• Elegant: £115.49

The larger sizes add more stems of the same flowers, so the tribute looks fuller while keeping its design. If a flower is not available on the day it is made, another of the same colour and style, of equal or greater value, may be used in its place.

Buying online and flower delivery

Shopping for funeral flowers online should be simple at a hard time. Choose a size in our shop, write your message for the free card, and give us the date of the funeral and the address of the funeral director or the family home. Like every tribute in our shop, it is made by a local florist from fresh flowers and brought ready to lay down. Delivery runs Monday to Saturday, from tomorrow onwards, with no delivery on Sundays or bank holidays, and we cannot deliver to AB10 postcodes. It is one charge of £12.49 per order to one address, added at checkout.

Questions about this tribute

Where is it placed at the funeral?

It is laid flat on or beside the coffin, and the funeral director will place it for you. Many families lay these flowers at the graveside after the service.

Is it safe around cats?

It contains lilies, which are toxic to cats, so if it is going to a home with a cat, keep the flowers well out of reach or send them to the funeral director instead.

What should I write on the card?

A few sincere words are enough. Our guide on what to write on funeral flowers has ideas from family, friends and colleagues.