Funeral Sheaf Tributes: Tied Bunches of Seasonal Flowers

What is a funeral sheaf?

A sheaf is laid flat rather than stood up. The florist arranges the flowers in layers so the front is full and the back is flat, then gathers the stems together and ties them, so it looks a little like a bouquet that has been made to lie down. Where a bouquet is often finished with a paper wrap, a sheaf is simply tied, so the stems stay on show. Unlike most floral arrangements, it has no hidden base and no foam, which gives it a soft, gentle feel that many people prefer to a more formal floral design. The name comes from the old harvest sheaf of corn, and it still carries that sense of a life that has been gathered in.

Because it lies flat, a sheaf can be placed on the casket or graveside, beside the coffin at a crematorium, or among the other flowers outside the church. Many families lay their sheaves at the grave after the service, where they stay as a quiet funeral tribute for days afterwards.

Who sends this tribute, and where it goes

A sheaf is a fitting tribute from almost anyone, and for almost any occasion of farewell, from a church service to a simple cremation. Close family may choose one alongside a coffin spray, while friends, neighbours, colleagues and grandchildren often send a sheaf on its own. It is also a good choice when you are not sure what the family has planned, as it sits comfortably next to a wreath, a posy or any other funeral flowers.

Most of our sheaves go to the funeral director, who carries them in the hearse or sets them out at the service. You can also have one delivered to the family's home, for example if they would like to carry the flowers themselves, or if you are sending a sympathy sheaf for a memorial rather than for the funeral itself. If you would rather send something that stays in a vase at home, our bouquets for the home are made for that.

Classic and natural tied styles

Most of our designs are a classic tied funeral sheaf finished with ribbon in a matching shade: ivory on the white, blush on the pink, navy on the blue and white, and deep red on the red. Our blue-violet and lilac design pairs gerberas with white lilies, lisianthus and purple spray carnations.

For a softer, country look, the Natural Hand Tied Sheaf brings together blush and pale pink blooms with cream hydrangea, finished with a simple raffia tie. A hand-tied design like this suits someone who loved their garden, walks in the countryside, or simply didn't like anything too formal.

Choosing seasonal flowers and colour

Start with the person. A favourite flower or shade often says more than words could, and it helps the florist shape an arrangement that feels like them. Our white funeral sheaf, with lilies, lisianthus and eucalyptus, is calm and timeless, and the pink sheaf uses the same mix in pink, which many people choose for a mum or nan. For a vibrant tribute, the sunshine yellow design mixes gerberas and anthuriums with cream hydrangea and white delphinium, and the yellow and white is a lighter version with lisianthus.

Blue and white, with gerberas, blue freesia and spray chrysanthemums, is a popular choice for a man; see the blue and white sheaf. The red rose sheaf of deep red roses, germini and burgundy carnations speaks of love, the lilac sheaf brings a gentle variety of carnations, hydrangea and scabiosa, and the Purple Calla Lily Sheaf is a single, striking bloom repeated, finished in silver-grey. Each funeral sheaf is a beautiful bouquet of real flowers, and a beautiful tribute on the day.

Every funeral sheaf made through our shop is put together by hand by local artisan florists rather than in a warehouse, and is made with the finest flowers they have that week. If a flower isn't available, they may use another flower of the same colour and style, of equal or greater value, so the arrangement keeps its look.

Sizes and prices

Every funeral sheaf in our shop comes in three sizes: Standard, Preferred and Elegant. The larger sizes add more stems of the same flowers, so the design stays the same but looks fuller and more generous. Prices start from £43.99 for the white and the pink, £49.49 for the natural, tied, yellow and white and red rose designs, £54.99 for sunshine yellow and blue and white, £82.49 for the purple calla lilies and £93.49 for the lilac. If you are looking for the gentlest price, our lower-priced tributes are gathered on one page.

Your message and delivery

Every order includes a card with your message, tucked in with the flowers. A few honest words are enough; our guide on what to write on the card has ideas if you are stuck. Give us the date of the funeral and the address of the funeral director or the family home.

Delivery is one charge of £12.49 per order to one address, added at checkout. A local florist makes your sheaf and will deliver it ready to lay down, Monday to Saturday, from tomorrow onwards, whether the funeral is in central London, a town in West Yorkshire or a village in the West Midlands. There is no delivery on Sundays or bank holidays, or to AB10 postcodes, so please order with a day or two to spare.

Looking after the flowers

If a sheaf comes to the home before the funeral, keep it lying flat somewhere cool and out of direct sun, so it stays neat. Lilies are toxic to cats, so keep any design with lilies away from them. After the service, some families untie the stems, trim them and stand the flowers in water, so they can enjoy them a little longer. That simple bit of flower care is one of the quiet advantages of a tied bunch with natural stems.

Questions about sheaves

Where is a funeral sheaf placed?

It is laid flat, on or beside the coffin, at the front of the crematorium or church, or at the graveside after a burial. The funeral director will place it for you.

Is a sheaf the same as a bouquet?

Not quite. A bouquet is made to stand in a vase, while a sheaf is flat-backed and made to lie down, with the stems tied and left showing.

Can I send a sheaf if I'm not family?

Yes. A sheaf is one of the most common tributes from friends, neighbours and colleagues, and it sits well beside the family's flowers.

Do you make bespoke sheaves?

We don't offer a bespoke service. Each sheaf is made to the design you see, in the size you choose, with your own card.