What to do with dried flowers from funeral: A Journey Through Memory and Creativity

When the final farewell has been said, and the echoes of the funeral service have faded, the dried flowers from the funeral often remain as silent sentinels of memory. These delicate remnants, once vibrant and full of life, now hold a quiet beauty that can be both comforting and poignant. But what to do with these dried flowers? How can we honor their significance while also finding a meaningful way to incorporate them into our lives? This article explores a multitude of creative and heartfelt ideas, each offering a unique way to preserve and cherish the memories they represent.
1. Create a Memorial Shadow Box
A shadow box is a beautiful way to preserve dried flowers from a funeral. This three-dimensional display can include not only the flowers but also other mementos such as photographs, letters, or small keepsakes. Arrange the dried flowers carefully within the box, perhaps alongside a favorite photo of the departed, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a piece of jewelry that held special meaning. The shadow box can be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf, serving as a daily reminder of the love and memories shared.
2. Craft a Memory Jar
A memory jar is a simple yet profound way to keep the essence of the funeral flowers close. Fill a glass jar with the dried petals and leaves, and consider adding small notes or quotes that remind you of the person who has passed. You might also include tiny objects that symbolize their life, such as a seashell from a favorite beach or a small trinket that represents a hobby they loved. The memory jar can be placed in a special spot in your home, where you can occasionally open it and reflect on the memories it holds.
3. Design a Personalized Candle
Dried flowers can be incorporated into homemade candles, creating a unique and meaningful tribute. Melt wax and pour it into a mold, adding the dried flowers as the wax begins to set. The flowers will become suspended within the candle, creating a beautiful visual effect. When the candle is lit, the gentle glow will serve as a reminder of the light that the departed brought into your life. This personalized candle can be used during moments of reflection or on special anniversaries.
4. Press the Flowers into a Book or Frame
Pressing dried flowers is a timeless way to preserve their beauty. Place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press, and leave them for several weeks until they are fully flattened. Once pressed, the flowers can be arranged in a frame, creating a piece of art that can be hung on the wall or placed on a table. Alternatively, you can use the pressed flowers to create a bookmark, a greeting card, or even a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or a pair of earrings.
5. Incorporate Them into a Scrapbook
A scrapbook is a wonderful way to document the life and memories of a loved one. Use the dried flowers to embellish the pages, alongside photographs, written memories, and other keepsakes. The flowers can be glued directly onto the pages or placed in small envelopes or pockets within the scrapbook. This creative project not only preserves the flowers but also allows you to tell the story of the person’s life in a deeply personal and artistic way.
6. Create a Memorial Garden
If you have a garden or a small outdoor space, consider planting a memorial garden using the dried flowers as a starting point. You can scatter the petals and leaves around a tree or a special plant, or even mix them into the soil as a natural fertilizer. Over time, the garden will grow and flourish, becoming a living tribute to the person who has passed. You might also add a bench or a small plaque to the garden, creating a peaceful spot where you can sit and remember.
7. Make a Fragrant Potpourri
Dried flowers can be used to create a fragrant potpourri that fills your home with a gentle, comforting scent. Mix the dried petals with other natural materials such as dried herbs, spices, or essential oils. Place the potpourri in a decorative bowl or sachet, and let the aroma evoke memories of the person you’ve lost. This simple yet effective idea allows you to keep the essence of the flowers alive in a subtle and soothing way.
8. Craft a Memorial Wreath
A wreath made from dried funeral flowers can be a beautiful and lasting tribute. Arrange the flowers in a circular pattern, securing them with wire or glue, and add other elements such as ribbons, beads, or small ornaments. The wreath can be hung on a door, placed on a wall, or even used as a centerpiece for a memorial table. It serves as a visual reminder of the love and respect you hold for the departed.
9. Create a Piece of Jewelry
Dried flowers can be encapsulated in resin to create unique pieces of jewelry, such as pendants, earrings, or bracelets. This process involves carefully placing the flowers into a mold and then pouring resin over them. Once the resin hardens, the flowers are preserved forever, allowing you to carry a piece of the funeral with you wherever you go. This intimate and personal form of remembrance can be a source of comfort and strength.
10. Write a Letter and Bury It with the Flowers
Sometimes, the act of writing can be a powerful way to process grief. Write a letter to the person who has passed, expressing your feelings, memories, and thoughts. Once the letter is complete, you can bury it along with the dried flowers in a special place, such as a garden or a favorite outdoor spot. This symbolic act can provide a sense of closure and allow you to release some of the emotions tied to the loss.
11. Donate the Flowers to a Local Art Project
If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider donating the dried flowers to a local art project or community garden. Many artists and organizations use natural materials in their work, and your donation could contribute to a larger creative endeavor. This act of generosity not only honors the memory of your loved one but also helps to support the arts and the community.
12. Create a Memory Quilt
For those who enjoy sewing or crafting, a memory quilt can be a beautiful way to incorporate dried flowers into a functional and meaningful piece of art. Use the flowers to create appliqués or embroider them onto the fabric, and combine them with other materials that hold special significance. The quilt can be used as a comforting blanket or displayed as a wall hanging, offering warmth and solace during difficult times.
13. Host a Memorial Ceremony with the Flowers
Gather family and friends for a memorial ceremony where the dried flowers play a central role. You might create a small altar or display using the flowers, and invite everyone to share stories, memories, or poems. The ceremony can be a time of healing and connection, allowing everyone to honor the person who has passed in a collective and meaningful way.
14. Create a Time Capsule
A time capsule is a unique way to preserve memories for future generations. Place the dried flowers, along with other mementos, into a sealed container and bury it in a special location. You might also include a letter or a note explaining the significance of the items. The time capsule can be opened on a future date, allowing those who come after you to connect with the past and remember the person who has passed.
15. Use the Flowers in a Ritual or Ceremony
For those who follow spiritual or religious practices, dried flowers can be incorporated into a ritual or ceremony. They might be used as an offering, burned as incense, or scattered in a sacred space. This act of reverence can provide a sense of peace and connection, allowing you to honor the memory of the departed in a way that aligns with your beliefs.
16. Create a Memorial Wind Chime
Dried flowers can be used to create a beautiful and soothing wind chime. Attach the flowers to strings or wires, along with small beads or bells, and hang them from a circular frame. The gentle sound of the chime in the breeze can serve as a reminder of the presence of the person who has passed, offering comfort and solace in moments of quiet reflection.
17. Incorporate the Flowers into a Piece of Art
For those with artistic inclinations, dried flowers can be used to create a unique piece of art. Whether it’s a painting, a collage, or a mixed-media piece, the flowers can add texture, color, and meaning to your work. This creative process can be a therapeutic way to process grief and honor the memory of the departed.
18. Create a Memorial Ornament
Dried flowers can be used to create a special ornament that can be hung on a Christmas tree, a window, or a special display. Use a clear glass or plastic ornament, and carefully place the flowers inside. You might also add a small note or a photo to the ornament, creating a personalized keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.
19. Use the Flowers in a Natural Burial
For those who are environmentally conscious, dried flowers can be used in a natural burial. Scatter the flowers over the grave or mix them into the soil, allowing them to return to the earth in a natural and sustainable way. This act of returning the flowers to the earth can be a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death.
20. Create a Memorial Lantern
Dried flowers can be used to create a beautiful and luminous lantern. Place the flowers inside a glass jar or lantern, and add a candle or LED light. The soft glow of the lantern will create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, serving as a gentle reminder of the person who has passed.
Conclusion
The dried flowers from a funeral are more than just remnants of a ceremony; they are tangible symbols of love, memory, and connection. By finding creative and meaningful ways to preserve and honor these flowers, we can keep the spirit of our loved ones alive in our hearts and homes. Whether through art, ritual, or simple acts of remembrance, these dried flowers can continue to bring comfort and beauty into our lives, long after the funeral has ended.
Related Q&A
Q: Can dried flowers from a funeral be used in a wedding bouquet?
A: While it may seem unconventional, incorporating dried flowers from a funeral into a wedding bouquet can be a deeply meaningful way to honor a loved one who has passed. The flowers can be mixed with fresh blooms, creating a unique and personal bouquet that carries the memory of the departed into a new chapter of life.
Q: How long do dried flowers last?
A: Dried flowers can last for many years if they are properly preserved. Keeping them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight will help maintain their color and shape. Some people also use a sealant spray to protect the flowers and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Q: Can dried flowers be used in cooking or tea?
A: While some dried flowers are edible and can be used in cooking or tea, it’s important to ensure that the flowers from a funeral are safe for consumption. Many funeral flowers are treated with chemicals or pesticides, so it’s best to avoid using them in food or drink unless you are certain they are safe.
Q: What should I do if the dried flowers start to lose their color?
A: Over time, dried flowers may fade or lose their color. To preserve their appearance, you can use a UV-protective spray or keep them in a place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. If the flowers do fade, they can still hold sentimental value, even if their appearance changes.
Q: Can I mix dried flowers from different funerals?
A: Mixing dried flowers from different funerals can be a way to create a collective memorial that honors multiple loved ones. This can be especially meaningful if the individuals were connected in some way, such as family members or close friends. The combined flowers can serve as a symbol of shared memories and enduring love.