If a florist or funeral director has asked whether you want a wreath, a spray or a casket arrangement and you are not sure what the difference is, you are in good company, most people only learn these terms when they need them. The three are distinguished mainly by shape and by where they sit during the funeral, and each tends to come from a different circle of mourners. This guide sets out what each one is, what it typically costs in the UK, how it is displayed at a crematorium or graveside, and how to choose between them quickly when time and energy are short.
The wreath
A wreath is the circular tribute most people picture first: flowers and foliage arranged in an unbroken ring, traditionally symbolising eternity and the continuity of life. In the UK it is the classic choice for friends, neighbours, extended family and organisations, respectful, recognisable and appropriate from almost anyone.
Shape and size. A ring, usually between 25 cm and 50 cm across. Smaller wreaths suit a tribute from an individual; larger ones work well from a group. Classic versions use white chrysanthemums or carnations with seasonal foliage, but florists will happily make them in a favourite colour or with a favourite flower.
Placement. Wreaths are laid flat or propped around the coffin at the service, carried in the hearse alongside it, and afterwards laid on the grave or in the crematorium's flower display area.
Typical price. Roughly £60 to £200, depending on size and flower choice. A simple foliage-based wreath sits at the lower end; a large all-rose wreath at the upper.
Who sends one. Almost anyone outside the immediate family: friends, cousins, neighbours, colleagues clubbing together, clubs and congregations. Immediate family can certainly choose a wreath too, but they more often provide the casket arrangement.
The spray
"Spray" covers two related things, so it is worth separating them.
A flat spray (or tied spray/sheaf) is a one-sided arrangement designed to lie flat, a generous, elongated bundle of flowers viewed from above. It is versatile, usually the most affordable formal tribute, and suits friends, colleagues and family alike. Flat sprays and sheaves typically cost from around £40 to £120.
A standing spray is the larger, more formal version: a fan- or teardrop-shaped arrangement fixed to a frame or tripod easel so it stands upright beside the coffin, facing the congregation. Because it is displayed vertically, it is one of the most visible tributes at a service.
Shape and size. Standing sprays are typically 60 cm to over a metre tall, arranged to be seen from one side. They make a strong visual statement without sitting on the coffin itself.
Placement. On an easel beside or near the coffin during the service. At a crematorium, standing sprays flank the catafalque or are placed at the front of the chapel; at a burial, they travel to the graveside and stand beside the grave during the committal before being laid down.
Typical price. Roughly £80 to £250 for a standing spray, driven by height, density and flower choice.
Who sends one. Close family who are not providing the casket arrangement, siblings, grandchildren, in-laws, and groups who want a substantial joint tribute, such as a workplace or a large circle of friends. A standing spray from "all your colleagues" reads as generous without overstepping the family's role.
The casket arrangement
The casket arrangement, also called a casket spray or coffin spray, is the centrepiece tribute that sits on top of the coffin itself. It is designed to the coffin's proportions: a full-length version covers most of the lid, while a half-length spray sits at one end and allows space for other items, such as a photograph or flag.
Shape and size. A long, low, oval arrangement built to lie on the coffin lid, usually 90 cm to 180 cm long. Florists design them to be seen from all sides, since the coffin is the focal point of the service.
Placement. On the coffin throughout, in the hearse, during the service and, at a burial, often lowered with the coffin or laid on the grave afterwards. At a cremation, the funeral director will usually remove the spray before committal; the family can take it home, leave it on display at the crematorium, or ask for it to be passed on, for example to a local hospice or care home.
Typical price. Roughly £150 to £350, with half-length sprays at the lower end and full-length designs in premium flowers such as roses, lilies or orchids at the upper end.
Who sends one. This is the immediate family's tribute, spouse or partner, children, sometimes parents, and there is only one, because there is only one coffin lid. If you are not immediate family, do not order a casket arrangement; choose a wreath or spray instead. Within the family, it is worth one person coordinating so the main tribute is agreed before anyone orders separately.
Side-by-side comparison
| | Wreath | Standing spray | Casket arrangement | |---|---|---|---| | Shape | Circular ring | Upright fan or teardrop on an easel | Long, low oval on the coffin lid | | Placement | Around the coffin, then grave or display area | Beside the coffin, facing mourners | On top of the coffin throughout | | Typical UK price | £60–£200 | £80–£250 | £150–£350 | | Usually from | Friends, extended family, groups | Close family, large groups | Immediate family only |
Crematorium vs graveside: what happens to each
At a crematorium, all tributes are displayed in the chapel during the service. Afterwards, the casket spray is lifted off before committal, and the family chooses what happens next: most crematoria have an outdoor flower terrace or hall where tributes stay on view for several days, and many can arrange for flowers to be donated locally. Ask the funeral director what the venue offers.
At a graveside, flowers follow the coffin from the service to the grave. Wreaths and sprays are laid on and around the filled grave, where they remain, a visible marker of love in the weeks before a headstone is placed. If the family will visit the grave often, sturdy wreaths in hardy flowers such as chrysanthemums and carnations hold up best outdoors.
Choosing by relationship and budget
If you are short of time, this is the quick answer:
- Immediate family: the casket arrangement, chosen jointly. Budget £150–£350, shared between you if helpful.
- Siblings, grandchildren, close family not covering the casket spray: a standing spray (£80–£250) or a large wreath.
- Friends, neighbours, extended family: a wreath (£60–£200) or a flat spray or sheaf from around £40.
- Colleagues and organisations: one joint standing spray or wreath with a collective card, rather than several small tributes.
- On a tight budget: a simple sheaf or small posy is completely appropriate from anyone. The meaning is in the gesture and the card, not the size.
Two final checks before you order. First, read the funeral notice: if it says "family flowers only", choose a charity donation instead, our etiquette guide explains the alternatives. Second, confirm delivery details with the funeral director, who will tell you when flowers should arrive and whether the venue has any restrictions. Get those two things right and any of the three tributes above will do exactly what you want it to: stand quietly at the service and say that this person mattered to you.