Funeral Crosses

A funeral cross of fresh flowers is a traditional tribute at a Christian service, standing on an easel near the casket. A florist near the funeral home builds each of these six crosses by hand, in white, blue and white, yellow or mixed colors.

For many families the cross is a sign of faith and eternal life. The guide below helps you pick a color and a size.

How to choose a funeral cross

Why families choose a flower cross for a funeral

In Christian tradition the cross stands for faith, hope and the promise of eternal life, and at a service it gives mourners a focal point for prayer and remembrance. Funeral crosses often come from close family, a church community or friends who share the person's faith. All six here are standing pieces, offered in three sizes, so they read clearly from the back of a chapel. A funeral wreath is a good alternative when you don't know the family's faith.

Colors and flowers

White is the classic choice: Divine Light traces the cross in white blooms, and the Peace & Prayers White Standing Cross combines white roses, football mums, carnations and hydrangea. Peace & Prayers Blue & White Standing Cross adds blue hydrangea for a calmer look, and Peace and Prayers Standing Cross mixes roses, lilies, daisies and mums in soft orange, purple and white. The Sunshine Sentiments Cross pairs bright yellow football mums with white roses. On the Signature Collection Cross, a spray of roses lies across a white carnation base, and you pick the rose color: red is often linked with love, white with peace, pink with admiration and yellow with friendship. Browse more white sympathy flowers if the family prefers an all-white service.

Funeral cross questions

What does a funeral cross symbolize?

For Christians the cross is a sign of faith, sacrifice and the hope of resurrection, so a flower cross speaks to the belief that life continues beyond death. Families often place it near the casket or at the front of the chapel, where it becomes a focus during prayers.

What are the best flowers for a funeral cross?

White roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are the most common because they hold their shape on an easel through a long day. Hydrangea adds fullness and lilies add fragrance. Five of the six crosses here include roses, and the florist may swap in a flower of equal or higher value to keep the look.

What is a casket cross?

A casket cross is a flower cross made to lie on the lid of the casket rather than stand on an easel. The crosses on this page are standing pieces. For flowers that rest on the casket itself, see our casket sprays.

Who usually sends a funeral cross?

Immediate family, grandchildren, a parish group or close friends who share the person's faith often send one. A cross fits best when the family is Christian, so check the obituary or ask the funeral home if you're unsure. Sign the card so the family knows who sent it.