Funeral Floor Baskets

Funeral baskets give friends, neighbors and coworkers a generous way to stand with a family at the service. A local florist near the funeral home builds each of these 17 floor baskets by hand, from all-white mums to tropical birds of paradise.

A floor basket is often the right size when you're close to the family but not part of it. Below, see where these baskets stand, how to choose a color and which ones match larger tributes.

How to choose funeral baskets

What a sympathy floor basket is

A floor basket is a full arrangement in a basket or sturdy container, made to sit on the floor or a low stand near the casket, the guest book or the entrance. It reads smaller than a standing spray on an easel, which is one reason friends and extended family often pick one. Some designs are built low and wide, such as the Heartfelt Tribute Blue & White Floor Basket Arrangement and Thoughts of Tranquility Floor Basket, while the blue and white Tranquility Floor Basket rises close to four feet. Six are maches, a style named for the sturdy pressed-paper containers florists often use for funeral work. For a taller piece raised on its own stand, see our funeral standing baskets.

Colors and flowers in these funeral basket arrangements

Mums appear in 12 of the 17 baskets, and they're a practical pick because they hold up well through several days of visitation. All-white designs like the Heartfelt Tribute White Floor Basket Arrangement and Simple Devotion Deluxe Basket suit almost any service. Blue and white reads calm, pink carnations keep Timeless Traditions Pink Carnation and Fuji Mache gentle, and deep red carnations speak of love and respect. For someone remembered for their energy, Youthful Remembrance Basket mixes orchids, liatris, roses and mums in bright contrast, and the Tropical Paradise Birds of Paradise Rustic Basket sets orange roses and orchids in wicker. A favorite color is always a good place to start.

Who sends a funeral floor basket

Close friends, coworkers, neighbors and extended family send most floor baskets, and one makes a good shared gift from a team or a group of cousins. Sign the card with every name, or the group's name, so the family knows who reached out. Several of these baskets belong to matching sets such as Sunshine Sentiments, Timeless Traditions and Tropical Paradise, so your piece can share a palette with the casket spray; see our coordinated sympathy tributes. Most baskets come in three sizes, and the larger ones fill more space beside the casket.

Funeral basket questions

What is a funeral floor basket?

It's a sympathy arrangement built in a basket or container that rests on the floor or a stand at the service, rather than on the casket lid. Floor baskets are a common choice for friends and coworkers, and families often take them home after the funeral.

What flowers are used in funeral baskets?

Chrysanthemums, roses, carnations and lilies are the traditional choices, and in this collection mums lead, followed by roses and carnations. Chrysanthemums are often tied to honor and respect, lilies to peace, and carnations to remembrance. A few baskets add hydrangea, snapdragons, gladiolus or orchids for height and texture.

Is it appropriate to send a fruit basket for a funeral?

Yes, though it usually goes to the family's home rather than the funeral home, where there's rarely a place for food. A basket of fruit and snacks helps a household feeding visitors. Our sympathy gift baskets ship by carrier, so they're never same-day.

How much should you spend on a sympathy floor basket?

There's no rule. Most baskets here come in three sizes, so let the space you'd like the piece to fill guide you more than a set amount. When coworkers or friends go in together, a group can choose a larger size than one person might send alone.

When should a funeral basket be delivered?

Pick a date before the service, and enter the funeral home's full address plus the name of the person who died. For a morning service, the day before is safest. Same-day delivery is possible on orders placed by 2:00 PM ET on weekdays or 1:30 PM ET on Saturday, when that date is open for the ZIP code.