Where to Buy Cemetery Flowers, and What to Look For

Flowers for a grave are not quite the same as flowers for a table. They have to fit a vase or a headstone, stand up to wind and weather, and follow the cemetery's rules. Here are the usual places to buy them and what to look for at each.

A local florist

Good for fresh flowers on a specific day. Ask for a short, sturdy arrangement for a grave vase, not a tall bouquet. Most florists deliver to homes and funeral homes, not to a grave, so you will usually place it yourself. Our guide on having flowers delivered to a grave explains why.

A grocery store or garden center

Convenient on the way to the cemetery. Remove the cellophane, trim the stems to fit the vase, and bring water. In fall, a potted mum is popular, but check whether the cemetery allows potted plants.

A craft store

A source of silk stems and saddles if you like to make your own. Look for flowers sold for outdoor use and UV resistance; indoor silk can fade quickly in the sun. Make sure the arrangement is weighted or fits the vase firmly.

The cemetery itself

Some cemeteries run their own flower programs. Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ, sells a seasonal silk flower program, and Hillside Memorial Park near Los Angeles places fresh flowers for families. Ask your cemetery's office whether it has one.

A graveside delivery service

If you cannot get to the cemetery, a service that places flowers at the grave for you is the answer. Look for one that knows the cemetery's rules, places the arrangement at the headstone itself, and sends a photo so you can see it.

What to look for, wherever you buy

• The right fit: a vase insert, a headstone saddle, or a weighted base. See saddle or ground vase.
• Allowed materials: no glass, and silk only when the cemetery allows it.
• Color that reads from a distance: strong colors stand out against stone and grass.
• Timing: avoid placing flowers just before a scheduled clean-up date.