Flowers for Burial at Sea & Ash Scattering
Flowers play an important role in burial-at-sea and ash scattering ceremonies. When chosen thoughtfully, floral elements help create a calm, reflective atmosphere and provide a visual focal point on the water. Floating gently on the ocean’s surface, flowers offer a meaningful way for families to honor a loved one while respecting the natural marine environment.
Flowers are a meaningful addition to burial-at-sea and ash scattering ceremonies. As they float gently on the ocean’s surface and follow the natural currents, floral tributes create a visual moment of reflection and allow families to participate together in the farewell. Flower selections are often chosen to reflect the personality, wishes, or traditions of the deceased.
Common choices include roses, daisies, sunflowers, and leis. In many traditions, removing a lei and placing it into the sea represents an offering of love and remembrance.
Floral wreaths are also frequently used, providing a visible focal point on the water that helps families remain oriented during the ceremony.
The type and quantity of floral elements selected can influence how the ceremony appears on the water. While some families may have additional petals or wreaths so that everyone on board can take part in the scattering, rose petals are included at no additional charge.
To generate a calm and respectful atmosphere during the service, some families also opt to embellish the yacht with flowers.
Important Considerations When Choosing Flowers for Burial at Sea
Because wreaths made for land services use materials that are unsuited for use in the ocean, families are advised to collaborate with florists that are familiar with burial-at-sea guidelines.
Cultural customs, along with the personal tastes of the deceased and the mood of the ceremony, can be considered when families are selecting flowers. In order for the tribute to be meaningful for the entire duration of the service, it’s important to think about practical considerations, like the ability of the tribute to withstand the ocean, the color of the flowers, the smell, and how visible the tribute will be.
Flower Symbolism in Burial at Sea Ceremonies
When making arrangements for a burial-at-sea service, the selection of flowers can be personalized, or culturally inspired, to give more meaning to the ceremony.
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- Roses — love, appreciation, eternal bonds
- Lilies — the purity of the soul’s journey
- Orchids — elegance, strength, and rare beauty
- Carnations — deep love and admiration
- Forget-Me-Nots — enduring remembrance
Why Balloons Are Not Permitted at Sea Burials
Marine animals can mistake balloons for food, cause entanglement, and balloons eventually break down into microplastics. These microplastics are a serious threat to the marine ecosystem. For these reasons, balloon releases do not align with environmentally conscious burial at sea practices.
