How to Make a Funeral Wreath

Funeral wreaths, sometimes referred to as sympathy wreaths, are made with either fresh or silk flowers and sent to the family of the deceased. The wreath is often decorated with the flowers and colors that were sentimentally significant to or favorites of the deceased, or those that complement the seasonal aspect of the setting.

1. First: Prepare a foam ring

   Purchase a foam wring with the circumference you want for the wreath. If you are using fresh flowers, submerge the ring in water for 24 hours. This serves to water and nourish the flowers when they are cut and secured in the wreath. If you are using silk flowers, no other preparations are necessary.

2. Second: Prepare flowers.

   Cut flowers down to a stem length of two to three inches. Typically, you need at least three varieties of flower: one small bloom, one mid-sized bloom and one large bloom. You also need greenery for filler. Cut all the flowers and greenery down to short stems -- the stem should reach about the same length as the wreath's thickness.

3. Third: Collect extra decorations

   Collect decorations for the wreath that are symbolic of the person who is deceased. For example, if the deceased was an avid fisherman, getting fishing lures to hang from the wreath is appropriate. If the person collected porcelain dolls, purchase small porcelain dolls, like those used on Christmas trees to add to the wreath.

4. Fourth: Design and decorate the wreath

   Create a plan, either on paper or in your mind, of what you want the final wreath product to look like. Begin placing flowers at the top center of the wreath, and then work down each side to the bottom center, so that the two sides meet and finish at the bottom.

5. Fifth: Add finishing touches

   Add a bow of floral ribbon and the other finishing and personalized touches. Make adjustments in the placement of flowers, and fill in any gaps that are visible and distracting with the greenery.