1. Ordering Through Funeral Directors Most undertakers or funeral directors can arrange flowers on your behalf. However, in many cases, they pass the order to a local florist or home-based operator and may retain a commission of up to 30% of the amount you spend.
This commission reduces the value of the tribute you receive.
Example: If you spend £100 on a wreath and 30% is retained as commission, only £70 is allocated to the actual floral tribute — resulting in a smaller arrangement than if you ordered directly from a qualified high-street florist.
2. Always Check the Florist’s Work Request to see genuine examples of the florist’s own work. Images shown on websites can sometimes be stock photos and may not represent the florist’s actual creations.
Look for florists who are members of the Good Florist Guide or the British Florist Association (BFA), as membership indicates professional standards. Visiting the shop in person or viewing a gallery of their completed work will give you a more accurate impression of quality and style.
3. Be Cautious of Online Order Gatherers Some online companies present themselves as local florists but may actually be based many miles away. They simply forward your order to a florist near the delivery location and retain a significant commission.
To ensure you are dealing with a genuine local florist:
Check their address using Google Maps
Verify membership through the BFA website
Confirm that the florist is based in, or very near, the area where the flowers are required
4. Sending Flowers to Another Area If you need to send funeral flowers to another part of the country and do not have internet access, visit a reputable high-street florist in your local area. They can arrange delivery through trusted professional networks.
5. Home-Based and Unqualified Operators Many individuals advertise themselves as florists while working from home without formal qualifications. Standards can vary significantly, and if there is an issue with the order, there may be limited recourse.
Choosing an established, qualified high-street florist provides greater accountability, professionalism, and quality assurance.
Guide to Ordering Funeral Flowers click here