“What is the difference between a stand and a wreath?” is a question we get almost every day. At a Filipino wake you will see flowers in very different shapes: tall stands beside the casket, round wreaths on easels, a spray on top of the coffin, small baskets on the side table. Each has its own place and is usually sent by a different person. This guide explains the types of funeral flower arrangements you will find at a Filipino wake, what each one is for, and how to choose.
Funeral stands (standing sprays)
The funeral stand is the most common arrangement at a Filipino wake. It is a tall arrangement on its own stand or easel, placed beside or behind the casket, with a satin ribbon that carries your message and your name. Florists also call it a standing spray.
Stands are described by their number of layers or tiers:
- One-layer stand: one cluster of flowers on the stand. A simple, appropriate choice from a friend, a neighbor or a colleague.
- Two-layer stand: two tiers of flowers, one above the other, so it looks fuller and taller. Often sent by close friends, relatives and companies. See our two-layer funeral stands, such as the Everlight and Amethyst.
- Three-layer stand: the grandest standing tribute, usually from close family, a large group or a company that wants its sympathy to be seen in the viewing room.
Most stands are about five to six feet tall, so they can be seen from across the chapel.
Wreaths, crosses and heart stands
These are shaped arrangements set on an easel. Each shape carries its own meaning:
- Wreath: a circle of flowers. Because a circle has no beginning and no end, it stands for eternal life and a love that continues. In Tagalog it is sometimes called a korona.
- Cross: a sign of faith, often chosen for a devout Catholic or Christian.
- Heart: a sign of deep love, often sent for a mother, a wife or a grandmother.
See our wreaths, crosses and heart stands, such as the Halo white mum wreath and the Beloved pink lily heart.
Casket sprays
A casket spray is a long arrangement laid on top of the coffin. It is usually ordered by the immediate family, the spouse, children or parents, so if you are a friend or colleague, it is best to send a stand or a basket instead, or to ask the family first.
A spray can cover the closed half of the casket or the whole lid, and is often made in white with greenery.
Sympathy baskets
A smaller arrangement in a basket, placed on a table in the viewing room or sent to the family’s home. It is a good choice when you want to send flowers but a tall stand feels like too much, or when the wake is held in a small home.
Urn and columbary arrangements
When the deceased has been cremated, the urn is often displayed on a table with a photo. Urn arrangements are low and compact, made to sit around or beside the urn without covering it or the photo. Smaller versions are used for visits to the columbarium on death anniversaries and All Souls’ Day.
Chapel and home packages
Some families order a matching set of flowers for the whole viewing room: stands on both sides of the casket, a casket spray and table flowers. A package keeps the colors and style consistent, which is why families often choose it when they are arranging the wake themselves.
Florist’s tip
Some viewing rooms and home wakes have little space, and stands from other families fill them up fast. For a small room, a wreath, a one-layer stand or a sympathy basket fits better than a three-layer stand.
Which arrangement should you send?
| Who you are | Usually sent |
|---|---|
| Immediate family (spouse, children) | Casket spray, chapel package, three-layer stand |
| Relatives and close friends | Two-layer stand, heart or cross stand |
| Friends, neighbors, classmates | One-layer stand, wreath, sympathy basket |
| Company or organization | Two-layer or three-layer stand, wreath |
| Cremation or columbary memorial | Urn arrangement, sympathy basket |
These are customs, not rules. If you are unsure, a white one-layer or two-layer stand is always appropriate.
Choosing flowers and colors
White is the safest and most common color at a Filipino wake. It stands for peace and respect. Lilies, mums (chrysanthemums), anthuriums, roses and orchids are the flowers you will see most often, because they look elegant and last for several days in the chapel. Purple stands for dignity, and soft pink suits a mother, grandmother or daughter. For Chinese-Filipino families, white and yellow are preferred and red is avoided.
For a full guide in Tagalog, read Bulaklak para sa Patay.
Don’t forget the message
Every stand and wreath from Funeral Florist PH includes a printed ribbon or a laminated card. If you are not sure what to write, see our guide on what to write on funeral flowers.
Frequently asked questions
What are funeral flowers on a stand called?
They are called funeral stands or standing sprays. In the Philippines they are described by layers: one-layer, two-layer or three-layer.
What is the flower arrangement on top of the coffin called?
It is called a casket spray. It is usually ordered by the immediate family.
Is a wreath or a stand better?
Both are appropriate. A stand is the most common choice at Filipino wakes; a wreath, cross or heart adds a symbolic meaning. Choose the one that feels right for your relationship with the person.
Can I send flowers to the family’s home instead of the chapel?
Yes. A sympathy basket or a smaller stand works well for a home wake. Add the full address and a landmark when you order.