Sending funeral flowers in Switzerland is a way to honour someone’s memory and support their family, especially when you cannot be there in person. The essentials: choose a suitable format (wreath, spray, cushion or condolence bouquet), address it to the funeral home with the name of the deceased and the time of the service, and order at least two days ahead. For a dependable service, KANEL’s funeral flowers start at CHF 155 and are delivered free of charge.
Prices were checked on KANEL’s website in November 2026. This guide shares general customs; when in doubt, follow the family’s wishes as expressed in the death notice.
Types of funeral flowers
| Format | Description | Usually sent by | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray (gerbe / Gesteck) | Flat or cascading arrangement | Close family, friends, colleagues | On or beside the coffin |
| Wreath (couronne / Kranz) | Circular arrangement, symbol of eternal life | Family, groups, companies, associations | Beside the coffin, then the grave |
| Cushion (coussin / Kissen) | Dense, rounded arrangement, often heart-shaped | Very close family | On the coffin or the grave |
| Condolence bouquet | Hand-tied bouquet in soft colours | Anyone | To the family’s home |
Wreaths and sprays often carry a ribbon with a short inscription, such as “In loving memory” or the names of the senders.
KANEL funeral flowers
KANEL makes its funeral pieces by hand in its workshop in Vernier, Geneva, and delivers across Switzerland.
- Range: cushions, sprays (including a spray of roses), one-sided arrangements, hearts and wreaths, most in three sizes.
- Price: from CHF 155 (cushion), CHF 255 (spray, heart, one-sided arrangement) and CHF 355 (wreath), up to CHF 1,155 for the largest heart of roses. Ribbon CHF 35, card CHF 24.90.
- Delivery: free of charge for funeral flowers.
- Lead time: at least two days before the ceremony.
- Payment: card, Amex, PayPal, TWINT or Alma; website in English, French and German.
Why we recommend it for funerals: with no relay network, the piece is made by KANEL’s own florists, and its customer reviews (Trustpilot 4.8/5 on 169 reviews) are the best in the Swiss market. Read our KANEL review.
If the ceremony is in less than two days, contact KANEL by phone or WhatsApp on +41 78 243 18 69 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm) before ordering to ask whether a delivery is still possible; see our guide to urgent funeral flowers.
By type of arrangement or situation
Each format and situation has its own detailed guide:
- Funeral wreath: meaning, who sends one, classic and prestige sizes.
- Funeral spray and casket flowers: classic spray or spray of roses.
- Funeral heart: a tribute from a partner, child or parent.
- Funeral cushion and one-sided arrangement: sober formats for a coffin, urn or grave.
- Funeral ribbon messages: more than 50 examples of ribbon wording.
- Urgent funeral flowers: what to do when the ceremony is soon.
- Grave flowers and cemetery delivery: All Saints’ Day, anniversaries, grave numbers.
- Cremation flowers: what suits a ceremony with an urn.
- Funeral flowers from colleagues: group gifts from a team, company or club.
- How much funeral flowers cost: full price table and budget by relationship.
Where and when to deliver
To the funeral home or place of ceremony
In Switzerland, funeral flowers are generally delivered to the funeral home (pompes funèbres / Bestattungsinstitut), the church or the crematorium chapel, rather than to the family. When ordering, include:
- the full name of the deceased;
- the name and address of the funeral home or place of ceremony;
- the date and time of the service;
- a contact phone number for the funeral home, if you have it.
Aim for delivery the day before or the morning of the ceremony. Deliveries do not happen on Sundays or public holidays, so if the funeral is on a Monday, plan for a Saturday delivery to the funeral home and check that they can receive it.
To the family’s home
A condolence bouquet can be sent to the family’s home at any time, before or after the funeral. Many people find it touching to receive flowers a week or two later, when the first wave of support has passed. For home delivery, a regular bouquet in soft colours from KANEL is appropriate.
When the family asks for no flowers
Death notices in Switzerland sometimes ask for a donation to a charity instead of flowers. Respect that wish. You can still send a card, or a modest bouquet to the family’s home a little later.
What to write on the card
Keep it short and sincere. Some examples:
- “With deepest sympathy.”
- “In loving memory of [name].”
- “Our thoughts are with you and your family.”
- “With love and sympathy, from all your colleagues at [company].”
- “[Name] will be greatly missed. Thinking of you.”
Always sign with your full name, and your relationship if the family may not know you (for example, “a former colleague from Geneva”).
If the family is French- or German-speaking, you might add a short phrase in their language: Sincères condoléances (French), Herzliches Beileid (German) or Sentite condoglianze (Italian).
Colours and flowers: what is appropriate
- White is the classic colour of mourning in Switzerland, symbolising peace and respect: white roses, lilies, chrysanthemums.
- Cream, soft pink and pale lilac bring gentleness without being too bright.
- Red roses express deep love and are usually reserved for a partner or very close family.
- Chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with remembrance and graves in Switzerland, especially around All Saints’ Day (1 November).
- Bright, mixed colours can suit a celebration of life if the family has said so.
More on flower meanings in our article on which flowers to give for every occasion.
Religious and cultural customs
Switzerland is diverse, and customs vary. Some general points:
- Catholic and Protestant funerals: flowers, wreaths and sprays are common and welcome.
- Jewish funerals: flowers are traditionally not customary; a donation or a condolence visit is more usual.
- Muslim funerals: ceremonies are often simple, and flowers are less common. Ask the family or the mosque.
- Secular and civil ceremonies: flowers are generally welcome, sometimes in brighter colours.
When unsure, follow the death notice or ask someone close to the family.
Sending flowers from a company or a group
Colleagues, associations and groups of friends often send a single, larger piece together, usually a wreath or a spray with a ribbon.
- Agree on one coordinator who places the order and collects contributions.
- Ribbon text: keep it short, for example “With sympathy, your colleagues at [company]”.
- Card: list the senders or name the team, so the family knows who to thank.
- Budget: at KANEL, funeral pieces start at CHF 155 (cushion), CHF 255 (spray) and CHF 355 (wreath) with free delivery, which is easily shared among a group. More in our guide to funeral flowers from colleagues.
Flowers after the funeral and on anniversaries
Grief does not end with the ceremony. A small bouquet a few weeks later, on the first anniversary or on All Saints’ Day (1 November, a public holiday in Catholic cantons) can mean a great deal. In 2026, All Saints’ Day falls on a Sunday, so plan for Saturday 31 October. See our flower-giving calendar.
Sending funeral flowers from abroad
If you are in the UK, the US or elsewhere and cannot attend, ordering directly from a Swiss florist is the most reliable route. KANEL’s English website, international card and PayPal payment, and free funeral delivery make this simple. Remember that cut-offs are in Swiss time and allow two days. See our guide to sending flowers to Switzerland from abroad.
Checklist
- Check the death notice for wishes (no flowers, donations).
- Choose the format: wreath or spray for the ceremony, bouquet for the home.
- Note the funeral home, date and time.
- Order at least two days ahead, avoiding Sundays and holidays.
- Write a short card, signed with your full name.
Order with care: KANEL’s funeral flowers are made by hand, from CHF 155, with free delivery across Switzerland. For a general overview of our recommendations, see the best flower delivery in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
How much do funeral flowers cost in Switzerland?
At KANEL, funeral pieces start at CHF 155 for a cushion, CHF 255 for a spray or heart and CHF 355 for a wreath, with free delivery anywhere in Switzerland. Prices checked November 2026.
How far in advance should I order funeral flowers?
Allow at least two days. KANEL requires a minimum of two days' notice for funeral pieces, so order as soon as you know the date and place of the service.
Where should I send funeral flowers in Switzerland?
Usually to the funeral home or the place of the ceremony, not to the family's house. Include the name of the deceased and the date and time of the service.
What do I write on a funeral flower card?
Keep it short and sincere, for example: With deepest sympathy, In loving memory, or Our thoughts are with you. Sign with your full name so the family knows who sent the flowers.
What is the difference between a wreath and a spray?
A wreath is a circular arrangement symbolising eternal life, usually placed beside the coffin or at the grave. A spray is a flat or cascading arrangement often laid on the coffin, typically sent by close family.
Can I send sympathy flowers to the family's home?
Yes. A condolence bouquet sent to the family's home, before or after the funeral, is a discreet way to show support.