A funeral heart is a heart-shaped arrangement of fresh flowers, placed on or in front of the coffin or urn. It is the most intimate of funeral tributes and is traditionally sent by a spouse or partner, children, parents or grandchildren. At KANEL, funeral hearts are handmade to order in Geneva, from CHF 255 for a classic heart, CHF 355 for a prestige heart and CHF 555 for a heart of roses, with free delivery anywhere in Switzerland.
Prices were checked on kanel.ch in November 2026. For an overview of all funeral formats and customs, see our guide to funeral flowers in Switzerland.
What a funeral heart means
A wreath speaks of eternity and a spray of farewell; a heart speaks of love. It says that the person was not just respected but deeply loved, which is why it is usually reserved for those closest to them. In Switzerland you may hear it called cœur de deuil in French, Trauerherz in German or cuore funebre in Italian.
Because of this meaning, friends and colleagues usually choose another format. That is not a strict rule: a lifelong friend or a godparent may well send a heart. If you are unsure, ask yourself whether the family would see the heart as natural coming from you.
Who sends a heart
| Relationship | Is a heart appropriate? |
|---|---|
| Husband, wife, partner | Yes, a very traditional choice, often red or white roses |
| Children (for a parent) | Yes, often together, sometimes with grandchildren |
| Parents (for a child) | Yes, often in white or soft pastel |
| Grandchildren | Yes, sometimes a smaller heart alongside the parents’ tribute |
| Close friend | Possible, if the bond was very close |
| Colleagues, company | Usually a wreath or a spray instead |
The three styles
Classic funeral heart
A heart in a single colour theme, with the widest choice of colours: pink, white, pink and white, pastel pink, yellow or fuchsia. White is sober and suits any ceremony; pink and pastel tones feel tender; yellow can recall warmth and light.
Prestige heart
A fuller, more elaborate heart in white or multicoloured. A white prestige heart is a classic, dignified choice for a spouse or parent; the multicoloured version can suit someone remembered for their joy and energy.
Heart of roses
A heart made entirely of roses. Traditionally, roses stand for love, and a white rose for purity and eternal love. It is the most expressive of the three, and often the choice of a partner for the coffin.
KANEL funeral heart prices
| Range | Colours | From | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic funeral heart | pink, white, pink and white, pastel pink, yellow, fuchsia | CHF 255 | CHF 255–595 |
| Prestige heart | white, multicoloured | CHF 355 | CHF 355–855 |
| Heart of roses | roses | CHF 555 | CHF 555–1,155 |
| Personalised ribbon (option) | — | CHF 35 | — |
| Condolence card (option) | — | CHF 24.90 | — |
Source: kanel.ch, checked November 2026. Most models come in three sizes; the “from” price is the smallest. Delivery is free throughout Switzerland, with no minimum order. Compare with other formats in our overview of funeral flower costs in Switzerland.
Choosing a colour
- Red or red and pink roses: passionate, lasting love, usually from a partner.
- White: purity, peace and respect, appropriate from anyone close.
- Pink and pastel: tenderness, often chosen for a mother, a grandmother or a child.
- Yellow: warmth and light, a softer alternative to bright colours.
- Fuchsia or multicoloured: for someone with a vivid personality, or a celebration of life where the family has asked for colour.
KANEL also cites traditional flower meanings: the white tulip for purity and hope, the peony for love and gratitude, the hyacinth for hope and renewal.
Words on the ribbon
A heart is often accompanied by a ribbon with a very personal inscription. Some examples:
- “Forever in my heart” / “Your loving wife”
- “We love you, Mum” / “Sophie, Lucas and Emma”
- “Sleep peacefully, our little one” / “Mummy and Daddy”
- “Thank you for everything” / “Your grandchildren”
A personalised ribbon costs CHF 35 at KANEL. You will find many more examples in our page of funeral ribbon messages, and help with a longer card in condolence messages for flowers.
Hearts at cremation ceremonies
A heart works just as well in front of an urn as on a coffin. At a cremation ceremony or a memorial service with an urn, it is often placed at the foot of the table, sometimes alongside a cushion or a one-sided arrangement. Our guide to flowers for a cremation explains which formats suit an urn best.
Delivery and timing
KANEL delivers funeral hearts free of charge to the family’s home, the church, the funeral home, the ceremony venue, the crematorium or the cemetery, including onto the grave. Deliveries run Monday to Saturday; there is no Sunday delivery.
Order at least 48 hours before the ceremony. You can book up to 60 days in advance. If the funeral is sooner, contact KANEL by phone or WhatsApp on +41 78 243 18 69 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm) before ordering; they will tell you whether it can be done.
Information to prepare:
- the deceased’s first name and surname;
- the full address (and grave number or room if relevant);
- the date and time of the ceremony, and your preferred delivery time;
- a contact person on site with a phone number;
- the ribbon text.
When several family members want a heart
It is quite common for the spouse to send a heart and the children another tribute, or for children and grandchildren to share one larger heart. If the family is coordinating, agree in advance so the tributes complement each other: for example, a heart of roses from the partner on the coffin and a white spray from the children in front of it.
Summary
- A funeral heart expresses love and is traditionally sent by the closest family.
- KANEL offers three styles: classic (from CHF 255), prestige (from CHF 355) and roses (from CHF 555).
- Free delivery in Switzerland, Monday to Saturday, at least 48 hours ahead.
A heart made by hand: KANEL’s funeral hearts are composed to order by florists in Geneva and delivered free to the ceremony, the funeral home or the cemetery anywhere in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Who sends a heart at a funeral?
A funeral heart is traditionally sent by the people closest to the deceased: a husband, wife or partner, children, parents or grandchildren. It expresses love rather than general sympathy.
How much does a funeral heart cost in Switzerland?
At KANEL, a classic funeral heart costs CHF 255 to 595, a prestige heart CHF 355 to 855 and a heart of roses CHF 555 to 1,155, with free delivery in Switzerland. Prices checked November 2026.
Is it appropriate for a friend to send a heart?
It can be, if you were very close. Otherwise a spray, a wreath or a condolence bouquet to the family is the more usual choice.
Where is a funeral heart placed?
Usually on the coffin or directly in front of it, or in front of the urn at a cremation ceremony. Afterwards it is often laid on the grave.
What colour should a funeral heart be?
Red roses traditionally express love for a partner, white expresses purity and peace, and pink or pastel feels gentle, often for a mother, a grandmother or a child.