Funeral ribbon messages: what to write on a wreath or spray

A funeral ribbon (or sash) is the band of fabric attached to a wreath, spray or heart, carrying a short printed message. The usual pattern is a farewell phrase on one side and the senders’ names on the other: for example “In loving memory” / “Your colleagues at [Company]”. Keep it to a few words per line so it can be read from the pews. At KANEL, a personalised ribbon costs CHF 35 and you enter the text when you order.

Below you will find more than 50 examples sorted by relationship, plus tips on length and language. For longer card messages, see our article on condolence messages for flowers.

How a funeral ribbon works

The ribbon is attached across the front of the arrangement, often hanging down on either side. In Switzerland it usually has two ends:

• Left end: a farewell, a tribute or a short phrase (“Rest in peace”, “Forever in our hearts”).
• Right end: who the flowers are from (“Your children”, “The Müller family”, “Your friends at FC Lausanne”).

Some people use a single line instead. Either way, the ribbon is read at a glance, so the message should be clear and short.

Length and layout tips

• Aim for two to five words per line. Long sentences wrap awkwardly and become hard to read.
• Use first names or a family name rather than a list of ten people; put the full list on the card.
• Avoid abbreviations the family may not understand (internal team names, acronyms).
• Check the spelling of names twice. A ribbon cannot be corrected once printed.

Ribbon messages from close family

From a spouse or partner

1. Forever in my heart
2. My love, my life
3. Until we meet again
4. With all my love, always
5. Thank you for every day together

From children

6. We love you, Mum
7. Thank you for everything, Dad
8. Always with us
9. Your loving children
10. Sophie, Lucas and Emma

From grandchildren

11. To the best grandma in the world
12. We will miss you, Grandpa
13. Your grandchildren, with love

From parents (for a child)

14. Our little star
15. Forever our beloved son
16. Sleep peacefully, our darling
17. Mummy and Daddy

From siblings and wider family

18. Goodbye, dear brother
19. In loving memory of our sister
20. With love, the [Surname] family
21. Your nieces and nephews

Ribbon messages from friends

22. Goodbye, dear friend
23. Thank you for your friendship
24. You will be missed
25. Forever remembered
26. Your friends from [club / village / school]
27. With love, Anna and Marc
28. Rest in peace, old friend
29. Gone but never forgotten

Ribbon messages from colleagues and companies

30. In grateful memory
31. With deepest sympathy
32. In respectful remembrance
33. Your colleagues at [Company]
34. The management and staff of [Company]
35. Your team at [Department]
36. With gratitude for your years of service
37. A last farewell from [Company]

For practical advice on organising a group gift and paying for it, see our guide to funeral flowers from colleagues.

Ribbon messages from neighbours, clubs and associations

38. Your neighbours at [street or building]
39. In fond memory, your neighbours
40. The members of [club / choir / association]
41. With gratitude, [association name]
42. A last goodbye from your teammates

Universal phrases

These work from anyone, on any format:

43. In loving memory
44. Rest in peace
45. Forever in our hearts
46. With deepest sympathy
47. A last farewell

Ribbon phrases in Switzerland’s national languages

If the family speaks French, German or Italian, a short phrase in their language is a thoughtful touch. These are common, traditional formulas:

If you are not sure of the spelling, keep to English; a correct English message is better than an incorrect translation.

What to avoid

• Long quotations or poems: they do not fit and are hard to read. Use the card instead.
• Details about the death or illness.
• Jokes or nicknames the wider family may not understand, unless you know the family would welcome them.
• Religious phrases if you do not know the family’s beliefs. “In loving memory” is always safe.

Ribbon or card?

The ribbon and the card do different jobs:

Many people use both: a short ribbon on the arrangement and a personal card for the family. Our condolence messages for flowers article has wording for the card, sorted by relationship.

Which arrangement carries a ribbon?

Ribbons are traditional on:

• wreaths, where they hang across the front (funeral wreath guide);
• sprays, where they lie across the stems (funeral spray guide);
• hearts, for the most personal messages (funeral heart guide);
• cushions, less often, with a shorter message.

Adding a ribbon to a KANEL order

When you order a funeral piece from KANEL, choose the personalised ribbon option (CHF 35) and type your text. You will also be asked for the deceased’s name, the delivery address, the date and time of the ceremony, a contact person on site and your preferred delivery time. Delivery is free anywhere in Switzerland, Monday to Saturday, and orders should be placed at least 48 hours before the ceremony.

For an overview of formats and customs, see our main guide to funeral flowers in Switzerland.

Add your words to handmade flowers: KANEL’s funeral pieces can carry a personalised ribbon and are delivered free to the ceremony anywhere in Switzerland.