Funeral sprays and casket flowers: what to choose and what it costs

A funeral spray is an elongated arrangement of fresh flowers that lies on the coffin (a casket spray) or is placed in front of it during the service. In Switzerland it is one of the most common funeral tributes, sent by close family as well as friends and colleagues. At KANEL, a handmade classic spray costs from CHF 255 and a spray of roses from CHF 395, delivered free of charge anywhere in Switzerland.

Prices were checked on kanel.ch in November 2026. For an overview of every format, see our main guide to funeral flowers in Switzerland.

What exactly is a funeral spray?

In English-speaking countries, “spray” covers a few related shapes: the casket spray that sits on top of the coffin, and the standing spray displayed on an easel. In Switzerland, the closest equivalents are:

• the gerbe de deuil (French-speaking Switzerland);
• the Trauergesteck or Sarggesteck (German-speaking Switzerland);
• the cuscino or composizione funebre (Ticino), depending on the shape.

What they share is an elongated, generous shape that looks good when seen from the front pews, laid flat on the coffin or at its foot. After the service, the spray usually goes to the grave with the other flowers.

Who sends a spray?

Traditionally, the spray that lies on the coffin itself comes from the closest family: the spouse or partner, the children, sometimes the parents. Other sprays, from friends, colleagues or neighbours, are placed in front of or around the coffin.

If you are not part of the immediate family and are unsure, a spray in front of the coffin is always appropriate. The family will usually arrange the flowers on the day with the funeral home.

Classic spray or spray of roses?

Classic funeral spray

A mixed arrangement in a chosen colour theme: pink, white or colourful. A white spray is the most sober choice, suitable for any ceremony and any relationship. A pink spray feels gentle and is often chosen for a woman or a young person; a colourful spray can suit a celebration of life.

Spray of roses

A spray made entirely of roses. Roses traditionally stand for love, and a white rose for purity and eternal love, so a rose spray is a deeply personal tribute. It is often the choice of a spouse or children for the coffin.

KANEL funeral spray prices

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.

The one-sided arrangement is designed to be seen from the front only, which makes it a good fit for placing in front of an urn or against a wall. We cover it in more detail in our guide to funeral cushions and one-sided arrangements.

Spray or wreath: how to decide

In practice, many families receive both. If you want something that feels personal and sits close to the coffin, choose a spray. If you are sending on behalf of a group, a funeral wreath is a classic choice.

The ribbon

Sprays very often carry a ribbon across the stems. It usually holds a short farewell and the name of the senders:

• “Forever in our hearts” / “Your children”
• “With love, Anna and Marc”
• “In grateful memory” / “Your colleagues at [Company]”

A personalised ribbon costs CHF 35 at KANEL. For dozens of examples, see our funeral ribbon messages. For the card, our article on condolence messages for flowers has wording by relationship.

Where the spray is delivered

KANEL delivers funeral flowers free of charge to the family’s home, the church or ceremony venue, the funeral home, the cemetery (including onto the grave) and the crematorium. Deliveries are made Monday to Saturday, never on Sunday.

When ordering, have ready:

• the name of the deceased;
• the full address of the delivery place (and grave number or room if needed);
• the date and time of the ceremony and your preferred delivery time;
• a contact person on site with a phone number;
• the ribbon text.

Timing

Each piece is made to order in KANEL’s workshop in Vernier, Geneva, so order at least 48 hours before the ceremony. You can book up to 60 days ahead. For a ceremony in less than 48 hours, call or WhatsApp KANEL on +41 78 243 18 69 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm) before ordering; it may or may not be possible.

Choosing flowers for a spray

KANEL cites these traditional meanings, which can help you pick a colour theme:

• White rose: purity, eternal love.
• White lily: purity, peace.
• Chrysanthemum: mourning, respect.
• Carnation: love, respect.
• Orchid: beauty, grace.
• Gerbera: joy, gratitude, a gentle choice for a celebration of life.

When in doubt, white is the safest and most respectful choice.

Summary

• A spray is the classic tribute on or in front of the coffin.
• Close family usually provide the coffin spray; others place theirs nearby.
• KANEL: classic spray CHF 255–695, rose spray CHF 395–995, free delivery.
• Order 48 hours ahead; no Sunday delivery.

Send a handmade spray: KANEL’s funeral sprays are composed to order by florists in Geneva and delivered free to the funeral home, church or cemetery in Switzerland.