Funeral wreaths in Switzerland: meaning, etiquette and prices

A funeral wreath is a round arrangement of fresh flowers and foliage, placed beside the coffin or urn during the service and then laid on the grave. In Switzerland it is usually sent by relatives, a group of friends, colleagues or an association, with a ribbon bearing a short inscription. At KANEL, a handmade classic wreath costs from CHF 355 and a prestige wreath from CHF 455, with free delivery to the church, funeral home or cemetery anywhere in Switzerland.

Prices were checked on KANEL’s website in November 2026. For a broader overview of formats and customs, start with our guide to funeral flowers in Switzerland.

What a funeral wreath means

The wreath is one of the oldest funeral symbols in Europe. Its circular shape, with no beginning and no end, traditionally represents eternal life and the idea that the bond with the deceased continues. Evergreen foliage at its base has long been associated with remembrance and constancy.

In Switzerland, as in neighbouring countries, wreaths are a familiar sight at Catholic and Protestant funerals and at many civil ceremonies. You will hear them called couronne mortuaire in French-speaking Switzerland, Trauerkranz in German-speaking Switzerland and corona funebre in Ticino. If you are an expat attending a local service, a wreath is a recognised and respectful gesture.

Who sends a wreath (and who sends something else)

There is no strict rule, but traditionally:

A wreath is visually substantial, which is why it is often a joint gift. Several people sharing one wreath is more common than everyone sending something small. If you are organising a gift from a team, see our guide to funeral flowers from colleagues.

Close family often prefer a funeral heart or a funeral spray, which are placed on or directly in front of the coffin.

Sizes and styles

Most of KANEL’s funeral pieces come in three sizes. The price you see first is the smallest size; the larger sizes are fuller and more visible in a church or chapel.

Classic wreath

A traditional wreath in a single colour theme: pink, white or multicoloured. White is the most sober choice and suits almost any ceremony. Pink brings softness; multicoloured can suit a celebration of life or someone known for loving colour.

Prestige wreath

A fuller, more elaborate design with a wider choice of colours: pink, white, pink and red, multicoloured, pastel or salmon. Red and pink together traditionally express love, so it is usually chosen by family or very close friends.

KANEL funeral wreath prices

Source: kanel.ch, checked November 2026. Delivery is free anywhere in Switzerland, with no minimum order. For a full price overview of every funeral format, see how much funeral flowers cost in Switzerland.

Flowers and colours

KANEL cites the traditional meanings of the flowers it uses. A few that often appear in wreaths:

• White rose: purity, eternal love.
• White lily: purity, peace.
• Chrysanthemum: mourning, respect. In Switzerland it is strongly associated with graves and All Saints’ Day.
• Carnation: love, respect.
• Iris: wisdom, faith.

White is recommended when you want a sober choice or do not know the family’s preferences well. If the death notice asks for a particular colour, or for “no flowers”, follow it.

Adding a ribbon

A wreath almost always carries a funeral ribbon (sash) across the front, with one or two short lines. The usual pattern is a farewell phrase on one side and the senders on the other:

• “In loving memory” / “Your colleagues at [Company]”
• “Rest in peace” / “The [Surname] family”
• “Forever in our hearts” / “Your friends from the choir”

At KANEL, a personalised ribbon costs CHF 35 and you type the text when ordering. Keep it short, as space is limited. Our page of funeral ribbon messages has many more examples sorted by relationship, and the condolence messages for flowers article helps with the card.

Delivery to the church, funeral home or cemetery

KANEL delivers funeral pieces free of charge to:

• the family’s home;
• the church or the place of the ceremony;
• the funeral home (pompes funèbres / Bestattungsinstitut);
• the cemetery, including directly onto the grave;
• a crematorium, for a cremation ceremony.

Deliveries run Monday to Saturday; there is no Sunday delivery. For a Monday funeral, the wreath is usually delivered on the Saturday before, so check with the funeral home that they can receive and store it.

Information to have ready

When you order, you will be asked for:

1. the first name and surname of the deceased;
2. the full delivery address (and grave number or room, if relevant);
3. the date and time of the ceremony;
4. your preferred delivery time;
5. a contact person on site and their phone number;
6. the ribbon text.

The death notice usually gives the date, time and place. If not, the funeral home can tell you.

Timing: order at least 48 hours ahead

KANEL makes each piece to order in its workshop in Vernier (Geneva), so it asks for at least two days (48 hours) before the ceremony. You can book up to 60 days in advance, and the calendar shows the dates available for the delivery postcode.

If the ceremony is in less than 48 hours, do not assume it is impossible, but do not assume it is possible either: call or WhatsApp KANEL on +41 78 243 18 69 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm) before ordering. Our guide to urgent funeral flowers explains what to do.

Wreath, spray or heart?

Checklist

1. Read the death notice: any wishes about flowers or donations?
2. Decide whether the wreath is a personal or a group gift.
3. Choose classic or prestige, and the colour.
4. Write the ribbon text.
5. Order at least 48 hours before the ceremony, Monday to Saturday delivery.

Order a handmade wreath: KANEL’s funeral wreaths are made to order by florists in Geneva and delivered free to the church, funeral home or cemetery anywhere in Switzerland.