During Chicago winters, we often face an interesting challenge – while it’s freezing outside, our indoor services deal with warm, dry air from heating systems. After helping families through many winter funeral services, I’d like to share some practical advice about choosing flowers that hold up well in these conditions.
Understanding Indoor Challenges
Winter services bring some unique situations:
- Heating systems can dry out flowers quickly
- Temperature differences between rooms
- Warm air blowing directly on arrangements
- Very dry indoor air
I remember one service last January where the church’s heating system was working overtime. We learned some valuable lessons that day about placement and flower choice that might help other families.
Flowers That Handle the Heat Well
Through experience, I find these flowers tend to work well:
Reliable Choices
- Roses (especially garden varieties)
- Orchids
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemums
- Alstroemeria
Good Supporting Flowers
- Snapdragons
- Stock
- Delphinium
- Status
- Freesia
Flowers to Consider Carefully
Some flowers need extra care in heated rooms:
- Hydrangeas (they’re thirsty flowers)
- Tulips (they keep growing and can droop)
- Lilies (pollen can be affected by dry air)
- Daisies (they drink a lot of water)
Practical Tips for Arrangements
Some simple approaches that help:
Location Matters
- Keep arrangements away from heating vents
- Avoid radiator areas
- Stay clear of sunny windows
- Find stable temperature spots
Water Considerations
- Use slightly warmer water in vases
- Check water levels more often
- Add water more frequently
- Consider moisture-holding products
Helpful Additions
These can make a difference:
- Leaf shine spray helps prevent drying
- Flower food in the water
- Anti-transpirant sprays
- Fresh cuts on stems before arranging
Timing Tips
What I’ve found that works well:
Delivery Timing
- Early morning setup when possible
- Time to acclimate to room temperature
- Chance to make adjustments if needed
- Final check before service begins
Service Duration
For longer services, consider:
- Extra water in containers
- Backup flowers if needed
- Mid-service check if possible
- Fresh water ready for touch-ups
Special Situations
Some things to think about:
Extended Visitations
- Refreshing arrangements between days
- Moving arrangements to cooler areas overnight
- Having replacement flowers ready
- Monitoring water levels
Multiple Location Services
When moving from church to funeral home:
- Plan for temperature changes
- Have protection ready for transport
- Know the conditions at each location
- Allow time for arrangements to adjust
Simple Solutions for Common Problems
If you notice:
- Drooping flowers: Often just needs water
- Wilting petals: Might need moving from heat
- Dropping leaves: Usually too warm or dry
- Fading colors: Could be too much direct heat
Helping Flowers Last Longer
Some basic tips that help:
- Remove lower leaves that would sit in water
- Cut stems at an angle
- Change water daily if possible
- Keep arrangements away from fruit (ripening fruit can affect flowers)
When You Need Help
Don’t hesitate to:
- Ask for flower care advice
- Request arrangement adjustments
- Get help with moving pieces
- Learn about specific flower care
Remember, these are just suggestions based on what I’ve seen work well with funeral flowers. Every service is different, and we’re happy to help figure out what would work best for your situation.