
Living and working in Chicago, we all know how challenging our winters can be. As someone who’s helped families with funeral flowers through many winter seasons, I’ve learned that keeping arrangements beautiful during freezing temperatures takes some extra care and planning. I’d like to share some practical advice that might help you during this difficult time.
Understanding Chicago Winter Challenges
Anyone who’s lived through a Chicago winter knows what we’re up against. Between the bitter winds off Lake Michigan and those unexpected temperature swings, winter services need special attention. Here’s what we typically deal with:
Temperature Changes
We often see these shifts during services:
- Warm funeral homes (around 70°F)
- Older churches that can be quite chilly
- That difficult transition to outdoor services
- The challenge of transport between locations
These changes can be hard on flowers, but there are ways to help them last.

Flowers That Hold Up Well in Winter
Through trial and error, I’ve found these flowers tend to do well in cold conditions:
Reliable Choices
- Chrysanthemums: These are wonderfully sturdy flowers that handle cold well
- Roses: Some varieties are particularly good for winter
- Oriental Lilies: These usually stay beautiful even in cold conditions
- Carnations: They’re surprisingly resilient in winter weather
Good Supporting Flowers
- Alstroemeria: These add nice color and last well
- Snapdragons: They’re stronger than they look
- Status: Provides good fullness in arrangements
Winter Greens
These add nice texture and hold up well:
- Cedar: Naturally suited to cold
- Pine: Adds a seasonal touch
- Holly: When appropriate for the service
Practical Protection Methods
Here are some simple but effective ways we protect arrangements:
For Indoor Services
These approaches help a lot:
- Extra wrapping around stems to keep in moisture
- Keeping arrangements away from heating vents and cold drafts
- Using deeper water reserves in vases
- Adding extra water packets in foam arrangements
For Outdoor Services
When we know we’ll be outside:
- Using protective wraps that are easy to remove
- Finding spots that block the wind
- Having backup flowers just in case
- Planning for quick transitions
Getting Flowers There Safely
Winter delivery needs extra care:
Basic Preparations
We try to:
- Keep vehicles at a steady temperature
- Use extra protection for exposed blooms
- Plan routes carefully in bad weather
- Allow extra time for weather delays
Simple Protection Steps
This three-layer approach works well:
- Moisture protection near the flowers
- Insulation in the middle
- Wind protection on the outside
Different Types of Services
Each type of service has its own needs:
Church Services
What usually works best:
- Arriving early to let flowers adjust to temperature
- Working with church staff on best placement
- Planning careful moves to cemetery
Funeral Home Services
Some helpful approaches:
- Checking arrangements regularly
- Adjusting water as needed
- Planning ahead for multi-day viewings
When the Weather Gets Really Bad
Living in Chicago means being ready for anything. Here’s what helps during severe weather:
Basic Backup Plans
It’s good to have:
- A few alternative design options ready
- Different route options in mind
- Extra supplies in the vehicle
- Good communication with the funeral director
I remember one particularly snowy day last winter when we had to adapt quickly. The family was so understanding, and together we found ways to make everything work beautifully despite the weather.
Helpful Tips for Families Planning Winter Services
If you’re planning a winter service, here are some things to consider:
Timing Tips
These often help:
- Morning services usually have better road conditions
- Building in some extra time for weather delays
- Having a backup plan for outdoor portions
- Keeping some flexibility in the schedule
Flower Choices
Consider these factors:
- Hardier flowers might be a good choice
- Indoor photos might be easier than outdoor
- Think about flowers you might want to preserve
- Consider arrangements that transfer easily
What We Try to Provide
During winter services, we aim to:
- Be on time, even in bad weather
- Keep arrangements looking fresh
- Have backup flowers if needed
- Stay available if you need help
- Monitor arrangements throughout the service

Real Situations and Solutions
Sometimes sharing real experiences helps. Here are a couple of common situations:
Sudden Cold Snaps
What tends to work:
- Moving flowers gradually to colder areas
- Using extra protection layers
- Keeping some flowers in reserve
- Being ready to move arrangements inside quickly
Snow During Services
These approaches usually help:
- Having covers ready for outdoor arrangements
- Placing arrangements in more protected spots
- Making quick adjustments as needed
- Working closely with funeral staff
Keeping Flowers After the Service
Many families ask about preserving flowers. Here are some suggestions:
Preservation Ideas
Some options to consider:
- Pressing some of the flowers
- Drying certain blooms
- Taking good photos of the arrangements
- Creating memorial cards with pressed flowers
Taking Flowers Home
If you’d like to keep some arrangements:
- We can suggest which flowers last longest
- We’ll share simple care tips
- We can help divide larger arrangements
- We can recommend preservation methods
Here to Help
Planning a funeral is never easy, and winter weather adds extra challenges. We’re here to help make this part a little easier. We work with many local funeral homes and churches, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned about handling winter services.
If You Need Assistance
Feel free to reach out:
- We can answer questions about winter services
- We’ll share honest advice about what works
- We can help with practical planning
- We understand these are difficult times
Every family’s needs are different, and we’re here to help figure out what would work best for your situation. It’s about making things a little easier during a challenging time.
Looking back at many winter services over the years, I’ve seen how much the right flowers can mean to families. Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a larger service, we’ll work with you to create something beautiful that honors your loved one, even in the middle of a Chicago winter.