Are fresh flowers still relevant today?

In recent years, LED wreaths have become a popular choice at funerals — bright, reusable, and easy to maintain. Some claim that they are environmentally-friendly and would last throughout the duration of the whole funeral, making them a better choice as a way to express condolences to the bereaved family members.

Yet, while these modern alternatives may appear practical, they can never truly replace the timeless beauty and symbolism of real flowers.

Fresh flowers have been part of funeral traditions for centuries, across cultures and faiths. Their natural fragrance and colours remind us of the impermanence of life — that every life, like every bloom, is beautiful, fragile, and fleeting. Each petal and arrangement carries a message: of love, remembrance, and respect.

Moreover, you may not know this but there is a minimum order quantity for the LED wreaths, of which most vendors would only deliver them down if you order 8 or more wreaths. While the bright lights coming out from these wreaths can make the whole perimeter of the wake venue appear bright and grand, the sight may be an eyesore for the residents living in the same estate, as per evidenced by the number of complaints that was received over these wreaths since inception.

Also, these wreaths, in large quantities are a potential fire hazard which is why the governmental authorities, namely the National Environmental Agency has issued a guideline to restrict the total number of LED wreaths to be at a maximum of 10 for each wake setting.

LED wreaths may be an innovative alternative way to express condolences but I doubt it is here to stay in the long run. Personally, I do not feel that they can totally replace fresh flowers for the feeling and vibe one get while entering a premise of fresh flowers and LED wreaths can be quite different.

For me, each fresh bloom speaks a language of compassion and farewell — one that connects deeply with the heart. No light, no matter how bright, can replace the quiet grace of a flower placed with love.

How about you? What do you think - are LED floral wreaths here to stay or they are just a fad?