The Best Memorial Day Flowers, Arrangements & Gifts

• Written by Holly Hughes on February 13, 2023

A national holiday dedicated to honoring soldiers’ bravery and commemorating lost loved ones, Memorial Day is an important moment in both American history and our annual calendars.

While its origins are somber and reflect the mourning of lives lost, this is still an important day that can be celebrated with a thoughtful flower arrangement. 

If you want to know what kinds of flowers are best to use on this national day of remembrance, keep reading. This article has everything you need to know about choosing the perfect flowers for Memorial Day.

What is Memorial Day?

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States that mourns and honors those who lost their lives while serving in the United States armed forces. It began during the American Civil War, when Americans would go to the graves of those killed in battle to lay flowers. From these beginnings, flowers have remained an integral part of this day of commemoration.

When is Memorial Day?

This national holiday is always observed on the last Monday of May.

Why are flowers a good gift for Memorial Day?

Since Memorial Day was established, flowers have played an important role and symbol in this commemorative holiday. As this day is about mourning those lost to battle and honoring their bravery, flowers are the perfect way to convey a sense of loss, respect, and admiration for the soldiers who gave their lives for their country. 

Related Post:How to Send Flowers to a Church

What flower is associated with Memorial Day?

The poppy - regarded all over the world as a symbol of remembrance - is the flower most closely associated with Memorial Day. This association dates back to Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s now famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”, in which the Canadian physician writes about the fields of poppies that grew along the graves of soldiers in Flanders. 

From there, the connection between poppy flowers and Memorial Day grew when in 1918, YWCA worker Moina Michael, inspired by the poem, pinned a silk poppy to her coat and distributed over two dozen at a YWCA Overseas War Secretaries’ conference. Two years later, the National American Legion adopted the poppy flower as its official symbol of remembrance, which it still remains as today.

The best Memorial Day flower arrangement ideas

Thus, when choosing the right blooms for a Memorial Day floral arrangement, including poppies in a bouquet, wreath, or other arrangement is a thoughtful and symbolic gesture. 

Red roses, blue gladioli, and white blooms such as lilies, gerbera daisies, and carnations are also a good choice for Memorial Day bouquets. In fact, many florists will design special arrangements using flowers in the color of the American flag to honor U.S. soldiers. Teleflora is one such delivery service that offers an incredible range of blue, white, and red floral arrangements that are the perfect way to commemorate this holiday.

Red, white and blue bouquets are also a popular feature in FromYouFlowers’ extensive online collection. These bouquets can cover a multitude of occasions, from Fourth of July celebrations to Memorial Day commemorations. 

If you want to commemorate this national holiday with something other than a bright floral bouquet, you can always opt for a commemorative tree like the memorial Magnolia Tree available at FTD. 

A symbolic wreath of remembrance is also appropriate to give at this holiday. ProFlowers ships a fragrant Peace and Pomegranate Cross which is both tasteful and respectful. 

Can you use artificial flowers for Memorial Day?

Yes. If you want flowers that will last beyond the holiday, using artificial flowers to place on a grave is a great way to achieve this. Of course it’s important to remember that artificial bouquets are made of plastic and can become a source of pollution if not disposed of correctly. If you are leaving an artificial arrangement on a graveside, make sure that you throw it away properly when it has lost its luster, to avoid it becoming a waste issue.

To avoid any plastic waste altogether, without compromising on long-lasting blooms, don’t forget that you can always press or dry a bouquet for a stunning and DIY arrangement that is completely unique! Follow our easy press and dry guides below for tips.

• How to press flowers
• A step by step guide on how to dry flowers

Memorial Day is an invitation to take a moment to reflect on our nation’s history and pay respects to the valiant people who served their country. This is important for all of us and doing so with flowers can make this moment of awareness and commemoration that little bit more special. So, if ever you’ve thought about buying a gift of Memorial Day flowers - this is your opportunity to do it!