When a family loses someone close, one of the first questions is often a practical one: what will the flowers cost? If you are thinking about spelling out MUM, DAD, NAN or a name in flowers, the question gets more specific. How much are funeral flowers per letter?
Letter tributes are priced one letter at a time, so the total depends on the word you choose. This guide explains typical UK prices, what changes the cost, how to budget, and how to order with confidence. We hope it makes one part of a hard week a little easier.
What are funeral flower letters?
Floral letters are a traditional funeral tribute. Each letter is made from fresh flowers and foam, then arranged to spell a name, a relationship or a short word such as LOVE.
Funeral letters are usually about 30cm tall and are always uppercase. They are normally the main floral tribute at the funeral and are displayed in the hearse for the procession, in the same way as a cross or heart tribute.
Close family usually send them. They are often placed with the coffin, though groups of friends may send letters spelling a nickname if the family agrees. Because the letters are personal, many families choose them to say what a longer message could not.
So, how much are funeral flowers per letter?
In the UK, a single funeral flower letter usually costs between £40 and £60, depending on the florist, the flowers and the finish. Some examples from around the market:
- One UK funeral director's guide puts letter tributes at roughly £40 to £60 per letter.
- A London funeral service lists its floral letters from £50 per letter.
- The Co-op shows a guide price of £60 per letter for a standard arrangement, and says costs vary across the country.
Prices vary by area and by season, so treat these figures as a guide rather than a quote. London florists often sit at the higher end because of rents and labour costs.
What a word will actually cost
Because every letter is charged, the length of the word sets the total. At the typical £40 to £60 range, here is what common choices look like:
|
Word
|
Letters
|
Estimated total
|
|
MUM / DAD / NAN
|
3
|
£120 – £180
|
|
GRAN / BABA / OPA
|
4
|
£160 – £240
|
|
NANNY / DADDY / UNCLE
|
5
|
£200 – £300
|
|
GRANDAD
|
7
|
£280 – £420
|
|
A first name (e.g. MARIA)
|
5
|
£200 – £300
|
These totals are our own arithmetic from the per-letter range above, not fixed prices. Shorter words keep the cost down. Many families choose a short, loving word like MUM rather than a full name for exactly this reason.
What changes the price of each letter?
Two letters in the same word can cost the same, but two florists can price them very differently. These are the main factors.
1. The flowers used- Florists usually have a basic price for letters, and it rises if more expensive flowers are used. Chrysanthemums, carnations and spray roses are classic, hardy and cost-effective. Orchids, lilies and premium or out-of-season blooms push the price up.
2. The design and finish- A simple letter edged in ribbon costs less than one with an added spray, mount or accent flowers. Letters are generally edged in ribbon in a colour you choose, with an optional separate spray or mount on one or more letters. A colour theme, such as all white or the person's favourite shade, is a design choice that rarely changes the cost much.
3. The length of the word- This is the biggest factor. Every extra letter adds to the bill, so a nickname costs less than a full name.
4. Timing and location- Short notice, weekend funerals and delivery to a venue outside the florist's usual area can add to the cost. Ordering early gives the florist time to source the flowers and plan the delivery.
5. The season- Peak seasons, and weeks around Mother's Day or Christmas, raise flower prices across the board. A good florist will tell you if a bloom is expensive at the moment and suggest an alternative.
How the cost compares with other funeral tributes
Letters are not the only option, and some families find other tributes better value or a better fit. These are examples currently listed on our funeral flowers page:
- Funeral wreaths, including a Classic Selection Wreath in blue and white at £55 and classic pink and red wreaths at £95.
- Funeral posies, from £50 for a Classic Lilac and Pink Posy.
- Funeral sheaves, from £55 for a Classic Blue and White Sheaf.
- Funeral baskets, at £50 to £55.
- Funeral sprays, such as the Carnation and Germini Spray at £65.
- Funeral hearts, such as the Classic White Heart with Red Roses at £145.
- Funeral crosses, from £115 for a Pink and Lilac Classic Cross.
- Funeral pillows, from £135 for a Classic White Cushion.
- Casket sprays, from £135 for a Classic Selection Casket Spray (3ft).
- Funeral tributes, including an Anchor Tribute at £164.
You can browse everything together on our funeral flowers page.
A three-letter word such as MUM often costs about the same as a medium-sized heart or cross. For a larger family tribute, a letter set plus a funeral wreath or casket spray from other relatives is a common and meaningful combination.
Who usually pays for letter tributes?
Letters are the main family tribute, so they are usually sent by the closest relatives: children, a partner or siblings. Sometimes several family members share the cost, which makes a longer word more manageable.
Friends, colleagues and neighbours usually send something different, such as a posy, a sheaf or a basket. This avoids two sets of letters arriving for the same person. If you are not close family and want to send letters, check with the family first.
Tips to keep funeral flower costs down
Choosing a lower-cost tribute is never a sign of caring less. These approaches can help without losing any of the meaning.
- Choose a shorter word. MUM, DAD or NAN says everything and keeps the total modest.
- Pick hardy, seasonal flowers. Chrysanthemums, carnations and roses are traditional and good value.
- Keep the design simple. Ribbon edging with a single spray accent looks elegant without the extras.
- Share the cost. Family members can split a letter set between them.
- Order early. Planning ahead avoids rush charges and gives the florist time to buy the right flowers.
- Ask for a clear quote. A good florist will give you the total, including delivery, before you commit.
How to order funeral letters
Letter tributes are made to order, so the process is slightly different from picking a bouquet.
Step 1: Decide the word. Check spelling and whether the family would like a name, a title like MUM, or a message.
Step 2: Choose colours and flowers. Think about the person's favourite colour or flower. Many families choose white for a classic look or a favourite colour for a personal one.
Step 3: Confirm the date, time and venue. Funeral flowers must arrive at the right place on time, usually with the funeral director. Share the funeral director's name and the service details so we can arrange delivery.
Step 4: Get your quote. Call our team on 020 7018 4647 or contact us with the word and your budget. We will confirm the per-letter price and the total, and suggest options to match your budget.
Step 5: Add a message. A short, heartfelt card makes the tribute even more personal. You can browse greetings cards to send alongside.
Our delivery information explains how we deliver across London. We also offer same day flowers for everyday occasions, but funeral tributes are best ordered as early as possible so they are made with care.
Why choose a local London florist?
Funeral flowers are not something to leave to chance. A local florist can talk to you, understand what you want, and make sure the tribute is ready and delivered at the right time.
FlowersOnline24 is part of Elisana Florist, based at 370 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, London N11 1AH. We have served London for 25 years, working with fresh flowers sourced from Holland and arranged by hand by our own team. We know funeral work needs patience and discretion, and we are happy to talk it through by phone without pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How much are funeral flowers per letter in the UK?
Typically £40 to £60 per letter, depending on the flowers, design and area. Premium flowers and added sprays can increase this, so ask for a quote for your exact word.
How tall are funeral flower letters?
Usually around 30cm, in uppercase. Sizes are typically around 30cm and the letters are always capitals.
Can I order just one letter?
Yes, though the tribute usually only makes sense as a complete word. If you want to add to a set, speak to the florist about matching the style.
Do letter tributes cost more than wreaths?
It depends on the word. A short word like MUM can cost about the same as a larger heart, cross or pillow. A longer name will usually cost more than a single wreath.
Is delivery included in the price?
This varies by florist, so always ask for the total with delivery before confirming. Our team will give you a clear figure when you call.
How far ahead should I order?
As early as you can, ideally several days before the funeral. Letters are made to order and need time to be prepared properly.
A final word
Funeral flowers per letter typically cost between £40 and £60 in the UK, so a short word like MUM or NAN lands in the £120 to £180 range. The word you choose, the flowers and the design all affect the final figure, and a short, simple tribute can be every bit as moving as a larger one.
If you would like a personal quote, call us on 020 7018 4647 or get in touch online. You can also look through all our funeral flowers to see what else might suit the day.