Flowers for Sea Burial
Flowers add beauty, symbolism, and participation to a burial at sea ceremony. At California Sea Burial, we help families choose biodegradable flower arrangements — from wreaths and leis to single petals — so loved ones can honor and remember with dignity and care.
Why Families Choose Flowers for Sea Burials
Flowers are a meaningful part of every sea burial ceremony we coordinate. It is probably even more so of a funeral as they transform the ceremony from passive observation into active participation. With sea burial the flowers service an integral purpose in allowing all people on the yacht to participate
The type and kind of arrangements depend on the wishes of the family and should reflect the taste of the deceased. As well, all the flower should be 100% biodegradable meaning no wiring, or the green spongy floral foam (Oasis) that flowers are placed in.
Individual flowers are also a great addition to the ceremony. A rose, or really whatever flower you wish, can be give to each of the people on board. At the proper time they are thrown in the ocean. On some of our yacht this is included in the basic fee of the sea burial.
This simple act allows all present to participate and share in the event. It symbolizes a farewell and an opportunity for closure and healing .
Planning a sea burial in Southern California?
We coordinate floral arrangements, wreaths, and leis for private ash scattering ceremonies from San Diego, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and more. All flowers are biodegradable and ocean-safe.
💡 Tip: If you have had a service with bouquets of flowers at a church before the sea burial event, feel free to bring the flowers to place in the ocean. However, please remove the individual flowers from the bouquets. Having the bouquets on the yacht and them placing in the water will create a mess.
Wreaths for Sea Burial
The first type of arrangement we should speak of is a wreath. They can come in a variety of colors and flowers selection. When placed in the water they creates a wonderful focal point for viewing. The cremains tend to dissipate quickly, but the wreath will stay intact and floats for some time.
Lei for Ash Scattering at Sea & Sea Burial
The most well know tradition of a Lei is know from Hawaiian culture, there they are presented upon entering or leaving as a symbol or affection.
It is a lovely expression to have at the sea burial event. Leis may be presented to each person on the yacht, the immediate family or just the next of kin.
The leis must of course be held together with a biodegradable string.
Flowers for Burial at Sea: FAQs and Guidelines
Flowers are a meaningful part of many burial at sea ceremonies, offering a simple and natural way to honor a loved one. However, there are important environmental guidelines and practical considerations to keep in mind when selecting flowers for ocean services. Below are answers to the most common questions families have when planning a floral tribute at sea.
Are flowers required for a scattering at sea?
They are not required but having some is a very good idea and their use is highly recommended. They add beauty to the ceremony, allow family members to participate, and create a meaningful, visual tribute as the flowers float on the water.
What types of flowers are best for a sea burial?
Any fresh flowers that are 100% biodegradable are appropriate. Popular choices include roses, lilies, sunflowers, and orchids because they float well and create a striking visual effect. Bright colors are best, something that does not blend in to well with the water.
Can we bring flowers from a previous memorial service?
Yes, many families bring flowers from church services or celebrations of life. You must remove any wires, ribbons, or floral foam to ensure everything is environmentally safe for the ocean.
Do you provide flowers, or do families need to bring their own?
We can arrange flowers for you, or you are welcome to bring your own. Many families prefer to coordinate flowers themselves to include favorite colors or blooms of the deceased.
Can each guest have a flower to release?
Absolutely. This is a beautiful way for everyone to participate. Each person can release a single flower or petal with a prayer, memory, or farewell message. We have some details on this later on this page.
Can we have a wreath or lei instead of individual flowers?
Yes, wreaths and leis are popular options. They stay together longer and create a beautiful focal point on the water. Leis, especially, are a traditional Hawaiian tribute for love and respect.
Can we include a short dedication or prayer with the flowers?
Yes, many families prepare a brief script or prayer before releasing the flowers. It helps create a more meaningful, shared moment for everyone present. There is some addition information regarding this on this page.
For a complete overview of ash scattering at sea in Southern California — including legal requirements, departure ports, and what to expect — see our complete 2026 planning guide.
Participation in the Event is Important
Being able to take part in a memorial sea burial — like flower releasing — becomes a meaningful gesture as it helps to elevate the ceremony from a seemingly passive act to a collective exercise in love, grief and healing – the difference between hearing a song v/s singing a song. Here’s the reason why participation in the ceremony is essential, especially when families are coping with bereavement:
1. It Provides an Opportunity to Everyone as Part of the Last Farewell
Feeling grief is often associated with a loss of control. Providing each person the opportunity to release a flower with the add-on of saying a few words helps everyone actively express love and the final goodbye rather than being passive watchers of the event. Such an exercise definitely adds a healing dimension as well as closure. It helps individuals to know that they have done something in a dignified manner to honor the deceased.
2. Deepens Social and Familial Ties
Grieving as a family unit, aside from their mourning, they also share their love and memories of the deceased. A collective action like all the people releasing flowers in the water becomes a sign of solidarity. It represents the fact that no one is grieving in solitude and that the loss is carried not only by a family member but by the wider community as well.
3. The Procedure Produces a Lasting Image in People’s Memories
Sessions of watching blooms floating freely on the open waters tend to create a gentle and positive lasting impression. Families savor the tell-tale sessions of stillness and the sounds of crashing waves with flowers dancing on the surface and recall this session for the years to come that were utterly priceless. This session is a testament to the feeling of absolute tranquillity.
4. It is a Window for People to Express Themselves Emotionally
Sadness is an eruptive emotion that can be manifested as tears, silence, or even a soft smile when the person recollects happy moments. Collective or Participatory moments give everyone the right to embrace and emotionally demonstrate their feelings in a non-judgemental surrounding for support. In the case of flower releasing, for some people, this action is accompanied with gentle whispers, while for other, a simple act of releasing the flower is all it takes to let go the emotion.
5. The Act of Releasing the Flowers Enhances The Rituals of Restorative Practice
The act of resting petals on calm waters gently and rhythmically reinforces a meditative process and passage of deep feelings or moods. The routine combined with the suggestion of releasing petals onto flowing waters enables fragments of the individual’s reality to readjust. Psychologists and grief therapists invariably emphasize the importance of the ritual. Releasing a stream of petals on the water enables the individual to leave on the surface of the stream bundles of emotion and cope with the deeper, hidden feelings.
6. It honors the loved one in a meaningful way.
Each flower becomes a tangible token of affection, appreciation, or reminiscence associated with the departed. Observing an array of gestures assembled in such a manner evokes a tremendous sense of reverence, enhanced by speech, melody, or stillness.
Scripts for Dedication of Flowers to Families
When it comes to the releasing of flowers into the ocean, there are many family members who, more often than not, would like to say something but need help starting. Composing some light notes about the occasion can help deepen the emotional significance of the moment, and aid in closure. Below are some suggestions and you can always make up your own. There are available in a downloadable word file for flower dedication.
Just a simple farewell, a Letting Go
Why it works: Emphasis on closure and peace and the brevity of the statement makes them easy to say.
Remember and Give Thanks
“May these flowers be a carrier of our gratitude for [Name] and the life they lived, our memories filled with love, laughter, and may our prayers for peace encircle them as they become one with the sea.”
Why it works: Touches on the essence of spirituality by adding a seamless transition of thankfulness as well as embracing the calming essence of the sea.
Family Unity Dedication
“Each flower we place today is filled with our love, our stories, and our goodbyes. As they float together, our hearts too unite to pay tribute to [Name].”
Why it works: Involves everyone and strengthens the togetherness of the family.
Military Honors Option
“With these flowers, we pay tribute to [Rank + Name] for the service to our country, the bravery, and the sacrifices. As the sea takes these flowers, we hope our salute and thanks will reach them too.”
Why it works: Fulfills a respectful military note for the veteran sea burials.
Poetic Style Farewell
“Like petals drifting upon the waves, love of you is embraced with us, bound to the winds of our memories and the changing tides of time.”
Why it works: Suitable for families seeking an artistic, passionate option.
For Younger Family Members
“Grandma, these flowers from us to you. We love you, we miss you, and we send these flowers with hugs and kisses to the sky.”
Why it works: Direct and simple, children can relate to the language used and feel part of the ceremony.
Group Farewell Moment
“Please release your flower. In silence or during your personal moment, you can talk to the flower. What would you say for the last time to the person you wish to remember today?”
How it works: Eases the group emotionally to enable participation without expectation.
You can be as creative and personal as you like, some additional suggestions are;
“Whispering Petals” – Private personal reflective time during which participants release their flowers, followed by the music (e.g. ‘Taps’ for veterans, or a favorite song for the cherished individual), which marks the commencement of the song.
Final Blessing: One of the participants, the captain or the officiant for example, will say something like the following, explaining what we see on the screen:
“Each of the released flowers, which we now see floating on the waters, symbolizes love, which, just like the waters, has no end.”