Sustainable Sympathy Flowers Course
Two Day Course
At The Bath Flower School, we believe that farewell flowers deserve to be as individual as the life they’re honouring. And this year’s Chelsea Flower Show proved that the industry is finally catching up, Farewell Flowers made history by winning a Gold Medal - the first ever awarded to a display of sustainable funeral flowers. Their striking installation featured a willow coffin, British-grown seasonal blooms, and deeply personal, foam-free designs that redefined what funeral flowers can be. It’s a powerful signal that meaningful, eco-conscious floristry is not just possible - it’s the future.
Funerals are evolving. From cardboard coffins and natural burials to non-religious ceremonies led by celebrants, families are increasingly choosing alternatives that reflect their values and personalities. The flowers that accompany these goodbyes should offer the same freedom of expression -beautiful, natural, and environmentally kind.
Our two day Sustainable Sympathy Flowers course is thoughtfully designed to give students the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond to a growing demand for meaningful, environmentally responsible funeral flowers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reimagine your approach to sympathy floristry, this is your opportunity to offer your clients work that feels not only beautiful, but deeply considered.
You’ll learn to create naturally styled, foam-free arrangements using techniques that are both sustainable and commercially viable. We’ll guide you through each design while encouraging your own creative style, so your work feels personal and aligned with your brand.
As always at The Bath Flower School, the flowers take centre stage. We’re passionate about working with the seasons, selecting the freshest and most beautiful blooms available at the time of your course. Wherever possible, we source our flowers from trusted local growers, celebrating the incredible quality and variety of British-grown flowers
DAY ONE
We begin the course with a cuppa and a chat, taking the time to get to know you, your individual needs, and your learning goals. This helps us ensure that your experience at The Bath Flower School is not only enjoyable but also as enriching and worthwhile as possible.
Chats complete, we move on to practical. Getting our hands dirty we start by making a living wreath. We will use seasonal flowering plants, succulents and adorn the wreaths with moss and twigs. These wreaths are a great alternative to floral funeral wreaths. They can be laid on a grave or form part of the main funeral ceremony. The beauty of living wreaths is that they continue to thrive long after a floral tribute would.
During the afternoon session we will make a sympathy sheaf. Essentially this is a bouquet that can be laid down flat without looking squashed – technically it’s a bit different than making a hand tied spiral bouquet. For the sheaf we will use textural, interesting foliage, along with lovely seasonal flowers to create the perfect sympathy arrangement suitable for a natural burial ground.
DAY TWO
We’ll begin the day with Sally Cook, of Bath Natural Burial Meadow. Sally will share her knowledge of natural burials, talk about how families are choosing more sustainable and personal ways to say goodbye, and offer insight into what happens behind the scenes. It’s a warm, open conversation where you’re encouraged to ask anything - no question is too small. This session is always a thoughtful and grounding part of the course.
Following this, we’ll move on to creating a Casket Top Arrangement. This is the most technical and substantial piece you’ll make during the course, focusing on shape, scale, and balance. With an abundance of beautiful seasonal flowers and foliage, you’ll have the opportunity to create a truly impactful design. As casket tops are often the main tribute at a funeral, we’ll be on hand throughout to offer guidance and support to help you feel confident in your work.
Using backdrops and props, you will have the opportunity to style and take photos of all your work. We will also visit a nearby churchyard and use this as background scenery for photos of all your creations made over the last 2 days.
To conclude the course we will gather for a final cuppa and some cake and finish with a Q&A, to ensure we have answered all your questions before leaving us.
DATES AVAILABLE?
2025
21st - 22nd October
2026
27th - 28th January
7th - 8th July
20th - 21st October
Each day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn or develop their skills in sustainable sympathy floristry. Whether you're just starting out in the industry, looking to introduce more eco-conscious practices into your existing work, or wanting to offer clients more thoughtful and personal funeral flower options.
WHERE IS IT?
5 Lambridge Buildings, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RS
HOW MUCH?
£695 – Includes all tuition, materials, flowers (all of which are yours to take home) and refreshments.
HOW TO BOOK?
A £200 deposit is required to confirm your course place.
Select your date below, add to cart and then follow the payment instructions.
The remaining balance of £495 is due six weeks before your course date and will be invoiced for payment via bank transfer.
Prior to booking, please read our Payments, Cancellations & Refunds Policy
COURSE ENQUIRIES…
If you have any questions regarding our Sustainable Sympathy course please click below.