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Ask the Expert: Grave Blankets
I was wanting to make a grave blanket for my fathers grave, only I don’t have a clue how to do this , so I was wanting to ask if you could send me step by step directions on how to make one . Thanks for your time Michelle
Plant Expert Reply:
I would be glad to give you step by step instructions for creating a grave blanket. Before you create the grave blanket, check with the cemetery association to make sure grave blankets are allowed and the size they will accept.
Grave blankets can be 6′ in length with a width of 3′ to 3.5′ for a single grave blanket or 8′ in length with a width of 4′ for double grave blankets. Some cemeteries will not allow grave blankets but will accept grave pillows. These pillows are much smaller – 4′ x 3′ or 20″ x 22″.
You will need the following:
- chicken wire
- wire cutters
- pruners
- floral knife
- greenery – evergreens (fir, pine etc.)
- floral foam
- floral tape
- floral wire
- hot glue
- outdoor ribbon
- fresh flowers
- pine cones or other accessories
Steps involved in Creating a Grave Blanket:
- Cut chicken wire slightly smaller than the 6′ x 3′ size of a finished grave blanket.
- Take greenery and weave it through the chicken wire securing it with floral tape as needed. This is done in a similar fashion as a lattice top pie. Shape the greenery as you go; making sure not to leave gaping holes.
- Once the greenery foundation has been established, you can add fresh flowers by securing floral foam at strategic points in the greenery. Then you can add the fresh flowers.
- Weave ribbon throughout the greenery or in areas of emphasis using hot glue or floral wire to secure it.
- Attach pine cones or other accessories to the greenery. This is where you can really personalize the grave blanket. A lady I know made a Christmas theme grave blanket for her brother who loved Christmas. She included little ornaments, Christmas bells and silk poinsettias in the design. Make sure all accessories are firmly attached to the greenery or chicken wire with hot glue or floral wire.
- Transport the grave blanket to cemetery. Make sure to take some floral wire with you in case something needs to be secured after transport.
Along with these steps it might be helpful to read How To Make A Christmas Grave Blanket. I go into more detail and other people have add suggestions as well.
If you decide making a grave blanket isn’t your cup of tea, your local florist can make a grave blanket. In fact, they are a great resource for grave blankets and accessories. For example, you might tackle making the foundation for the grave blanket, but not the fresh flower arrangement that you want to attach to it. Your local florist can make the arrangement and all you will have to do is attach it to the grave blanket. They can also sell you many of the items you will need.
Good luck with your grave blanket. Please send me a picture when you have complete it.
Other Helpful Information About Grave Blankets
How to make a Christmas grave blanket.
Important information when sending grave blankets from a local florist.
Grave blanket history.
in another town, be sure that the recipient is aware that the gift is being prepared. Grave swags are showings of respect and must be placed on the gravesite by a loved one. Because of this and cemetery rules enforced by local sextons, most florists require any grave flowers and decorations to be picked up from the store. To make sure that everything proceeds smoothly, have the recipient’s contact information ready when contacting a local florist.
