Gates of Heaven Tribute – A Gothic-Inspired Funeral Design
Gothic-Inspired Gates of Heaven in Rich Autumn Tones
Time: 24 minutes Season: Summer/Autumn
We begin the month of October with a striking and emotionally resonant floral tribute: the Gates of Heaven. In this tutorial, we explore how to create this traditional funeral shape using an unconventional gothic colour palette, blending rich aubergine, crimson reds, and velvety pinks to bring drama, depth, and individuality to the piece.
Funeral work often follows a soft, neutral theme, but this design steps away from the expected, showing how flowers can be used to honour a life in a bold and meaningful way. Whether chosen for a personal, expressive tribute or simply as a way to showcase your range as a florist, this design is both powerful and beautiful.
Should you wish to recreate this design, you will need:
| Quantity | Plant Materials / Equipment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gates of Heaven |
| 1 | Paint Spray (Purple) |
| 1 pack | Mossing Pegs / Green stub wire |
| 10 stems | Oak Leaves (Aubergine/Purple) |
| 3 stems | Amaranthus Red Hanging |
| 5 stems | Rose Red (Naomi) |
| 10 stems | Snapdragon Crimson Red |
| 10 stems | Amaranthus Upright Red |
| 10 stems | Pennisetum Grass |
| 10 stems | Hellebores Red |
| 5 stems | Carnation Burgundy Zurigo |
| 3 stems | Leucandendron Safari Sunset |
| 1 stem | Rose Spray Cerise |
| 5 stems | Hypericum Dark Red |
| 1 pair | Scissors |
We hope this tutorial has inspired you to explore the emotive and creative possibilities within funeral floristry. While grounded in tradition, this design offers a fresh perspective showing that tributes can be just as unique and expressive as the individuals they honour.
As always, practice makes progress. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations, experiment with form, and make the design your own. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—we’re here to support your journey.