A non-profit florist based in Blackburn has introduced a new rental service that offers affordable and sustainable flower arrangements as the cost of funerals has increased.

The Flower Station at Rummage Rescuers CIC uses the money made from funeral bouquets or sales to support families and help tackle poverty in the community.

A flower rental service is part of their latest attempt to support families struggling with funeral costs, alongside an offer that was introduced in January where families can receive a memorial balloon, made of biodegradable material, for free with any bouquet or tribute purchase.

Customers have the opportunity to opt for artificial flowers which cost significantly less than fresh flowers and are a more climate change conscious alternative.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Liz Crook, founder of Rummage Rescuers CIC said: “Fresh flowers go to waste and the frames aren’t biodegradable and they just go straight to landfill.

"With the renting service we’re offering, one person can use them and bring them back for the next person to use so it’s this idea of reusing.”

Insurance company SunLife UK reported the ‘cost of dying’ has risen from £8,864 in 2021 to £9,200 in 2022 with the majority of the ‘extra costs’ of funerals being spent on flowers.

In November last year, burial charges in Blackburn with Darwen increased by 7.5 per cent and cremation charges by 10 per cent.

The insurance company, SunLife UK reported that the ‘cost of dying’ had also increased since 2021 with the majority of the ‘extra costs’ of funerals being spent on flowers.

Liz added: “This way people can still get the floral tributes but without contributing as much carbon footprint and without breaking the bank.

"Fresh flowers cost a lot of money, especially since fuel prices have gone up, we’ve seen the cost of flowers in the Netherlands is much more expensive, so renting artificial tributes is a much more affordable option.”

The Flower Station is also offering a bespoke floral tribute where people can bring in a personal item of a person who has died to be arranged.

Liz added: “We’ve had people bring in a walking boot and a shoe for someone that’s passed away and we turn that into a tribute for someone they’ve lost and they can put it in the coffin or bring it home but it just saves them more money and again, promotes the idea of reusing.

“It’s about trying to get people to think outside of the box with funeral displays and arrangements.”

The Flower Station have regular weekday offers people which are promoted on their Facebook page.

For more information or to enquire about a funeral display, email flowers@rummagerescuers.org.uk or visit the shop in Town Hall Street, Blackburn.