Every year around the end of October, the marigolds start showing up everywhere in LA. On porches, at the flower market, piled high on altars in living rooms across the city. Día de los Muertos, on November 1 and 2, is one of the most beautiful traditions in Los Angeles, and flowers are at the center of it.
If you’re building an ofrenda for the first time or you’ve done it every year since you were a kid, here’s what goes into it and how we can help.
Why marigolds?
The marigold, or cempasúchil, is the flower of Día de los Muertos. Its bright orange color and strong scent are traditionally believed to help guide spirits back home to their families. That’s why you’ll see petals scattered in a path leading to the ofrenda, or even from the front door inside.
If you only get one flower for your altar, make it marigolds.
Other traditional flowers for an ofrenda
Cockscomb (mano de león). Deep red and velvety, cockscomb adds rich color and texture next to the orange marigolds.
Baby’s breath (nube). Small white clusters that soften the arrangement. White flowers are often used to honor children who have passed.
Chrysanthemums. Mums are in season now and come in gold, bronze and deep purple, which all fit naturally with the palette.
Something they loved. There’s no rule that says it has to be traditional. If your grandmother always had roses in the kitchen, put roses on her ofrenda. The altar is about them.
How to use flowers on your ofrenda
Frame the altar. Large marigold bunches or garlands on each side, or an arch over the top if you have the space.
Make a petal path. Pull petals from a few stems and lay a path toward the altar.
Keep a vase near the photo. One fresh arrangement beside the photo of your loved one is the simplest, most personal touch.
Mix in candles and papel picado. Flowers, candlelight and color together are what make an ofrenda feel alive.
Marigold arrangements from Coral Path
Our Fall Bundle is a hand-tied bouquet with marigolds, coral garden roses, golden spray roses and antique hydrangea, wrapped in kraft paper. It’s ready to place in a vase on your altar or bring to a family member’s home.
Want something bigger or more traditional, like loose marigold bunches, garlands, or a full altar setup? Contact us a few days ahead so we can source exactly what you need. Marigolds sell out fast the last week of October.
Our Fall Edit
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Autumn Meadow
$250.00 Add to Bag This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Dahlia Farm Harvest
$300.00 Add to Bag This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Desert Falls
$320.00 Add to Bag This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pumpkin Succulence
$250.00 Add to Bag
Bringing flowers to family
A lot of families visit relatives’ homes or gravesites during Día de los Muertos. If you can’t be there in person, sending flowers is a meaningful way to show you’re remembering together. We deliver across Los Angeles and surrounding areas. For sending flowers in memory of someone more recent, take a look at our sympathy arrangements.
Order ahead
The days leading up to November 1 are some of our busiest of the year. Order a few days early, or call us at (818) 441-6779 and we’ll help you put together something meaningful.