While recent trends show otherwise, a  Harvard University study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., demonstrates the psychological and social vaue of flowers at a funeral or memorial service for a deceased loved one.  The study shows the important psychological role of flowers in the grieving process.  Clay Atchison III, founder of inlieuofflowers.info, has dedicated his informational website about the psychological benefits of flowers in times of grief and sadness. 

"The Role of Flowers and Plants in the Bereavement Process" was funded jointly by the American Floral Endowment and the Society of American Florists Information Committee.  The study demonstrated that funeral flowers provide a positive focal point apart from the grief and sorrow expressed at the service.  After the service, the flowers serve as a keepsake to the beloved deceased.  Dr. Etcoff noted that "What we learned is that flowers can have profound positive effects on our emotions.  We have an innate attraction to flowers and through research we're beginning to see why that is so."