Funeral tributes can send a personal message

For some of us the idea of a funeral without flowers is unimaginable.

Increasingly, though, we are favouring alternative tributes and memorials. There is a growing trend towards a request for a charity donation, ‘in lieu of flowers’, or instead of  sending flowers. This is a particularly common wish of those who have made their funeral arrangements while suffering a terminal illness. These donations are a welcome source of income for organizations raising funds for cancer, heart disease and other health charities. It can also help mourners feel that they are making an important contribution.

Perhaps you feel that when planning your funeral you would prefer not to receive or have flowers but don’t support a particular charity. For some people sending sympathy or funeral flowers after hearing of a death is an automatic response. If you have specifically requested otherwise this may leave mourners in a bit of a predicament so it is always useful to make alternative suggestions. The key is to offer options for those who really want to make a gesture of sympathy or respect but not make others feel that they have to!

Here are some ideas that might inspire you.

Potted Plants

These are a long lasting alternative to cut flowers. Plants can provide comfort to the bereaved and also be a reminder of the support of the giver. These can either be indoor or hardy garden plants which can be planted out as a long term memorial.

Tree or Shrub Planting.

This could be included as part of the funeral ceremony or be held afterwards. A permanent memorial and an opportunity for mourners to feel involved.

Local Memorial Plaque.

Many parks, common spaces and private grounds offer opportunities to have a memorial bench placed. Speak to your local council to find out more. Crematoria can also organise an area for a plaque to be permanently placed.

Seed Cards

These can be sent as a sympathy card to the bereaved and later removed and planted to give a lovely, wild flower display. Alternatively they can be given out to funeral guests to plant as a token of remembrance of the deceased.

Request to Bring a Photograph

This can be a great way of encouraging funeral goers to share their special memories with others. Ask everyone to bring a photo and organize a central space to display them, preferably somewhere with an area for people to chat and exchange stories. Often people are lost for the appropriate words at a funeral – this can give a focal point to the ceremony and help solve that problem.

Memorial Book

There are several ways to achieve this but the simplest is to give out individual pieces of card to mourners and offer guests the opportunity to share thoughts or memories. These can be collected later and organized into a memorial book. A lasting testimonial that your family can treasure.