In Lieu of Flowers

Flowers are a visual expression of love,

sympathy and respect.  They are a means of lending support and share the burden of grief

 

 

At the suggestion of well-meaning friends or advisors, families sometimes include a phrase in obituary announcements which seems to discourage one of the most popular forms of expressing one's deepest condolences. The phrase is "In lieu of flowers ..." Normally, this phrase is NOT meant to restrict friends and loved ones from sending flowers if they wish. In fact, families sometimes regret having too few flowers at the funeral. In most cases, one of the following alternative phrases would better express the family's wishes, namely to encourage donations to the charity of their choosing without limiting other forms of heartfelt support.

 

Other suggestions from Rockwood Florist

-There is a growing trend to send flowers to the home of the bereaved after the service.

-Memorial tree planted at the family home, with memorial plaque

-Gift certificate

-Garden statues