"In Lieu of Flowers"

Customers occasionally mention to us, "The newspaper or online obituary announcement of my dear family member or close friend includes the phrase "In lieu of flowers," what should I do?" This terminology is used to encourage charitable gifts but not necessarily to discourage other expressions of sympathy such as a floral tribute delivered to the funeral home or a fresh arrangement, planter or fruit and gourmet basket sent to the family's home.

Sending sympathy flowers is one of the oldest forms of mourning and memorializing the deceased. They are a gentle way to show how much we care in a time of great sorrow and let the living know we are there for them and that their deceased loved one was truly respected and loved..

Most families sincerely appreciate all personal expressions and may later regret having too few flowers at the funeral service. There is really no substitute for beautiful flowers at a sympathy service. They are not a "waste" . Their spiritual significance often leave a lasting impression long after the funeral service. Their image of beauty are often recalled by the bereaved as a symbol of your kindness.

Quite simply, flowers honor the deceased and comfort the living.

Browse our Sympathy section