Ideas for funeral memorials that are not flowers.

[JoshTheCyclone]

Thread title is self explanatory but I have a friend who's mother passed away,my wife and I want to get something for them but feel that flowers are a bit over done and also that after the funeral they become a burden for the family. Any ideas on alternatives? Or are flowers just a solid go to?
Thanks

 

[Clonefan32]

My initial thought was a donation in her or the family's name to a charitable organization that deceased person cared about.

 

[VeloClone]

Thread title is self explanatory but I have a friend who's mother passed away,my wife and I want to get something for them but feel that flowers are a bit over done and also that after the funeral they become a burden for the family. Any ideas on alternatives? Or are flowers just a solid go to?
Thanks

If you know a charity that the person or their family were passionate about giving a gift in the deceased's name is a good one.

You can give living plants (peace lily, for example). Family members can keep them and remember their loved ones for years to come.

 

[Dandy]

Donation to funeral home or church to pay for expenses.

 

[Al_4_State]

Trees to plant in memory of the deceased.

 

[Doc]

liquor?

 

[Sigmapolis]

Most of the family members that I have lost have had a, "In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials to the class of ____ scholarship fund."

So I agree with those above -- further philanthropy they cared about in life.

There are countless worthy causes out there.

 

[isufbcurt]

Thoughts and prayers?

 

[jsb]

A gift certificate to a nursery?

 

[CYdTracked]

Most people have some kind of memorial fund or charitable causes listed. If they don't I wouldn't be afraid to ask your friend if there is a cause or charity their mother supported and tell them you want to make a donation in her memory to it.

 

[ZB4CY]

Big screen 80 inch tv

 

[PineClone]

Thread title is self explanatory but I have a friend who's mother passed away,my wife and I want to get something for them but feel that flowers are a bit over done and also that after the funeral they become a burden for the family. Any ideas on alternatives? Or are flowers just a solid go to?
Thanks

If his/her mom was assisted by hospice, and if they did a good job, a donation to the hospice center might be something to consider. Or then there is always the Human Fund.

 

[SpokaneCY]

Thread title is self explanatory but I have a friend who's mother passed away,my wife and I want to get something for them but feel that flowers are a bit over done and also that after the funeral they become a burden for the family. Any ideas on alternatives? Or are flowers just a solid go to?
Thanks

My personal story... My Mom passed 9 years ago and while everyone said "no flowers" my work group sent a large display. Obviously my Mom didn't appreciate them, but it left a HUGE impression on me that my co-workers were with me at the funeral home...

Yes it causes a burden for someone. Yes they are overdone. But for the time I spent in the funeral home making small talk with estranged family and my Mom lying in the casket, it gave me peace.

But you will never go wrong with a hot dish of some sort.

 

[JoshTheCyclone]

Thank you everyone for your responses!

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

We have purchased several decorative stones for friends to put in their landscaping. Those always seem be very appreciated.

 

[Farnsworth]

But you will never go wrong with a hot dish of some sort.

This would be a good idea too. We recently had a friend's dad pass and one of the things our group of friends did was make meals for them to get through the funeral time and time after. They had to travel back and forth a couple hours each time so it's helpful.

And just being there means a lot to people, you don't have to over do it with the "my condolence, i feel so bad for you, yada yada", showing up is enough.

 

[fenton06]

I hope someone brings a case of Busch Light and puts it in the casket with me at my funeral.

Actual response: Donate to a charity or the funeral home in their name.

 

[carvers4math]

I always just donate to the memorial listed on the obit page for the funeral home’s website.

If memorials are not listed, I put cash in a card for them to use as they wish.

Having lost both parents and father in law, while you need a few flowers, they are kind of just a hassle, especially plants. I have a peace lily I have kept alive for 18 years since my mom died. It kind of feels like pressure, like I will sob all over again if I water it too much or little and kill it.

 

[arobb]

If they live nearby and you can take them some homemade food (funeral potatoes, mini sandwiches, etc.), I'm sure that it would be appreciated. No one feels like cooking at a time of loss and I still remember being surprised at how many people stopped by with food for my family under similar circumstances.

 

[Sparkplug]

The last couple of deaths that I wanted to acknowledge with something special were people that loved the Iowa State Fair. I bought memorial bricks in front of the show arena