In lieu of flowers: wording examples

10 wording examples

1. "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [Charity Name]."
2. "In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to [Charity Name], which cared for Mary in her final months."
3. "Instead of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to [Charity Name] at [website]."
4. "The family welcomes donations to [Charity Name] in place of flowers."
5. "Flowers are welcome, or if you prefer, a donation to [Charity Name]."
6. "In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for a neighbor this week. That's what Dad would have done."
7. "In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to [Charity Name], [mailing address]."
8. "In place of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the [School Name] scholarship fund."
9. "In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree, as Ruth spent her life doing."
10. "The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you give blood or register as an organ donor."

Naming the charity clearly

• Use the charity's full registered name, not a nickname.
• If it's a local branch or a specific hospital or hospice, say so.
• Add the website or mailing address, and a note such as "in memory of [full name]" if the charity asks for it.
• Check that the link works before the obituary is published.

Where to put it

• Obituary: near the end, after the service details. See how to write an obituary.
• Funeral program: on the back page, often with the family thank-you. See funeral program wording.
• Online memorial page: with a direct donation link.

Flowers and donations both welcome

If you'd like both, a gentle line works: "Flowers are welcome; for those who prefer, donations may be made to…". There's no wrong choice.

Help with the whole obituary

Tell us about them and we'll help you write the full obituary, including service and donation details. See our obituary examples and obituary template.