What do you give someone for a funeral?

Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving. Flower and plant arrangements can often be sent to the funeral home prior to the service.


What is an appropriate sympathy gift?

In most cases, a note or card to the family is appropriate and sufficient to express your sympathy to the family of a deceased work colleague. If you worked closely together, you might send a sympathy flower arrangement or a dish garden. Fruit, food, or gourmet baskets are also appropriate and would be appreciated.

What do you give someone after a funeral?

Keep reading to discover an array of appropriate funeral gifts.
  • Flowers. Flowers are the most traditional gifts for a funeral. ...
  • A Donation. Many people choose to send a donation in lieu of a funeral gift. ...
  • Mementos. A memento is a less common option that is still an appropriate gift for a funeral. ...
  • A Home-Cooked Meal.


What do you bring to a funeral instead of flowers?

10 Perfect Alternatives to Sympathy Flowers
  • Ideas for meal help after a loved one dies. ...
  • Donating a memorial book to a library. ...
  • Housekeeping Service. ...
  • Gift Card for a Spa Service. ...
  • Grief Support Book. ...
  • Journal for Grief. ...
  • Memorial Candle. ...
  • Personalized Memorial Ornament.


What is a typical donation for a funeral?

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.


Funeral Etiquette Guide - How To Behave, Dress Code + DO's & DON'Ts



Do you give money to friend funeral?

It's common for people to give money at birthdays, weddings, but at funerals giving money isn't always a respectful gift. However, the protocols can sometimes be altered and people may still offer money if that's how they feel, or the grieving family needs the help.

Do you put money in a funeral card?

Tucking cash or a check inside a sympathy card is a great way to offer support. Include a check if you mail the card. You may only want to include cash if you present the card to the family at the visitation or funeral.

Is it OK to give money instead of flowers at a funeral?

Money is not an appropriate gift, although exceptions may be made when the family is left in extreme financial difficulty. In that case, friends may wish to pool contributions to make a gift of assistance.


What do you send to family for funeral?

Depending on the traditions and customs observed by the individual the most traditional items include baked goods and desserts, fruit, dried fruit, & nuts, and assorted chocolates. These types of gifts provide both comfort and nourishment to mourning families and are a respectful way to offer condolences.

Is it rude not to bring anything to a funeral?

If you're asking whether you should bring a gift to a funeral service, the answer is generally yes. While a gift is not usually required to attend the service, it's considered polite not to arrive empty-handed.

How much should you spend on a sympathy gift?

A general rule of thumb is that donations should be in line with the cost of a bouquet of funeral flowers. Even just a nominal donation for people on tight budgets is a welcome gesture. Funeral flowers tend to cost in the range of $50 to $80 for a moderate to well-sized bouquet, and $100 or more for a large wreath.


What can I give instead of flowers?

Use these flower alternatives to find the perfect gifts to send to a friend:
  • Pizza. For fun gifts to send in the mail, consider frozen pizzas. ...
  • Snacks. ...
  • Wine. ...
  • A Gift Basket or Box. ...
  • A Subscription Box. ...
  • Plants. ...
  • A Photo Album or Book. ...
  • Something Handmade.


Is a gift card OK for sympathy gift?

Sympathy Gift Etiquette

Whether or not there is an official service to attend, it is still encouraged to send a gift or card to express your sympathy. The best time to send gifts is during the first two weeks, but if more time has passed, a simple note or card is still acceptable.

What is an appropriate donation amount?

If you care about helping others but don't want to give more than average, you could aim to give what an average person gives. This can vary significantly by income level and country, but for many people this is roughly 2–6% of their income.


What should you not say at a funeral?

Seven Things You Should Never Say at Funerals
  • “He/She Deserved to Die” ...
  • “It Could be Worse” ...
  • “It was Destiny” ...
  • “Everything Happens for a Reason” ...
  • “At Least…” ...
  • “You're Still Young” ...
  • “It's Better…”


How do you pay respect for a funeral?

It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket. The length of your visit at the wake is a matter of discretion.

Is it rude not to send flowers to a funeral?

As we've already noted, older generations might be surprised to find how many funerals are requesting donations—and how few people send flowers these days. It's not rude or inconsiderate.


What card do you buy when someone dies?

If none of these gifts feel right, or you can't afford to give something more, a sympathy card will always be welcomed. You might like to include a special memory of the deceased, a poem or quote, or simply offer your condolences during a difficult time.

Should you put money in a funeral sympathy card?

However, sending a check or any kind of money with a sympathy card is a big no-no. Quietly inquire as to whether a fund has been set up where you may make a donation. If one has not been set up yet and you are close to the family, you can be very helpful by assisting in setting it up for them.

When should you not give flowers?

10 Times It's Better NOT to Send Flowers
  • Anniversary. A framed photo of the couple is a great idea because it "allows the couple to see themselves together through someone else's eyes and commemorates that one moment in time," says Swann. ...
  • Birthday. ...
  • Congratulations. ...
  • Get Well. ...
  • Housewarming. ...
  • Apology. ...
  • New Baby. ...
  • Sympathy.


Should I send flowers when someone dies?

There is no wrong time to send sympathy flowers to a grieving family. Even if you only found out about the news after funeral services have already taken place, you can still send a thoughtful arrangement to the family's home, no matter how much time has passed.

Do you bring gifts to a funeral?

Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving. Flower and plant arrangements can often be sent to the funeral home prior to the service.

What is inappropriate at a funeral?

Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.


What should you not say to the family at a funeral?

Here are seven things to avoid saying at a funeral or to someone grieving the loss of a loved one.
  • “They're an angel now.”
  • “I know how you feel.”
  • “They look so good.”
  • “Don't cry” or “Go ahead and cry.”
  • “At least it wasn't worse.”
  • “God is sovereign.”
  • “Let me know if I can help.”
  • What can you say instead?


What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.