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What does "in lieu of flowers" mean?

When a family requests donations "in lieu of flowers," they're inviting friends and loved ones to honor someone who has died by supporting a meaningful cause instead of sending flowers.

If you'd like to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers, you can make a memorial donation and choose to notify their family of your gift.

Donate in Lieu of Flowers

 
Artwork of a two doves carrying a heart by St. Jude patient Amber. Make a donation in lieu of flowers to St. Jude to honor a loved one.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Amber
 
 

What does in lieu of flowers mean?

"In lieu of flowers" is a phrase commonly used in obituaries and memorial announcements to ask friends and family to consider making a charitable donation in memory of the person who died rather than sending flowers.

A family may name a specific charitable organization that was meaningful to their loved one or reflects a cause the family wants to support.

This donation could take one of many forms, including monetary donations to a charity they supported, like St. Jude, or of food or goods to a local organization.

While this doesn’t mean you can’t send flowers in addition to your donation, we do recommend following the family’s wishes.

 
 

What donate in lieu of flowers?

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Honor a loved one

Oftentimes, families ask for donations to a cause their loved one cared about and supported. In supporting that cause after they’ve passed, you can help continue their legacy.

 
 
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Offer support

When a family loses a loved one, it can be difficult to find the right way to express your sympathy. A thoughtful donation can be a sincere gesture to offer your support during a difficult time.

 
 
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Have a positive impact

Not only does donating in lieu of flowers honor those who have passed away, it’s also an opportunity to have an impact on the causes the person supported in their life. At St. Jude, memorial donations helps us give more children with cancer and a chance.

 
 
 
 

How do you write "In lieu of flowers" in an obituary?

If you're writing an obituary or memorial announcement, you can let family and friends know that memorial donations are welcome and identify where you'd like gifts to be directed.

Here are some tips for writing an "in lieu of flowers" request:

  • Name the charitable organization clearly.
  • Explain that the gift is being made in memory of the person who died.
  • Provide a direct donation link or instructions when possible.
  • Consider whether you want donations instead of flowers or simply want to provide charitable giving as another option.
  • Keep the request brief. Details about the organization usually live on the memorial-fund page rather than in the obituary itself.

Here are some wording examples:

  • In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION]  in memory of [NAME].
  • The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION] in memory of [NAME].
  • To honor [NAME]'s life and legacy, the family invites loved ones to make a memorial donation to [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION].
  • Those wishing to honor [NAME] may consider making a memorial donation to [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION].
  • In memory of [NAME], family and friends are invited to contribute to the [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION] memorial fund created in their honor at [memorial fund URL].
 
 

Frequently asked questions about donations in lieu of flowers

 

  1. Not necessarily. The phrase generally means that the family prefers or welcomes charitable donations in memory of their loved one. Follow the specific wording and instructions provided by the family when deciding how you'd like to express your condolences.

  2. There is no required amount for a memorial donation unless otherwise stated. Choose an amount that is comfortable and meaningful to you. The thought behind the tribute is more important than giving a particular amount.

  3. It is recommended to keep a note concise. An example you can use when making a donation in someone's memory is:

    "In lieu of flowers, a contribution to [CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION] has been made in memory of [NAME]."

 

Have more questions? Please contact Donor Services at (800) 822-6344.

 
 
Artwork of a sunset on the water by St. Jude patient Victoria. Honor a loved one by making a donation in lieu of flowers.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Victoria
 

How to make a donation in lieu of flowers

If you’d like to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers, you can do so online, by mail or through a memorial fund.

When donating online, you’ll have the option to list the person in whose name and memory you'd like your donation made. You may also send a card to let the family know you’ve made a donation in their loved one’s honor. 

Donate Now Explore Memorial Giving

 
 

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