Alternative Sympathy Gifts to Flowers

There are various elements to the traditional funeral, many of which are being increasingly discarded as people look for ways to pay tribute that are more eco-friendly, less wasteful and more personal to the person whose life is being celebrated.

One such element is the use of funerary wreaths and sympathy flowers. While undoubtedly adding beauty and colour to a sad occasion, they are also expensive – and once the occasion is over, they are left to quickly wilt and die.

In this article, we’re going to explore alternatives to sympathy flowers that can be just as impactful but which can continue to have a positive impact long after the immediate aftermath of someone’s passing.

Sympathy flowers alternatives

Donations to charity

This is already a popular alternative, and can be very easy to set up through websites such as JustGiving, although many charities and funeral directors also have features on their sites that allow ‘in memory’ donation pages to be created.

For those attending a service or celebration who don’t have access to the internet, a collection box can be made available to allow them to contribute as well.

Usually, the charity chosen will be personal to whoever’s life is being remembered. This could be a charity that they regularly donated to, or perhaps a medical charity researching a condition they were affected by.

Memorial Book

Asking friends and family to donate memories – in the form of photos, anecdotes and the like – is another great way of honouring someone in a way that will last for considerably longer than a bunch of flowers.

These memories can be compiled and printed to create a memorial book that can be enjoyed for years to come and passed down through the generations.

Memorial tree or plaque

Perhaps nothing symbolises the lasting impact of a life better than a tree planted in its memory. Quite apart from being a symbol of life that you can watch grow over many years, a tree also has a beneficial impact on the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and acting as a vital habitat for a broad range of wildlife.

At Tithe Green Natural Burial, a tree can be planted directly above where someone is laid to rest in one of our woodland sites, whether that was a natural burial or an ashes burial.

Each tree is also accompanied by a memorial plaque made out of Welsh slate, meaning that you have a lasting tribute that you can visit time and time again to remember your lost friend or family member.

Potted plants

Cut flowers may last only a few days, but a potted plant – if looked after carefully – can last for years. And unlike a memorial tree, a potted plant can be kept at the home as a constant reminder of a lost loved one.

Rosemary plants have long been a popular choice – they were often planted at tombs in Roman times as an emblem of eternity – but you might want to check with other mourners to see what they are doing first.

A house full of rosemary plants might be overwhelming for someone who has recently been bereaved!

Here at Tithe Green, we’re committed to providing eco-friendly and affordable alternatives to traditional funerals that promote sustainability and biodiversity – without losing sight of the emotional impact that losing a loved one can have on those left to grieve their loss.

Get in touch with us today to find out more.