How to Word a Memorial Donation Request Instead of Flowers

To word a memorial donation request instead of flowers, name the cause clearly, use the phrase "in lieu of flowers," and keep the tone gentle and optional rather than instructive. A simple version reads: "In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to [charity name]." That one line answers the how to word in lieu of flowers donation request question for most families, but a few small choices make it read warmer and work harder for the cause you care about.

What Should the Wording Actually Say?

Good donation wording has three parts, and you rarely need more than that.

• The phrase itself. "In lieu of flowers" is the most recognized version. "In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to..." is the safest, most familiar starting point.
• The cause or charity, named clearly. Use the full, correct name of the organization. If it is a smaller or local group, a short description helps ("a nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer research").
• How to give, if needed. A website address, a mailing address, or "checks payable to" line. Keep this part brief. If the charity already has a simple donation page, that is usually enough.

You do not need to explain why the family chose this cause, though a short, honest reason can be a lovely addition if it feels natural. Something like "in honor of his lifelong support of local veterans" adds warmth without adding length.

Where Does This Wording Go?

The same line, or a close variation of it, typically appears in more than one place.

1. The obituary, usually in the final paragraph after service details.
2. The funeral program, often near the back, close to acknowledgments.
3. The funeral home's website or online guest book, if one is set up.
4. Any printed or emailed announcement sent ahead of the service.

Keeping the wording consistent across all of these avoids confusion. If you are also handling the wider announcement, our guide on how to word a funeral announcement to send by text or email covers how to fit this kind of detail into a short message without it feeling crowded.

How Do I Word It for One Specific Charity?

If the family has already chosen a charity, keep the request direct and easy to act on.

• "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [Charity Name] at [website], in memory of [Name]."
• "In loving memory of [Name], donations to [Charity Name] are welcomed and appreciated in place of flowers."
• "The family requests that, instead of flowers, contributions be made to [Charity Name], a cause close to [his/her/their] heart."

If there is a mailing option instead of, or alongside, an online one, add a short instruction: "Checks may be made payable to [Charity Name] and mailed to [address]." Only include this if the charity does not have a straightforward online donation page, to avoid overloading the reader with steps.

What if We Haven't Chosen a Charity Yet?

Many families ask for donations without naming one specific organization. This is completely normal, especially when time is short.

• "In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice."
• "The family welcomes donations to a cause meaningful to you, in place of flowers."
• "In memory of [Name], please consider a donation to a charity that reflects [his/her/their] values."

This version asks nothing extra of guests and still gently signals the family's wishes. You can always update the wording later if a charity is decided closer to the service.

How Should I Word This on the Program Itself?

Space is tighter on a printed program, so the line is usually shortened. A common program-friendly version reads simply:

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity Name] at [website].

If you are building the full program and want to see how this line sits alongside other sections, funeral program wording examples you can copy shows full templates with this kind of detail already placed.

What Should I Avoid Saying?

A donation request should read as an invitation, not an instruction. A few things to leave out:

• Do not make it sound mandatory. Avoid phrasing like "flowers will not be accepted." A softer version, such as "in lieu of flowers," implies the same thing without sounding firm.
• Do not overload it with logistics. One way to give is enough. Two, at most.
• Do not add pressure about amounts. Never suggest a minimum or expected donation.
• Do not skip the charity's full name. "A good cause" or "his favorite charity" leaves guests unsure where to send anything.

Example Wording You Can Copy

Here are a few ready versions, depending on your situation:

• "In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to [Charity Name] in memory of [Name]."
• "Memorial contributions may be made to [Charity Name], a cause [Name] cared about deeply."
• "In place of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the charity of your choice in [Name]'s honor."
• "Donations to [Charity Name] or [Charity Name] would be a fitting tribute to [Name]'s life."

Once you have settled on the wording, it helps to see it in context alongside everything else the program needs to cover, which our funeral program checklist walks through gently, section by section.

If you are still pulling the rest of the program together, our Funeral Order of Service Insert is a simple, ready-to-fill option that has a natural spot for this kind of wording, alongside the order of service itself. You can browse the full range of printable funeral templates if you are looking for something to go with it.