Five Types of Gifts to Bring to a Funeral or Memorial Service

Are you wondering if you should bring a gift to a memorial or funeral service held in Chicago, IL? Unless the grieving family specifically says not to, it’s a good idea to offer some token, no matter how small, to show you care. Here are the most thoughtful gifts to bring to a memorial or funeral service.

Cards

A simple sympathy card is a must after someone important to you has passed. Send cards to the deceased’s closest friends and family members. Spend some time writing a brief note about the person, and maybe even share a special story or memory—it will be treasured much more than you know.

Flowers

One of the most common gifts to bring to a memorial or funeral service is flowers. They add a cheerful, beautiful note to any occasion, and they can easily be prepared ahead of time by a local florist right here in Chicago, IL. The color of the flowers you choose has symbolic meaning at a funeral. Here are some of the most common varieties to help you strike the right note when you bring flowers to a funeral as a memorial gift:

• Carnations: These delicate flowers represent purity and innocence.
• Chrysanthemums: These can symbolize grief, mourning or even cheerful remembrance.
• Lilies: A classic choice, white lilies symbolize sympathy.
• Roses: While white roses symbolize innocence and youth, red roses represent love, vigor and respect.

Photographs

Personal photographs make a great gift for bereaved loved ones. You could put a small photograph inside the sympathy card you send. If you choose to give a photograph as a valued keepsake, make sure it’s in an attractive frame. It’s something that can even be displayed during the memorial service.

Donations

For a meaningful gift that the family of the deceased will truly appreciate, consider making a donation to a charity or nonprofit organization. In many cases, the family of the deceased will specify an organization that was particularly meaningful to the deceased person. It’s easy to let the family know via a mention in a sympathy card.

Food

Good food soothes the soul and warms the heart during difficult times like the loss of a loved one. It’s a good idea to bring a special dish to the memorial reception, or you could visit the family of the deceased at home before or after the funeral to deliver a complete meal that they can enjoy together. Cooking is just about the last thing people want to do as they’re mourning the death of a loved one—providing a meal is an excellent way to show that you care.

While a gift isn’t always required when attending a funeral, it’s a nice gesture that friends and family will appreciate. It’s often helpful to contact the funeral home or crematory in Chicago, IL to know whether a family is willing to receive gifts. Reach out to the experts at Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd. to learn more about what gifts to bring to a memorial or funeral service.

Categorised in: Funeral Etiquette

This post was written by Writer