What Can You Ask For Instead of Flowers For Direct Cremation?

There are many things that can go into direct cremation in Shorewood, WI, but you can also keep things simple and straightforward. If you go with direct cremation for a loved one, all you have to have is a cremation package and your loved one’s needs will be covered. You may or may not have a memorial service, and either way, you might not want to be overwhelmed by flower arrangements. Here are a few things you can ask for instead of flowers for your loved one’s direct cremation services. 

Scholarship Funds 

You could ask people to donate money instead of bringing flowers to the memorial and let them know that the money is going to be directed to a scholarship fund. The scholarship can be for someone to attend college, to cover camp fees, or any number of other things. Make it something that your loved one would appreciate and that will make things that much more special. 

Charitable Donations 

When people ask what they can do or what they can bring or give, you might tell them that the family doesn’t want flowers, but instead would like for people to offer monetary donations to a charity in your loved one’s honor. There might be one charity in particular that you want to highlight or there might be a list of places that they can donate to in order to honor that special person. You can also collect the money yourself and donate it to the charity later on. 

Collections For A Good Cause 

While money is always a nice thing to give to a charity, you might want people to bring some kind of item for a charitable cause. If your loved one volunteered at the local baby pantry, have everyone bring a package of diapers to donate to the cause. If they were always up for donating food to the hungry, have everyone bring canned goods that you can take to a shelter in your loved one’s honor. People often want to do something for the family that is grieving and bringing something for a cause can be a nice outlet. 

Gift Cards For Family Members 

While flowers are lovely while they last, your family might appreciate a different gift instead, like gift cards, something they can really use in the future. You can ask for specific cards, like for gas or groceries, or let guests choose restaurants or other options at their own discretion. Spread the cards out among your family so everyone can appreciate what the guests contributed. 

When you are planning direct cremation in Shorewood, WI for a family member, you might not have a memorial service, which means you really don’t want your home flooded with a lot of flowers. There are other gifts you can ask for people to send in lieu of flowers that can support your family, show the caring and love of those surrounding you, and be something you can actually use in a nice way.