The purpose of the campaign is to eliminate the words "in lieu of flowers" from all obituaries. The focus of the campaign is our colleagues in the funeral industry and our intent is to alert them to the negative economic impact this common practice causes the floral industry.

We ask...

Have you ever cringed at the words In lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Wouldn’t funerals be stark and cold if everyone took these words literally?

When the family of the deceased prepares an obituary, do they really mean to eliminate all flowers, or to simply solicit donations to their favorite cause in addition to flowers?

Do these words confuse readers --- forcing them to decide whether or not they are indeed going against the wishes of the deceased’s family?

Our members in the Houston area have begun the campaign by writing those funeral homes they typically service, requesting their understanding and cooperation, as well as that of the Texas Funeral Directors Association. Nationally, we have contacted the National Funeral Directors' Association and have submitted an article for inclusion in their monthly publication The Director. If your group feels the same way we do, we ask that you make your feelings known to the funeral directors in your areas, and to drop a note of support for the campaign to NAFD (Headquarters), 13625 Bishop's Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005 e-mail: nfda@nfda.org Phone: 1800-228-6332, Fax: 262-789-6977.

The Society of American Florists, other florists and floral associations nationwide have offered us encouragement and cooperation. However, we need your assistance to reach funeral directors all over the country. A sample letter (click here) has been prepared for you to send to funeral directors in your area. Feel free to edit it for distribution to any print media contacts you may have. Please help us spread the word ... contact your local funeral directors today.

SAF's suggested alternative phrases to “In Lieu of Flowers”:

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to...
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to...
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
The... Memorial has been established for those wishing to make a contribution.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to...
The family has designated the... for memorial contributions.
Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to...
Flowers are welcome; Contributions may be sent

This campaign is a high priority for our organization. We thank you for helping us pursue this goal. This campaign offers us a wonderful opportunity to effect not only the success of our individual flower shops, but the national floral community, as well.

Our thanks to Jack Sim, Nora Anne's Flower Shoppe - Sugar Land, TX
for launching this campaign.

Together, we can make a difference ...
It All Begins With You

Sign our Petition

"In Lieu of Flowers" Gets Prime Time on NPR

In Lieu of Flowers interview

"Throughout the world, sympathy flowers have played an important role in funeral customs because of their fragrant beauty and comforting qualities. They also serve as a herald of hope reminding us of the spirit of life. In ancient times, tradition called for loved ones to use flowers and herbs to anoint the bodies of the deceased, while aromatic flowers and plants were used to decorate the burial site. Today, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences when words fail us. During times of sorrow, sympathy flowers are messengers of hope when it's needed most."

"There's something about the life and beauty of sympathy flowers that illuminates a house that has been darkened by a death. Flowers have been part of the burial process for centuries throughout the world. They comfort the bereaved with their beauty, and give hope with their colorful spirit."

SOURCE: www.thelightbeyond.com

For more information regarding this campaign contact:

Renee Carpenter TMFA
Memorial City Florist
(713) 461-1138
E-mail: AFH Public Relations Chair

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Allied Florists of Houston is starting a new grassroots campaign...

"It All Begins With You"