How Much To Give For A Funeral Collection Or Flowers (UK 2026)

How much to give for a funeral collection or flowers

Money is the last thing anyone wants to think about after a death, which is exactly why a plain figure helps.

Nothing below is a rule. Attending, writing something true in a card and checking in a month later matters more than any amount.

Sympathy cards

Blank inside, with room to say something true.

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Donations in lieu of flowers

  • Colleague or acquaintance: £10 to £20.
  • Friend: £20 to £30.
  • Close friend or family: £30 to £50, or whatever feels right.
  • Office collection: £5 to £10 per person, given as one donation.
  • Give through the funeral director's page if there is one - the family sees the total, not each amount.

If you are sending flowers

  • Check first. Many funerals now ask for family flowers only.
  • A sympathy bouquet to the house typically runs £30 to £50.
  • Formal funeral tributes cost more, and are usually arranged by immediate family.

What to do instead of, or as well as

  • A card that names one specific thing about the person.
  • A meal, a lift, or the school run in the first fortnight.
  • A message on the anniversary, when everyone else has stopped.

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How to write it so it lands

  • Send the card separately from the donation so it arrives when the house is quiet again.
  • Say the person's name in the message. Families notice when people avoid it.

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Frequently asked questions

How much should you donate in lieu of flowers?

£10 to £20 for a colleague, £20 to £30 for a friend and £30 to £50 for close friends or family are typical UK amounts.

Is it rude to give a small amount to a funeral collection?

No. Donation pages show the family a total, not a league table, and your presence matters more than the figure.

Should you send flowers or donate?

Follow the notice. If it says family flowers only, donate to the named charity instead and send a card to the house.

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