As of: March 2, 2024, 7:44 a.m
By: Anna Katharina Kuesters
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Guests at a funeral often want to show their condolences to the bereaved in the form of words they wrote themselves and money.
But what amount is appropriate?
In most cases, anyone who has lost a loved one also attends their funeral.
This way you can not only say goodbye to the person who has died, but also strengthen the support of those left behind.
If you would like to find a few personal words for the family of the deceased, you usually write a letter or a card.
A monetary donation is usually included with the card - after all, funeral costs average 13,000 euros.
But not every amount of money donated automatically leads to thanks from the relatives of the deceased.
Money gift for a funeral: Always specify a purpose for the donation
The monetary donation at a funeral should be higher than 20 euros.
(Symbolic image) © Wirestock/Imago
In addition to lovingly chosen, consoling words, funeral guests should also give a few thoughts about the monetary donation they provide.
Simply giving money away to relatives doesn't seem very tactful and can even lead to anger among those left behind.
It is therefore important to always note in the card a purpose for which the money is intended.
For example, you can choose between the following uses:
“For flowers”
“For the funeral service”
“For grave decorations”
This means the survivors don't have the feeling that the money is in the card because the celebration was too small.
You can then gratefully accept the amount and use it directly for the specific purpose.
Funeral cash donation: Not less than 20 euros
The amount of the monetary donation also plays a role.
Depending on how close the guests were to the deceased, the amount of money should also be adjusted.
For more distant acquaintances, it is appropriate if there is around 20 euros in the envelope.
For very close friends it should be up to 50 euros.
If it is not possible to contribute at least 20 euros, guests should refrain from making a donation.
Otherwise, the impression could quickly arise that the contribution is more of a mockery of the deceased than a kindly intended contribution and support.
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If you don't want to put loose money in an envelope, you can also buy a voucher.
For example, vouchers from a florist or a nursery are an option.
It is also nice and tasteful to donate money to an organization that the deceased supported.
Such a monetary donation shows compassion and also that the guests made an effort to act in the interests of the deceased.