No two lives are exactly the same, and no two funeral services should be the same either.
A funeral service that is both meaningful and memorable should be as unique as the individual being celebrated. It should be a ceremony that reflects personal values, interests and experiences — all of the things that form the rich tapestry of a life worth celebrating.
Planning any funeral service, though, requires making many decisions during a difficult and painful time. Organizing an event that honours and highlights your loved one’s life can be very challenging given the emotions and responsibilities that naturally follow the death of someone close to you.
A funeral director can provide knowledge, high-quality service and the breadth of experience necessary to help you plan the best funeral possible. He or she can be your greatest source of help, support and direction as you sort through your options and begin to make plans. Funeral directors are experienced in working with grieving families and will be able to provide information, advice, understanding and empathy at a time when everyone needs a little guidance.
A meaningful funeral service is an essential life occasion that truly helps family and friends begin the healing process. To assist your funeral director, there are steps you can take to create an event that will enable everyone to say goodbye and pay tribute to the life being celebrated.
As you begin planning for this unforgettable experience, let your loved one’s life be your guide, Here are some ideas that can make a world of difference in your service:
To begin personalizing a funeral, consider what was unique and memorable about your loved one. Think about his or her special qualities, passions, hobbies and pastimes. Was your husband an amateur painter? Consider holding a retrospective of his work. Was your grandmother a teacher? You may want to ask the school choir to perform at the service or invite a former student to speak. Your creativity will provide a lasting, honourable representation of your loved one.
Music can be a powerful way to remember your loved one. Today, some services feature a mix of religious and secular music. Video tributes can also be created to incorporate both visuals and music that were meaningful to your loved one. Webcasting and online memorials enable even distant friends and family to participate and pay their respects.
While you might be somewhat reluctant to ask, family and friends may feel honoured to be involved in your loved one’s funeral. In addition, your funeral director can help you create an interactive experience to help people who are grieving, especially children.
Think about asking key individuals to contribute a remembrance, reading, poem or favourite story. Many times, such contributions can go a long way toward capturing the essence of your loved one.
One way of making a ceremony more special is to create decorative touches such as candles, a special covering to drape over the casket or a photo montage of the person whose life you are celebrating. Consider placing chairs in a semicircle or in small, intimate clusters around the room.
Hand out a small keepsake as friends and family leave the funeral, something that will later bring your loved one to mind.
Dedicating a memorial to your loved one is a wonderful way of honoring him or her. Planting a tree or making a contribution to a relevant charity can create a lasting memory that will also benefit others.
“My mother was a talented pianist and loved the classics. As a tribute during her funeral, we had a close friend play from her sheet music. Mom would have loved that.”
Collect your thoughts and direct your planning efforts by jotting down a few thoughts regarding these aspects of your loved one’s life.
