The funeral represents an important part of the healing process.
To give your loved one a special send-off, give careful thought to what they would have wanted. If they have a funeral plan, refer to it for inspiration. But you should also consider their preferences and values. Were they deeply religious? Would they want something elegant or more down-to-earth? Jot down your thoughts and use them to guide your funeral planning choices.
Here are six simple ways to incorporate personalization elements into the funeral for your loved one.
Give thought to the location.
Traditional funeral services often take place in the funeral home but that is not a requirement. There are likely a number of other suitable locations so think about the places that were meaningful to the departed. Holding the event in a favorite spot can provide a great deal of comfort to the grieving. Was your loved one fond of the beach? Did they have a special place of worship? Hosting the gathering at one of these cherished locations adds meaning to the event and may even be beneficial from a cost perspective.
Get creative with the obituary.
Rather than simply listing dates and names, use the obituary to tell the story of the person who passed on—what they valued, who they loved, and what made them so special. Inserting special memories, such as how your mother collected non-perishables for the local food bank, can add a unique touch that will make the obituary stand out from the rest. If you are unsure of what to write, ask your friends and family members to share their favorite remembrances.
Consider your loved one’s musical tastes.
Families often base their funeral music selections on the preferences of the departed. Was your grandmother a huge jazz fan? Did your dad enjoy rock and roll? From favorite songs to beloved artists to melodies that serve as reminders of special moments, today’s funeral music encompasses many tastes and preferences. Hymns are no longer the only option. As long as the music is meaningful to you and your loved ones in connection with the departed, there is no ‘wrong’ choice.
Showcase their favorite collectibles.
One of the best ways to add personality to the visitation, memorial, or celebration of life is by sharing items that were special to your loved one. Did they enjoy collecting baseball cards, fine china, stamps, coins, or something else? Now would be a great time for you to show off their amazing assemblage. Select a few key pieces and strategically arrange them so that your guests can view and enjoy them during the event.
Customize the repast.
An important goal of the funeral reception is to give those in attendance the opportunity to share memories and further reflect on the life of the departed. You can help foster interaction and make it more personal by including touches that bring to mind your loved one. Serving fare that was a favorite of the person who passed away is a popular option. Creating a photo wall or a memory table is a common method of personalization, as well. Many families choose to produce a video tribute that runs in the background during the repast. You can find plenty of additional inspiring ideas on social platforms like Pinterest.
Offer a sweet remembrance gift.
What candy makes you think of your departed loved one? Was your father a Snickers fan? Did your sister always choose Twizzlers? Buy some snack-size packages and small bags to create a fun, unique funeral remembrance item for guests. You can personalize this sweet token by attaching a favorite quote, Bible verse, or picture of the departed to the package.
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Of course, you want to do everything you can to make their homegoing special and memorable. It’s not how much you spend but the amount of heart you put into the gathering that will make it truly exceptional.
If you need additional ideas for creative personalization elements for your loved one, please reach out to us anytime. We are always here to help you to make the best decisions for your unique situation.
About Evan W. Smith Funeral Services: Since 2009, residents of Wilmington, Dover, and the surrounding Delaware community have relied on the caring staff at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services to help them through their darkest hours. Family-owned and operated, the company offers an array of elite funeral care services, including traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, pre-planning, and more. With decades of experience in caring for families from all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life, Evan W. Smith Funeral Services is committed to creating memorable, uplifting experiences that always exceed expectations. For more information, please visit www.ewsmithfs.com.
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