Personalizing a funeral service is not only a rewarding and fulfilling experience for the family members who participate; it can be a significant step in the healing process. There are many ways in which a funeral service can be personalized to celebrate and honor the life of your loved one.
Photographs are one of the most popular ways to personalize a funeral service. Photos could be displayed individually, placed in an album or mounted on a memory board. Larger photos or portraits could be displayed on easels. As an example, wedding or vacation photos, or photos of the family, children or grandchildren could be displayed.
In addition to photos, consider other items or memorabilia that could be brought along to the funeral home to personalize the service such as a veteran's medals, or newspaper articles, or a examples of your loved one's craftsmanship or hobby.
Many opportunities for personalization are provided by the funeral ceremony, procession and graveside committal service.
Consider playing your loved one's favorite hymn or song. If the deceased loved music or was a musician, a musical theme for the service would be appropriate. A soloist or instrumentalist could be hired to play during the ceremony.
A family member, best friend or clergy could speak a eulogy, or several people could offer their reflection or tributes to the deceased. This is often the most moving part of the service.
The deceased's favorite prayer or scripture could be read as part of the services.
The number of pallbearers that can be used depends on the size and layout of the church or chapel. Friends, relatives, colleagues, fraternity, and club members should all be considered for this task.
If the deceased was a military veteran or belonged to a fraternal group (Masons, Knights of Columbus) or other organizations, such as police or firefighters, it is possible that members of the group will wish to honor their departed colleague by forming an honor guard at the entrance/exit of the church and graveside.
The funeral procession from the church or chapel to the cemetery is sometimes planned to pay tribute to the deceased by passing by the residence or place of work.
In addition to forming an honor guard, representatives of the deceased's military branch or organization may also perform a graveside ritual.
The family members may also wish to make a gesture of farewell during the graveside ceremony such as laying flowers on the casket or selecting a flower from the spray to keep as a remembrance.