Small Details To Consider When Planning A Funeral
Funerals are significant life events that require careful planning and attention to detail. While deciding on burial or cremation and selecting service readings are significant decisions, there are also smaller details that can make a big difference for mourners coming together to grieve.
To ensure you create a meaningful and memorable service, don’t overlook these lesser-known but essential aspects of funeral planning:
Flower Arrangements
Flowers can bring a sense of beauty and warmth to the funeral service. Most families opt for fresh arrangements, either live plants or cut flowers in vases. Whether you go traditional with roses and lilies or choose something more unique that reflects the deceased’s personality, be sure to order enough for the entire family to take home as a keepsake after services.
A Memory Table
Many families create a memory table at funerals, where guests can leave photos, cards, trinkets, or written memories of their loved ones. This is usually done near the register book, so attendees have an opportunity to revisit all their heartfelt memories while they pay their respects.
Theme Music
There are many options when it comes to funeral music, and it can be helpful to choose music that helps set the tone for the ceremony. Popular picks include classical compositions, hymns, or even a favourite song of the deceased.
Refreshments
After services are over, many families offer refreshments in a separate area from where services are held. It’s not only a nice gesture towards guests but gives everyone an opportunity to debrief and share memories over food and drinks. Choose something simple like cookies and light snacks so there are minimal distractions from conversations. Coffee is also typically served, as well as tea for those who prefer it.
A Death Date Scroll
Death date scrolls are a unique way to commemorate the deceased’s life. These traditional death date scrolls include not only birth and death dates but also essential highlights from their life, like place of birth, education, hobbies, marital status, children, and grandchildren. Death date scrolls can be personalised with photos and artwork too.
A Memorial Keepsake
Memorial keepsakes like photo albums, scrapbooks, or candles are often given out to guests as favours. These serve to remind attendees of their shared memories and can be cherished long after services have ended.
Memorial Donations
For those who cannot attend the funeral service, you may want to consider setting up a memorial donation in honour of the deceased. This is often done through charities and churches that have meaning to both the deceased and their family.
Cemetery Grave Markers
Most cemeteries require a concrete or granite marker for each gravesite. This is the traditional way to mark a burial and offers family members peace of mind knowing their loved one’s memory is being kept alive.
Funerals can be an emotional time for families, but careful attention to details like these can help make it a memorable event that celebrates the life of the deceased in meaningful ways. With thoughtful preparations, you will undoubtedly create an unforgettable goodbye and lasting memories for everyone involved.