Funerals are part of life. They provide a valuable service for families and society by making a final farewell meaningful and supportive. Planning a funeral may feel awkward for someone who has not done it before. Here are five suggestions to help you prepare a fulfilling ceremony to honor a loved one.
Life History
A photo display of the loved one’s major life events is a way to share those special times with guests who come to calling hours or attend the funeral. The visuals are reminders of high points in the person’s life, such as birth, childhood, marriage, career, and retirement. Other events, like college or military service, could also be included. Pictures of a spouse and children are often heart-warming in recalling the family days of the deceased.
Achievements
Medals, trophies, and licenses or possibly an advanced college degree may also be displayed, depending on the age of the deceased and their place in life. Representative objects, like a model aircraft for someone who worked as a commercial airline pilot, might be added as a heartwarming memento. The display may depend also on who is expected to attend, such as childhood friends or workplace coworkers. You may even want to plan on multiple displays if you have multiple viewing times.
Eulogies
Often, close friends and loved ones may ask, or be asked, to speak at a funeral and describe highlights of a long-time relationship. They sometimes offer anecdotes that were not previously known by others to help illuminate the character or personality of the loved one. Occasionally, a friend with a gifted voice will sing a special song or recite a poem that was especially liked by the deceased.
Spiritual Support
Depending on the spiritual beliefs of the loved one or family members, a member of the clergy, such as a church pastor or faith leader, will be asked to give a short funeral oration. The spiritual leader might have known the deceased personally, or not. The funeral service is to comfort family members and friends who may share similar beliefs. Non-religious families might ask an inspirational speaker or a community member to say a few words.
Farewell Gesture
The funeral home director or associates can explain local laws governing the release of balloons or doves, which has been done at some funerals. Some families invite funeral guests to write a brief message on a small square of paper and then leave it in the coffin before the lid is closed. Flowers or a tree may be planted at the cemetery or elsewhere to commemorate the life of the deceased. Choose a ritual relevant to the life of the deceased.
Funerals commemorate the life of the departed and offer comfort to those that remain. Plan a funeral with those goals in mind. There might be some frustrations or problems that come as your plan. It is a difficult time for everyone involved. Keep that in mind as you plan, be patient with yourself and others, and you are sure to plan both a solemn and joyful ceremony to remember your loved one.
