7 Ideas for Making a Funeral Service Reflect the Individual’s Interests
A funeral is an important part of life, and many people view it as a time to reflect on their lives and what they’ve experienced. By memorializing someone who has died, you help him or her move into his or her next phase of life. The following are the seven ideas for making a funeral service reflect the individual’s interests.
1. Music
The musical program should include songs that express the music preferences of the deceased. This would ensure the appropriate emotional impact on families. It may also help get more folks interested in attending your services if the music is good. You can research online, listen to recordings, and find CDs at your local library. It will be important to have the correct music selections and know how to use them properly. There’s no reason why something that doesn’t fit should be played.
2. Bible Verses
In addition to having the proper selection of music, you’ll want to select scripture and religious readings from the Bible for use in the eulogy, which will be given after the death scene. Some families don’t believe in using God in their ceremonies, so there is nothing wrong with selecting other readings and verses that would resonate well with your audience.
3. Video Tributes
Some families prefer to record video tributes instead. If you decide to do this, make certain that you choose non-intrusive clips that don’t show up when you’re playing back. Of course, it won’t hurt to get some additional input from family members, but some of them aren’t comfortable with being filmed and interviewed about one of the most difficult moments in their lives. Others may not feel comfortable talking about loved ones unless they’re doing so to close friends and acquaintances.
4. Photographs
It would help if you had photographs of the person who passed away displayed somewhere within the sanctuary area (or wherever else during the memorial service). Depending on the size of your church, you may even consider placing more than one photo display so more family members can look over these images. It’s always best to place the photos on a table or another surface so they won’t end up knocked down on the floor by mourners walking around. These displays could easily become targets when everyone gets excited during the service.
5. Flowers
Flowers are placed in the memory of those we love. They add beauty and comfort to our days. During funeral services, flowers are typically placed on bier stands before being taken inside the church. Be sure to take note of any flower arrangements placed elsewhere in the church and then coordinate with the florist, so he or she knows where to put them during the service. Some churches prefer large bouquets outside the church doors when a body is being loaded onto the deceased’s vehicle. Again, coordinating with the florist will help ensure that everything goes smoothly during the service.
6. Eulogy
A few humorous stories about the departed can go a long way toward making people laugh when they may feel very sad. Humour is an effective way to lighten the mood of a room full of grieving survivors and guests. Many funerals incorporate jokes – sometimes tasteless, sometimes well-intentioned, but usually funny. The point is to keep things lighthearted until the final rites.
7. Food and Beverages
Depending on what type of meal the family prefers to enjoy, you might offer different foods. For example, if the deceased was a very good cook, you may offer something like lasagna, chili, casseroles, etc., while others may prefer coffee or tea. You may also want to include a variety of soft drinks based on which beverage has been requested. However, it’s important to serve only alcoholic beverages throughout the entire service because they are considered sacramental items during the burial ceremony. If the family requests beer or wine, pour a glass or two in advance so that it’s available as needed.
