The passing of a loved one is not only a time for sorrow and reflection but is also a time to think of all your happy memories together. The death of a friend or family can be hard to accept, but once a little time has passed, you will be able to remember the light they brought into your life in a positive way, rather than lamenting their death. A funeral is a very special occasion in which we mourn our loss but also celebrate our loved one’s life. We all want to give them a send-off which they would have loved, and so it is important to plan the perfect funeral to do their memory justice. Incorporating your loved one’s favorite music, stories, and interests is the ideal way to organize a funeral, which will help the guests to feel the presence of their departed friend.
This is how you can plan a really special funeral by honoring your loved one’s passions.
1- Incorporate their Favorite Songs
Music is very important at funerals because it is one of the most effective ways to trigger memories. Often, if a person has made their own funeral preparations, then they will have chosen the music that they want to be played. If not, think about all of your loved one’s favorite music and choose the right songs for each part of the ceremony. If there are songs that you shared together, then these can be perfect additions to the funeral schedule. Speak to other friends and family members who knew the departed and find out what songs they can recommend. You want to create the right sentimental mood, but you do not want to make everyone sad on the whole occasion. A funeral should allow people to remember fond memories, not just mourn their loss.
2- Choose a Meaningful Final Resting Place
Many people will have had their spot in a cemetery already picked out before they pass away, or will have communicated another preference for their final resting place. The experts at https://www.greenmeadowmemorials.com/ explain that if your loved one has chosen to be cremated, then you can choose an urn that reflects their passions. Nowadays, some urns are designed with everything from favorite sports teams to hobbies like golf. These can make a really special ornament in your home, which will help you to remember your loved one every time you look at the urn.
Alternatively, they may have requested that their ashes be spread somewhere that is meaningful to them. Many people choose the ocean or a particular place in nature, which was special to them when they were alive. If your loved one was not able to communicate their wishes for their final resting place, try to think about what they would have liked, and make the necessary arrangements.
3- Organize Eulogies
One of the most special parts of any funeral is hearing people’s tributes and memories of the departed. Organize eulogies and speeches from those who were closest to them; this is usually family members and close friends who will be able to tell stories that help the rest of the guests remember fondly their loved one and the impact that they had on everyone’s lives. Make sure to over budget when it comes to time for the speeches because people often get caught up in the moment or remember something which they had not planned in the speech, but they want to share.
4 – Invite Guests to Share their Memories
As well as these officially planned speeches, it is always nice to set aside some time for other guests to share their thoughts and memories. This can be difficult during the main funeral ceremony, but in the wake that usually follows afterward, you can encourage anyone who wants to speak to come up and say a few words. Sharing your feelings can be both comforting and help to celebrate the departed person’s life and is the perfect way to honor their memory. Funerals can be so emotionally hard, so never push anyone to speak who doesn’t feel comfortable. Instead, have a tribute book in which people can leave their thoughts and tributes so that the family can read them later.
Nobody likes to think about one of their loved ones passing away, and organizing the funeral can be a very emotionally raw experience. However, we all want to plan a funeral that we know would make them proud of us. Honoring your loved one’s passions and incorporating their favorite things and people is the perfect way to pay tribute to their life and the wonderful impact they had on ours.
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