A funeral ceremony is a significant occasion where family and friends come together to express their grief and to celebrate the life of their loved one. It is at the funeral where people can share memories, from joyful moments to humorous stories, and honour their unique contributions.
A funeral service that is personalised ensures the farewell is meaningful and reflects the life and beliefs of your loved one.
Personalisation Options
Below are some choices to give you ideas and to help tailor the service to your loved one’s wishes and personality:
Pre-Funeral Location
Where would you like your loved one to rest before the funeral?
They can remain in the care of your funeral home, but many families choose to have them at home or on a marae. This option is especially popular among Māori and Pacific Island communities but is embraced by people of all backgrounds. If loved ones are travelling from overseas, embalming may be recommended to preserve the body and provide a more natural appearance.
Burial or Cremation
If you are not aware of your loved one’s preferences, the family will need to decide. Forrest Funeral Services can arrange either option for you:
Casket Movement
Decide how the casket will be brought into and carried from the service. Will you use family members or friends to act as pallbearers, or would you prefer this to be done by the funeral home contacts? Keep in mind the weight of the coffin and also the height of the people if you are choosing your own pallbearers.
Consider whether special music, dancing, or a guard of honour would enhance the farewell.
Symbols of Life
Incorporate personal items that reflect your loved one’s life, such as flowers from their garden, photographs, toys, books, candles, religious symbols, or other meaningful objects.
Music
Music can set the tone for the service. Choose songs/hymns that your loved one enjoyed, whether classical, rock, country, opera, hymns, or pop music, select their most appropriate favourites. You might also consider creating an audio-visual tribute featuring photos and videos accompanied by their favourite music.
Eulogy
A eulogy honours the life and character of your loved one. It can be brief or more detailed, typically lasting around 10 minutes. Key topics to consider include:
If children or family members find it difficult to speak, encourage them to contribute stories or messages that can be read on their behalf.
Creating a personalised service helps to celebrate a life well-lived, leaving lasting memories for all who attend, and Forrest Funeral Services can help you create a funeral that will reflect the love and care you, and others, had for your loved one.
Adapted from an article by Forrest Funeral Services.