When you think of the words that should describe a funeral service, you may choose words like heartfelt, sincere, touching, beautiful, and emotional.
There is another word that helps describe some of the most remarkable final services. That word is “personalized.”
Why is personalizing a funeral service so important? What are the steps you can take in personalizing a service? What questions can you ask yourself to prompt ideas for a service that will be memorable? Here is a simple guide to help.
Why Is Personalization Important?
A final service is a tribute, salute, and goodbye. Each of us is unique and deserves a final service that is one-of-a-kind. This is a time to slow down. Rushing through final services can appear to be shallow. Give final services the consideration they deserve.
Ask Yourself These Questions
- When preparing a customized service, it can help to ask yourself these questions.
- What are the interests and hobbies that your loved one enjoys that you could incorporate into the service?
- Did your loved one have a favorite sport or sports team?
- Did he or she have a favorite pet?
- What was their favorite charity, non-profit, or civic group?
- Is there a special place that the loved one enjoyed that would serve as an appropriate place for a final or memorial service?
- Can you include photos from the various stages of their life? Be sure to include as many different people as possible.
- Did they travel and have a favorite foreign destination? Can that somehow be included?
- Are there aspects of their job, career, or education that should be included?
- What was your loved one’s passion? What did they know most about? Where did they excel?
How to Personalize a Funeral
The process starts with the choice of a funeral home and venue for the service. Select a funeral director with experience and a reputation for caring. The venue should be convenient for family and guests.
Other factors to consider when customizing final services include:
- Include the favorite dishes of the loved one. If food is a part of the final service, try to prepare some of their favorite foods and desserts.
- Display special memories. These can include anything from souvenirs to sports equipment. It may be a favorite hat or belt buckle. These moments take on great significance at a final service.
- Share stories. Give those in attendance an opportunity to tell their favorite stories. They can sometimes be a bit awkward and humorous. That simply adds to the personalization.
We Are Here When You Need Us
Planning a personalized final service is not necessarily difficult, but it can take time and consideration. Seek out the input of others who were close to them.
When you need assistance, the Fares J. Radel team is here to help. We have experience in directing a wide range of services, including various religions, traditional burials, celebrations of life, and customized services. We operate the only privately owned crematorium in the Greater Cincinnati area and a modern banquet facility.
When you have questions, we invite you to contact us to learn more.
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