Writing Your Own Funeral Service for a Loved One
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Writing Your Own Funeral Service for a Loved One

Hi, my name is Crystal, and I love tradition and ritual, but I also love novel things and creating something special just for one person. When my mum died a few years ago, I decided that I wanted to write her funeral service – not just my eulogy, but the whole service. I wanted to tie in traditional elements as well as Bible verses and poems that she loved, but I also wanted something that was just for her and her alone. I learned a lot through that experience. If you have lost a loved one, I extend you my sympathy. I know how that feels, and I want to help with the funeral service. This blog has ideas and tips for writing your own service as well as a range of other things. I hope it helps.

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Writing Your Own Funeral Service for a Loved One

Three Things to Consider When Planning a Loved One's Funeral Service

Minea Pesola

Planning a funeral can be difficult, with lots of decisions to make. This article explains three things you should think about when planning a funeral, which will help the event to feel as personal to your loved one as possible.

Decide Who Will Speak at the Funeral

It's important to make the right decision on which friends and family members speak at the funeral. Think about how you want it to feel. Do you want lots of people speaking and talking about their memories of your loved one, or would you rather have one eulogy and spend the rest of the time on readings? If you want lots of speakers, it's a good idea to choose people from different areas of their life—for example, speakers representing the family, their friend group, and their work. Make sure your chosen speakers feel confident speaking, or discuss whether they would like someone else, such as a friend or your funeral director, to read their words.

Choose Some Appropriate Readings and Music

In addition to figuring out who will speak, it's important to choose some appropriate readings and music. For readings, think about your loved one's personality. Would they want a religious reading or an excerpt from a favourite book? What about a poem that they loved or that reminds you of them? Having chosen, pick a family member or friend with a clear, pleasant reading voice to do the reading. Music is also a very personal choice, and you will probably have a good idea of what would be appropriate, whether it's a pop song or a hymn. Sun Life has some great examples of funeral songs, from classic choices to ones with a hint of humour.

Decide Whether to Create an Order of Service

Finally, you should think about whether you want to create an order of service, sometimes called a funeral program or pamphlet, for your loved one's funeral. This will give people something to take home with them and reflect on and let people know when they arrive what will happen during the service and who will speak. You can also print photos in the order of service, as well as the lyrics to any hymns or songs you'll be singing. However, you might not feel it's necessary or may not want to spend the extra money. Speak to your funeral director to find out what your options are and what you'd need to do.

By choosing the right speakers, picking the perfect readings and music, and creating the ideal order of service, you can plan a funeral that truly reflects your loved one.

Contact a funeral director for more information. 


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