Australia is characterised by a diverse society, differing in distinct traditions depending on heritage and lineage of families. These traditions may guide choices of personalising major life events, such as births, weddings and funerals. Whether the funeral is used to reflect the interests and hobbies of the lost loved one or used to signify culture and faith, adding personal touches to a bereavement service creates a more memorable and individualised event.

The following ways present ideas of personalising funeral services. These ideas help develop a more unique and tailored event for yourself (pre-planned funerals) or your loved one.

1)   Themed Funeral Services

Themed funeral services are a unique and memorable way to honour your loved ones. Creating a themed funeral entails coordinating service characteristics, and possibly even guests attire, to reflect certain colours, teams or personal attributes. If your loved one was a die-hard fan of a certain sports team, you could choose flower colours that represent the team, or ask guests to wear apparel supporting the team. If your loved one was part of a band, you could play specific music and set up a display presenting photos and other personal memorabilia that commemorates the life of the deceased.

2)   Military Services

Commemorating a military veteran or someone who has served a nation is an important part of bereavement services. Their dedication, service and loyalty can be expressed through specified military traditions performed at the service, or by creating a display with photos, uniforms, flags and other personal items from their time of service. Military services individualise the funeral service, whilst demonstrating appreciation and thankfulness to your loved one’s service and life.

3)   Venue and Time of Funeral Service

Personal touches for funeral services may be exemplified through specific times and places of the actual service. If your loved one enjoyed the beach, consider holding the ceremony at a beach during sunset. A candle lit service during the evening would also create a more intimate and memorable setting to commemorate your loved one. By choosing unique venues, or special times, to hold the funeral service, the bereavement celebration can easily become a personalised event.

4)   Other Ideas to Personalise a Funeral Service

If you are not able to hold themed services or host the ceremony at specific venues, simpler personal touches for services may also be chosen.

• Casket or Urn Design:

  Deciding on a casket or urn that may be a symbol of your loved one’s life through certain colours or designs is a creative way to individualise the service.

• Memory Share:

  Asking guests to share their favourite memory of the deceased would incorporate fun and memorable stories. This also curates a unique funeral service for your loved one.

• Floral Designs:

  Floral spreads may be created to individually commemorate your loved one. The floral design could include certain coloured flowers and memorabilia into the spread.

• Video Curation:

  Asking guests, or close friends and family, of your loved one to film a video with sweet messages, or send photos, to compile into a video to play at the funeral service can be a unique and meaningful way to honour the deceased.

There are countless ways to personalise each funeral service that commemorates your loved one in a more meaningful and memorable way. For more ideas or assistance with bereavement services, please contact us.