PlanninG and preparing
Preparing and planning for the celebration of your life can happen at any time because it is something that will occur for us all. Making notes on your preferences or ideas for your final farewell makes it easier to enact your wishes, and takes the pressure off those left behind. I often meet with people who are in palliative care to discuss their wishes for their final farewell which allows them to take charge of what they otherwise have little control. It also eases the burden on those making the arrangements for the funeral or memorial.
When planning a funeral or memorial for a friend or family member you may like to consider the following:
- Did you friend or family member want a funeral or memorial?
- Where and when would you like to have the funeral or memorial?
- Is your friend or family member being cremated or buried?
- Do you wish to live stream the service for those who are unable to attend in person?
- Did you want to decorate the coffin at the service or before?
-Are there items that represent your friend or family member that could be in place at the funeral or memorial? i.e. a hat, photograph, ornament, sports equipment or favourite things?
- What type of music would you like to include, and do you want recorded or live music?
- Is there a particular artist, poet or author who's words you could use?
- Did you want to offer a slideshow of photo memories?
- Who would you like to speak during the funeral of memorial and would you like to include a eulogy?
- Do you want to provide a service booklet or bookmark?
-Do you want people to send you photos or memories?
-Do you want people to write messages to your friend or family member, to place with them?
- Do you want a sign-in book for those attending, with just their names or with messages too?
- What interest or hobbies did your friend or family member enjoy and how can these be included?
-Do you want to include a floral, petal or leaf tribute?
- Is there anyone or any group you want to mention?
- Are there any spiritual, cultural or symbolic ceremonies you wish to include?
- Do you want to include any religious elements?
- What do you want people to remember when they leave or did you want to give them anything to take with them? i.e. a favourite chocolate, flower, drink, book or other craft, handmade or personal item.
- Did your friend or family member have a favourite colour or item of clothing you would like people to wear?
- Did you want to plant something in memory of your friend or family member?
- Is there a charity or organisation you would like people to donate to in place of flowers?
- Do you want to include specialised transport to escort your friend or family member?
Developing a framework for the service in the form of an 'order of service' can be helpful. Below is on example of what can be included which may be of use when considering what you would like for the service you are arranging.
(This is a sample only, the order can be changed, and can include less or more items).
- Music to commence
-Welcome and Introduction
-Eulogy
-Tributes from friends and family
-Poem/verse/reading/prayer
-Slideshow and music
-Flower or symbolic tribute
-Thanks and conclusion
-Music to conclude service
A printed order of service is an option and can be provided in the form of a bookmark or a booklet should you wish to include more photos, and copies of readings, verses, poems or prayers.
Most funeral directors can assist you with printing these but you can also use either Officeworks (who need about 48 hours for printing) or Heavens Gate Remembrance Stationery https://heavensgate.com.au
If you need to arrange a livestream for the service, the team at Attnd are highly skilled mobile professionals who are capable and reliable https://attnd.com.au
celebrant.berenicedevlin@gmail.com
0401 220 549