How to Plan a Funeral That Reflects Someone’s Personality Posted by zudu in Advice & Guidance 3 min read In life we are all individual, so when it comes to saying our final goodbyes, incorporating personal features in a funeral can be an important way of sharing unique memories, experiences and remembrance of our loved ones. Whether you are planning a funeral service, burial or cremation, there are many ways you can pay tribute to the life and personality of your loved one. Tributes You may choose to plan the funeral at a special location, or base it on a theme close to your loved one’s heart, for example, nature, music or sport. Guests can be invited to wear a flower, item of colour, or piece of clothing meaningful to your loved one. Floral tributes are also an effective way to reflect a loved one’s personality and life, from favourite flowers, colours, sports teams or beloved pets. Alternatively, instead of floral tributes, you may choose to ask for donations to a local cause or charity close to your loved one’s heart as a lasting tribute made in their memory. Music & Songs Music and songs can evoke memories that span across the decades. Compiling your loved one’s favourite and meaningful songs to be played before, during or after the funeral service, is an apt way of remembering their unique personality. Asking family and friends to contribute the songs that hold cherished memories for them also helps them to feel involved and part of the funeral planning process. Music played in person, for example bagpipes, harp, fiddle, guitar or piano, can also individualise the funeral and offer a moment for reflection. For those planning religious services, often hymns that have been sung at previous family funerals, weddings or other religious ceremonies can bear significance and tradition. Photos & Videos Photos and videos perfectly capture an individual’s personality, and quickly become treasured memories and keepsakes following their loss. Displaying a photo wall or compiling a digital montage lets guests remember a person throughout their lifetime, evoking fond memories and a reminder of experiences, friendship and love shared. Readings Poems, song lyrics and religious passages all hold personal significance. Including them in the Order of Service, or asking a friend or family member to do a reading at the funeral service, graveside or scattering of ashes is a lovely personal tribute to a loved one which reflects their passions and character. A eulogy also gives opportunity to share a loved one’s personality, life history, significant events, and often funny stories, and to pay tribute to their family. Memories & Keepsakes A memory table of photographs and items personal to your loved one, such as their favourite sports team shirt or items related to a job or hobby, offers guests opportunity to reflect, remember and share memories. Asking guests to write down their memories of your loved one and collecting them in a memory box creates lasting keepsakes to treasure. You may also choose to give guests a meaningful or significant gift, or an item of remembrance such as flower seeds, are ways to reflect a loved one’s personality and ensure their legacy lives on, offering both comfort and a lasting connection to their memory. Honouring Your Loved One Planning a funeral that truly reflects your loved one’s personality is a heartfelt way to honour their life and the memories they leave behind. From choosing meaningful tributes, such as a theme or favourite flowers, to incorporating personal music, photos, videos and readings, every detail and thoughtful touch helps to share their unique life story and creates a deeply personal farewell that brings comfort, connection and lasting remembrance. Speak to our Team at Your Nearest James Ashton & Son Branch Dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one is very difficult, especially at Christmas time. At James Ashton & Son, our empathetic teams can direct you to find the bereavement support you need. Get in touch to speak to one of the team at any of our four premises across the region. All of our branches are a part of the James Ashton & Son Ltd group, but operate independently so that your arrangements are taken care of by a team you know and at a premises you are familiar with. Our branches: 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN 132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ 56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors) Related Posts Finding Light in a Difficult Season; Coping with Grief During the Festive Period Christmas time can be difficult to navigate when dealing with the grief and loss of a loved one, especially in the first year of bereavement. Feelings of intensified sadness, loneliness and social isolation are more common at this time of year than any other. Local funeral directors play a critical… Cremation or Burial? Making the Right Choice for Your Family When planning a funeral, one of the first and most important decisions is whether to choose cremation or burial. It’s a deeply personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer – only what feels right for your family and the loved one you are honouring. … Top Questions to Ask a Funeral Undertaker in Dundee Choosing the right funeral undertaker is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a farewell for your loved one. Whether you’re arranging a service in advance or during a time of loss, asking the right questions can help ensure your send-off is handled with clarity, care,… See More Posts