How to Plan a Meaningful Funeral Service

Each life is unique – and every funeral should be too. A thoughtfully planned funeral service celebrates a life well lived, brings comfort to loved ones dealing with grief and brings people together during one of the most difficult times. 

Read on for our guide to arranging a meaningful funeral service and how you can create a personalised tribute that honours the life of your loved one. 

What Mattered Most to your Loved One 

The most meaningful tributes are the ones that truly reflect the life of the person you are honouring. Take some time to consider what your loved one would’ve wanted, as well as their values, beliefs and personality. Were they religious or spiritual? This is something important to consider in how you honour their life. Small details like a favourite song, a meaningful location or a saying they were known for can bring great comfort on the day. You may already know their funeral wishes, or they might’ve left some guidance in a will, but if not it’s important to consider elements that relate to their interests and that may have meant something to them.  

Choosing the Type of Funeral Service 

There are several types of funeral service to choose from, each offering its own atmosphere and structure. The type of funeral service that is right for you is completely dependent on your loved one’s preferences and beliefs. There’s no right or wrong choice – it’s about what feels right for the person being honoured and their family. Types of funeral service to choose form include: 

• Traditional religious ceremony– typically held in a place of worship, religious ceremonies are led by a religious leader and follow traditional customs and rituals based on the religion. 
• Non-religious or humanist funeral service- humanist ceremonies focus on the life of the deceased and their legacy without any spiritual or religious content. 
• Memorial service- this is a gathering held after a burial or cremation offering a more flexible option than other types of services and ceremonies. 
• Eco-friendly or natural burial- This is less common but offers a sustainable option that reflects a love of nature or commitment to the environment. 

Involve their Nearest and Dearest in the Funeral Service

Arranging a funeral service can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Including family and friends not only lightens the load, but it also creates a sense of shared tribute and helps loved ones feel involved in the process. Think about who might want to be involved, and what they would like to do. Some might want to read a poem or passage, while others may feel comfortable helping carry the coffin or sharing a story. Encouraging personal touches makes the service more memorable for everyone. 

Incorporate Meaningful Elements 

There are many ways to bring warmth, character and meaning to a funeral service, and small details can make all the difference. Such as:  

• Music- playing songs or live music that held special meaning to your loved one. 
• Memorial donations – Supporting a charity that mattered to them instead of flowers. 
• Readings- poems, passages or favourite quotes. 
• Eulogy- a tribute from someone close to the deceased, capturing the essence of their life. 
• Photos and memories- memory tables, photo slideshows or shared albums. 
• Keepsakes- printed orders of service or small mementos guests can take home. 

Consider Cultural or Spiritual Traditions 

Funeral customs can vary greatly depending on a person’s cultural background or faith. Whether it’s a prayer, symbolic gesture or special attire, including religious elements can honour your loved one and offer comfort to those who share those beliefs. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director can offer guidance. 

Plan the Practicalities

Each small decision helps build a fitting tribute and meaningful funeral service for your loved one. Our team is here to support you through each step of the way. Some of the duties your funeral director will help you with include: 

• Attending to all necessary legal and administrative arrangements
• Guidance and booking of burial plot or cremation
• Collection and transportation of your loved one to the funeral director’s car
• Care of your loved one
• Family viewing at any pre-arranged time
• Providing suitable coffin options
• Embalming, if applicable
• Providing limousines for transportation, if applicable 

Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch 

When planning a meaningful funeral service, what matters most is that it feels true to the person you’re remembering. Your dedicated funeral director will be there to help you every step of the way, offering bereavement support, guidance and support with the arrangements to create a personal and meaningful tribute for your loved one.   

We are available 24 hours, 365 days a year. 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)