How to personalise a funeral is something we are asked about regularly. Just like the people they are for; no two funerals are the same. Some people want a formal, lavish occasion, whilst others want a simple affair with little fuss. Whatever the funeral, there are ways to personalise it for the person we are saying goodbye to. Here, we outline how to personalise a funeral in 5 ways.

Colours

Colours can be as loud or as subtle as you like, and incorporated into the funeral in a variety of ways.

If a person had a favourite colour, or a colour that was meaningful to them – in our experience the latter is often football team colours – then this/these can be incorporated on the day.

Some examples:

• For a subtle incorporation, colourful ribbons can ordered to be handed out and pinned to the jackets of mourners on the dayClothing is the simplest way to incorporate a colour theme. When inviting people to the service, you could include a note asking for people to wear a pop of the deceased person’s favourite colour. For example, women can match make-up, fascinators and/or scarves to the theme, and men can wear ties, socks and/or pocket handkerchiefs in the colour. In our experience, this helps family members and friends who are not involved in the arrangement of the funeral itself to feel included, whilst also giving them a task they can focus on in memory of the deceased.
• If there is a horse-drawn carriage in lieu of a hearse, the horses can be dressed in colours of your choosing, including blankets and head plumes.
• Flowers can be included in the colour theme. A coffin spray (which sits atop the coffin), posies, bouquets or just a single flower can all be ordered in the colour theme.
• The coffin can be ordered in a custom colour. Colourful coffin prices do not differ much in price from standard coffins – your funeral arranger will be able to show you options and guide you.

Coffins

Coffins today can be customised in any number of ways. Was the person a fan of Marvel? Or perhaps an avid supporter of a sports team? Maybe they loved fishing, gardening or had another hobby? Coffins can be printed in all types of themes. If the person was an artist and you can give us a copy of their work, we can have this printed onto a coffin for you.

Hearse and Carriages

A traditional hearse is usually personalised once the coffin is in place and any flower arrangements are placed inside.

With enough advanced noticed, Harrison Funeral Home can help you arrange to have a hearse that can add the personal touch to a funeral. Some examples of special hearses and escorts include:

• A horse-drawn carriage
• A tank hearse (no kidding)
• A motorcycle and sidecar hearse
• A flag hearse
• A taxi hearse
• An Only Fools & Horses three-wheeler escort

Flowers

Personalising a funeral with flowers does not have to be elaborate, it may be that the person had a favourite type, and a single stem or bunch will do the job needed.

There is however the option to do something else – we have seen very many bespoke custom funeral arrangements. From champagne bottles, to golfing tributes, to a sports team logo, to flags. Whether you have something in mind, or would like a little direction, we can help you with custom funeral flower arrangements to add that personal touch.

Music & Sounds

Did your loved one have a favourite song? Is there music that is special to the both of you? It is customary to play music or hymns at funerals, though it is completely up to you – you do not have to.

If you are unsure of what music the person liked there are many songs that have almost become traditional pieces today. Some examples include:

• • • Ave Maria
    • We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn
    • Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
    • My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
    • Angels by Robbie Williams
    • Candle in the Wind by Elton John
    • Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
    • What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Prior to death, some people instruct their loved ones that they want their funeral to focus on a celebration of their life rather than a mourning of their death, so it is not unusual for upbeat pieces to be played at funeral services.

Usually, at funeral ceremony three pieces of music are played – as mourners enter the venue, on reflection (in the middle part of the service), and at the end. There can of course be more, but ceremonies usually have a 30-minute time limit, unless you would like to book an extra slot at the venue.

Conclusion

These are 5 ways on how to personalise a funeral, but there are many ideas that can come into fruition whilst working with our funeral arrangers.

Some may want the occasion to be about mourning and loss, and others may prefer to make the occasion a celebratory gathering to remember the life of their loved one. There are countless ways to make a funeral special to the deceased’s memory and for the guests in attendance.

At Lee Funeral Home, we are the specialists in finding that personal touch, from the subtle to the more elaborate. We will work with you to find the ways in which we can do this for your loved one. Sometimes it can be so deeply personal that only the family and funeral arranger know, such as placing a special memento inside the coffin with the deceased.

If you are looking to organise a personalised funeral for yourself with prepaid plan or for someone who has recently passed away, contact us today, and a member of our experienced team will be on hand to help you.