When you find yourself facing the difficult task of planning a funeral for a loved one who has passed, you may wonder about the best way to honor their memory. Although it is said that funerals are really more about the people left behind and helping them through the grieving process, you still want to ensure the services would have resonated with the person they are held to honor. Below you will find some tips for personalizing a funeral which you can use to send off your lost loved one in the best manner possible.

First and foremost, there are considered to be 7 essential elements that contribute to a meaningful memorial service:

• Eulogy
• Readings
• Music
• Symbols
• Visitation
• Gathering
• Participation

If you plan to include each of these features, then you will find plenty of opportunities to incorporate the deceased's favorite things. Whether it is playing a song that meant so much to them, displaying a lucky token or prized possession, or sharing stories of their ideal pastime, honoring the things they loved is a wonderful way to express your own love. If they were religious, working some of their favorite scripture verses into the ceremony can be beautiful as well.

The guests who attend the funeral service can be used to help make the experience that much more special as well. Beyond a chance to pay their respects, the deceased's family and friends can get actively involved in the event if you have the right creative ideas. Take the event outside of the funeral home to plant a remembrance tree or establish another type of group memorial, have paint supplies on hand so that everyone can contribute to a mural, request that guests bring any photos of the deceased they may have and work together to create a one-of-a-kind collage, provide meaningful trinkets to hand out to attendees so they can take a little bit of the service home with them - there are so many options that can hold personal significance!

Contact Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home Inc. today for assistance with planning personalized funeral arrangements in Amherst, Buffalo, Kenmore, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Williamsville, NY and the surrounding communities.