The funeral ceremony pays a final tribute to the deceased. Whether civil or religious, funerals are always a difficult time for families.
Each person is unique, but when paying tribute to the deceased, it is not always easy to plan the best funeral programs. Adding a personalization will help you here. There are many possibilities, like choosing the right type of ceremony, including music or reading a speech, and much more.
To enlighten you and help you achieve a personalized tribute, we invite you to discover our advice below.
Think Of The Funeral Ceremony: Procedure And Personalization
Our society is evolving, and the funeral profession is no exception to these evolutions. Today, funeral professionals have created some new farewell rituals to include in the funeral program. However, to imply these, the commitment of family organizing the ceremony is essential. So, talk to the organizers if you wish to use the new rituals.
In order to pay a final tribute to the deceased, you have the choice between organizing a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony. This decision must be taken following the wishes of the deceased.
Religious Ceremony
A religious ceremony takes place in a place of worship ( church, chapel, temple, etc.). Depending on your beliefs and those of the deceased, the funeral ceremony can be a blessing or a mass.
During the religious tribute, the family will have the opportunity to speak to pay a final tribute to the deceased. The family can also request the presence of a choir or a musician. At the end of the ceremony, the family is invited to follow the funeral procession to the crematorium or the place of burial.
Civil or Secular Ceremony
A civil ceremony takes place in a place called “secular.” Most often, it is a private ceremony room belonging to a funeral home or crematorium. As part of a civil tribute, the family’s cooperation is essential for an auspicious ceremony. A civil service breaks down into several stages between the moment of meditation on a musical background and speaking.
How To Personalize The Homage Paid To The Deceased?
In addition to the choice of texts and music, you can also consider other moments to personalize the ceremony, like writing a speech. However, finding the right words to describe the life of a loved one is not always easy. This is why we advise you to follow these tips:
Structure Your Speech
Start by making a plan for your speech. This will help you structure your speech and prioritize your thoughts. At these times, remember that there are no good or bad speeches. Just speak with your heart. Use short and simple sentences. We advise you to be as concise as possible in your remarks. Keep it simple and respectful.
Tell A Story Through An Anecdote Or A Memory
Tell one or more memories that are meaningful to you. When you read your speech, don’t be afraid to laugh or smile. This is probably the most beautiful tribute you could pay the departed soul.
Request The Presence Of A Musician
“Music soothes the soul.” This well-known proverb is all the more true at the time of the funeral. That is why a high-quality funeral program now includes music. The presence of a musician or singer softens the atmosphere for a few moments. Plus, it also brings a special dimension to the tribute paid to the deceased.
Customize The Last Gesture
At the crematorium or the cemetery, you will be invited to pass one last time before the coffin of the deceased. It is a difficult moment since this moment is of final separation. This is why we recommend that you give meaning to this moment by creating a personalized ritual. Put some flower petals or an object that the deceased loved. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your master of ceremonies so that he can make arrangements on this subject.
Lastly – Choose A Personalized Text For A Funeral
If you don’t want to write a speech, you can choose to read a text. There are many texts that allow you to express the penalty related to the loss of a loved one. The themes tackled generally refer to the afterlife or hope. If you do not feel able to speak during the funeral ceremony, you can ask the master of ceremonies to read one or more texts on your behalf.