Different Ways to Personalize Cremation Services

Planning a funeral can be a difficult and emotionally draining task. There are many choices to
make and details to tend to. It’s a very important thing to plan carefully if you want it to be a
fitting tribute to the loved one who has passed away. The best services leave you feeling as
though you learned something about the deceased that you didn’t know before. That’s why
personalizing the service is a must.

The first step is to think about the individual; what were their favorite qualities that they had,
what were their interests and hobbies, what were their greatest achievements, and who were
the important people in their lives? These things will start to give you an idea of the kind of
elements you can bring into the ceremony to make it more personal.

Sharing Memories

One of the best ways to celebrate someone’s life in a personal way is to share some meaningful
memories you have of them. Important memories are often part of the eulogy, but there are
other ways to share them with your guests. You can create a photo slideshow or have photo
albums filled with precious memories that people can look at.

You can also ask guests to share their own special memories they have. Not everyone is
comfortable with speaking publicly, so you can offer them the opportunity to send them to you in
writing. Those stories will be a special reminder of the many ways that the deceased touched
the lives of those that surrounded him or her.

Include Important Personal Items

If the deceased was an artist, bring a few works to display. If they were collectors, show some
pieces from their collection. If they had a favorite sports team, bring some mementos and sports
paraphernalia. You can even give the memorial service a theme that represents them
particularly well.

A Personalized Urn

You can choose an urn that is representative of the personality of the deceased. Models range
from traditional to sleek and modern. There are some that can even display a photo of the
deceased.

Musical Choices

Music is another great way to evoke fond memories. Songs are often remembered as the
background to significant events in one’s life. If the deceased had some favorites, be sure to
play all of those songs.

Food and Snacks

If they had a favorite treat, have some available for your guests. If you're planning to offer
refreshments, try to include some of their favorite foods and beverages.

There’s no limit to the ways that you can make the memorial service more personal. It should be
a reflection of who the person was and how they lived. If they were particularly funny, don’t
hesitate to incorporate humor into the proceedings. If they loved literature, include some
meaningful excerpts or poetry. If they had a fondness for gardening, offer seeds to your guests.

For more memorial service ideas, speak with the personal staff at New York Atlantic Funeral
Services.