Planning a meaningful funeral for a loved one can be tough and overwhelming. There are a lot of details to consider and steps to take to ensure that the service serves as an appropriate tribute to their life.

This article provides a checklist to help make sure you cover all your bases and at least get the big-picture items taken care of.

Choose a Service Type 

Before you start planning the specifics of the service, you need to select a type of service.  

Common types of services include religious services, memorials, or celebrations of life. Religious services often include prayers, hymns, and scripture readings that reflect the deceased's spiritual beliefs. Memorials often take the form of an informal ceremony without religious elements, while celebrations of life focus on honoring the deceased's life.

Depending on the wishes of your loved one and the beliefs of their family and friends, any of these types of services can be meaningful. You may also want to consider incorporating elements from different types of services, such as having a religious ceremony but including a photo montage of the deceased.

Remember that you don't have to stick to one type of service. As long as a particular element is meaningful and honors the memory of your loved one, you can include it in the funeral.

Choose Music and Readings 

Music and readings can be powerful tools for remembering a loved one. They bring a sense of solemnity to the event but can also be uplifting.

Music, in particular, can stir memories and emotions, so choose pieces that are meaningful to your family and friends. You may want to include songs that were favorites of the deceased or opt for something more traditional, like a hymn or instrumental piece. 

And if the deceased was a musician or had an especially strong connection to music, consider having live performances of their favorite songs at the service. 

You may also want to choose readings from religious texts or poetry that reflect the deceased's beliefs. If some particular passages or poems remind you of the person, consider incorporating them into the service.

Even if you don't have readings planned, you need to designate someone to provide a eulogy. This is often the most meaningful part of the service, so make sure you give it some thought and choose a speaker who can capture the spirit of your loved one. 

Your speaker should have intimate knowledge of the deceased's life and can speak to their unique qualities with feeling. This is also a great opportunity to honor the deceased's memory with stories and anecdotes that illustrate who they were.

Contact funeral home services to learn more.