How to Bring Creativity to a Funeral Service

February 4, 2022

Start with your funeral director. When you first meet, let him or her know that you want to do something individually suited to your loved one. Ask her how she can help. Understand that many excellent funeral professionals are not necessarily creative. Even if your director is not particularly creative himself, he will usually be knowledgeable about local resources that can help you. 

You may find creativity in yourself or other family members. Begin by thinking about the one who died. What did they love? What did they do for fun? Was your person an avid reader? An avid fan? A sports player or watcher? Did she cook, bake, or quilt? What do you want the service to reflect about your loved one?

Next, consider the talents you have within your family. Do you have a musician, a reader, a storyteller, or a singer? Who can you tap to help you put together this special remembrance?

Look for ways to use your family pictures. Consider enlarging a few or creating a photo montage perhaps set to favorite music. Pictures are powerful. They stimulate memories and encourage sharing stories.

Include attendees. It’s not unheard of to ask people to wear team colors, or their favorite ski hat, or just bright colors to the funeral service. The idea is to bring everyone into celebrating the interest of the person who died. Look for opportunities to involve friends and co-workers into the service program.

Share with attendees. Share the famous cookie recipe, share the books the person who died is leaving behind, share the songs they loved, share the trips they took, share the paintings, the wood working, the golf balls, flower seeds, share the love. 

Finally, keep your funeral director in the loop as you come up with ideas. Ask for support. You will be pleasantly surprised at what your funeral director is willing to do to help you put together a service that reflects your loved one and brings comfort to your family.

www.billowfuneralhomes.com

Since 1875, The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory has been providing world-class care to the families of northeastern Ohio. Family-owned and operated, Billow’s has two full-service facilities in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls as well as a privately owned crematory. The team at Billow’s is passionate about providing unmatched care for both families and their loved ones. For more information, visit billowfuneralhomes.com.

What’s the Difference Between Entombment and Interment

February 4, 2025
There’s a lot to consider when looking for either your or your loved one’s final resting place, to the point that it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The decision only becomes more complicated when you’re met with unfamiliar vernacular. One choice you may have to make is between entombment or interment. But what exactly do those terms mean? And what’s the difference between interment and entombment?

What Are Burial Vaults and Grave Liners and Why Do I Have to Buy Them?

February 4, 2025
When saying goodbye to someone you love, you have a multitude of decisions to make. Some you might be prepared for, while other questions are new to you. One topic that many people are unfamiliar with is the concept of burial vaults and grave liners, which you may have to have in your loved one’s final resting place.

Food and Funerals: The Comfort of Sharing a Meal

February 4, 2025
Food not only nourishes the body but also comforts the soul, making it a significant part of funeral traditions. Offering food signifies care and supports the healing journey during such tough times.

Understanding Funeral Costs: A Guide to Planning with Care

January 8, 2025
When the time comes to think about funeral arrangements, one of the first questions many of us have is, "How much will it cost?" It’s natural to look for a straightforward answer during such an emotionally charged time. However, much like finding the perfect car, the cost of a funeral varies widely depending on personal choices and specific needs.

What Is the Purpose of Embalming?

January 8, 2025
Embalming can be a controversial topic. Some people are opposed to it, whether due to personal or religious reasons, but for others, embalming is an important part of starting their grief journey and getting a chance to say goodbye to the person they love.

Dressing for a Funeral: Comfort, Respect, and What to Wear

January 8, 2025
Attending a funeral is one of those things that makes everyone pause, not just because of the emotional weight, but also the big question: "What do I wear?" Let’s discuss.

Embracing Family in Funeral Planning

January 8, 2025
When it comes time to say goodbye to a loved one, the focus of the funeral often naturally falls on the family. It's the people who loved and knew the deceased best—spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and even coworkers—who come together to remember and honor their life.

Do I Have to Go to a Funeral Home to Preplan?

December 3, 2024
Preplanning a funeral often takes working with a knowledgeable funeral director who will be your guide in the planning process. But what if you can’t visit the funeral home in person? Can you still preplan your funeral?

The Different Types of Crypts in a Mausoleum

December 3, 2024
Did you know there are actually quite a few decisions to make beyond whether you choose burial or cremation? Cemeteries offer a wide variety of final resting places for you and your loved ones, but which one is right for you? When you choose a mausoleum, you still have another decision to make: Which type of crypt should you rest in?

When Someone Dies, Someone Else Feels Lonely

December 3, 2024
The loneliness that accompanies the death of someone we care about is complex and individual. For those who, for many years, woke every morning alongside a husband or wife, it is strange to open your eyes and realize you’re alone. In the early days of grief, the void that is left when a life partner dies can feel like a black hole with no way out.
More Posts