How do I make the service extra special? What can I do that is "outside the box"?

The passing of a loved one is an emotional and mental occurrence that few are totally prepared for. The choices that need to be made with regards to funeral homes, churches, cemeteries and even the proper clothing and etiquette for a funeral and memorial service can completely overshadow the death of your loved one. There are a number of unique ways and ideas that can be explored when it comes to honoring and remembering those that have passed. If you are planning a non-traditional ceremony the sky can be the limit and you can find a way to not only pay tribute to the life and love of the family member you are saying good-bye to but also celebrate the life that they lived.

A funeral is traditionally a somber experience and one that is filled with eulogies, poems, traditional church music and can be burdensome for a family to go through. Nowadays, you are finding that many are choosing to honor their loved ones in part by celebrating the life that they lived. One woman arranged her services to be a four part event under tents. In the first tent a wine tasting was held of her favorite wines and playing in the background was a recording of some of her favorite music. In another tent were personalized cards where friends could write personal messages to the family left behind. There was a tent where the woman had recorded a dvd and left personal messages to several of her family and friends. This unique idea has inspired many to think outside the box when it comes to honoring and remembering a deceased family member.

When making arrangements for your funeral service you have many choices to make from the casket or urn that you prefer to the eulogy to expressions of your loved one that can be handed out. When you are going through the grief process it can be difficult to find the right expressions of joy and devotion that you’d like to leave your guests with. One personalized way of making your service special is to choose a cremation urn or casket that allows you to personalize the interior of the vessel. This can be done in a variety of manners and allows you to lay your loved one to rest in a personal and expressive manner. You can choose to have a video or dvd of some spliced together moments of your loved one played at the funeral or memorial service. Selecting a small cremation pendant in honor of your loved one or for the pall bearers in memory of the deceased is a wonderful and touching way to share in the continued love and dedication.

Making a funeral service personal and intimate is forefront on the minds of many that are planning services for their loved one and it is important to take your ideas to the funeral director. Many are willing to work with you and assist you with saying your good-byes and truly celebrating in the life of the loved one that has passed.