Personalizing Your Service

Incorporating your loved one's interests into their funeral or memorial service can make the tribute very special. Here are some examples of how you can tailor the occasion:

• A family can request a bagpiper, or have doves released at the funeral ceremony or graveside service.
• The visitation for an avid stamp collector could include a display of collection books or individual stamps.
• An avid Harley rider could have his or her bike brought into the visitation room with riding gear placed around it.   If requested, a motorcycle hearse could be used for the procession to the cemetery.
• At the service of a car collector, a favorite Corvette or car could be parked at the funeral home entrance.
• To remember someone who loved knitting or crocheting, cover tables with doilies or drape afghans over the backs and arms of sofas and chairs in the visitation room.  Also consider draping an afghan or quilt over the foot of the casket in lieu of a floral spray.
• For a book lover, a display of favorite novels gives the room the feel of a cozy library.
• For the much admired cook, his or her favorite recipe could be handed out as a take-home memento.
• A gardener could be surrounded by favorite flowers and plants, with seeds for a favorite flower given out as take home gifts.