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How to Personalise a Funeral

Find out how to honour your loved one with a personal touch.

How to Personalise a Funeral

Gone are the days of the traditional sombre funeral. These days, more and more people are embracing funerals as a way to celebrate the life of someone special.
 

A funeral service is an important ceremony that honours the life of our loved one and the loss we feel, but how we can choose to do this differs in an infinite number of ways.

Arranging a funeral can feel like a daunting task in the first place, as for most people it is a task they may only do once or twice in their entire lives.

Not only might you be dealing with intense emotions at this time, but you are likely to be feeling pressure to not only respect the wishes of the deceased, but to also best honour the feelings of the living, who are also in mourning.

While the idea of personalising a funeral might seem like it would cause additional stress during what is an emotional and time-sensitive period, many families find it to be one of the most comforting elements of the funeral, and the planning process.

While also providing opportunities for family involvement and healing, personalising a funeral allows you to celebrate your loved one and remember them for exactly who they were.

Start with the Practical Elements

Arranging a funeral can be challenging task for anyone to deal with, which is why Tobin Brothers aims to provide families with the highest level of service and care throughout the process.

If your loved one had a funeral plan or made their wishes known, it can take a lot of the stress out of making decisions for the funeral service and their committal. 

Some families might have religious rites, cultural customs or long-standing traditions that will also provide direction as to what elements are included in the funeral service.

Others may have experienced a sudden loss or might be organising a funeral for someone who didn’t make their plans known, was estranged, or the family simply want to add their own touches to the service to honour the loved one.

We mustn’t forget that the funeral is as much about the living, as it is about the deceased, and it is important their feelings are respected also.

In any case, whether some plans have been made or none at all, there are many ways to personalise the funeral service in order to honour your loved one and all those who loved them.

The best place to start is during your arrangement, once you have confirmed the date, locations, and the time of the service, as well as logistics and practical matters.

Once you have decided on burial or cremation and have the outline of the service in place, you are then able to look at what aspects you’d like to personalise about the funeral ceremony and how.

 

Coffin/Casket Choice

The choice of coffin or casket will come down to a number of factors, and while some of these will be more practical in nature, the type of coffin or casket you choose is an important element of personalisation.

The coffin or casket you choose will long be associated with your final memories of your loved one, as it serves as their final place of rest and can help to set the tone for the funeral.

The various styles, materials, and designs of coffins and caskets allow you to choose the most fitting for your loved one. There are options available whether you would like a classic, more traditional style, or something more contemporary.

For those looking to to take personalisation a step further, our Celebrated Moments coffins feature a customisable vinyl wrap, which brings a truly unique element to the coffin.

There are families who wish to decorate the coffin themselves or have decorating the coffin as a part of the service, which can be a very touching tribute indeed.

It’s wise in this instance to discuss with your funeral planner about which coffins or caskets are most suitable for this purpose as some finishes are more suitable than others for decorating.

Of course, the coffin or casket you choose will need to also need to fit in with the type of service you are having, the committal type, and your budget, but with so many different options to choose from, you’re certainly not limited.

Memories and Tributes

Our Memories and Tributes team is made up of a number of highly skilled graphic design specialists who create a range of audio-visual presentations and printed materials for funeral services.

Printed materials offer a poignant and personalised way to honour a loved one during their funeral, and does an audio-visual presentation.

From custom-designed orders of service, liturgy books, and thank you cards to framed photographs and keepsake bookmarks, these printed materials can encapsulate cherished memories, celebrate the individual’s life, and provide comfort to grieving family and friends.

Incorporating favourite quotes, photos, anecdotes, and meaningful passages can add a deeply personal touch to these items, allowing mourners to reminisce, reflect, and find solace amidst their grief.

Whether it’s a heartfelt message in a program, a touching photo montage, or a thoughtful keepsake distributed to attendees, printed materials serve as tangible reminders of the unique life and enduring legacy of the departed, ensuring they are remembered with love and reverence.

Vehicles

Motor enthusiast, auto aficionado or rev head, vehicles play a major role in our lives and can play a touching part in personalising a funeral beyond their practical use.

Funeral vehicles offer a unique opportunity to personalise the funeral procession and pay tribute to the individual in a memorable way.

Opting for a Harley Hearse, for example, can reflect the free-spirited nature or love for motorcycles of the deceased, infusing the procession with a sense of adventure and individuality.

On the other hand, choosing the Family Funeral Coach allows loved ones to travel together, fostering a sense of unity and support during a difficult time.

The Dodge Hearse, with its classic and dignified appearance, can evoke a sense of tradition and respect, honouring the departed with timeless elegance.

We are also able to organise vehicles beyond those in our fleet, and have conducted many funerals featuring a vast range of transport options, including trains, boats, buses, trucks, and more!

By selecting a funeral vehicle that resonates with the individual’s life and legacy, mourners can create a meaningful and memorable procession that honours their loved one with dignity and their own distinct symbolism.

Food fit for a Farewell

Food plays such an integral role in our lives, and whether they were a seasoned cook, a passionate foodie, or simply had a trademark treat they were known to love, food can be a fantastic way to honour a loved one.

Organising catering for the funeral which features a selection of finger food from their home country can bring fond memories to loved ones after the service.

Incorporating the deceased’s favourite dishes or recipes can evoke fond memories and celebrate their culinary preferences.

You could also consider placing their favourite snack or drink in their coffin or casket, but you’ll need to check with your Funeral Planner first as there may be limitations, particularly if they are being cremated.

Opting for personalised catering choices can add a meaningful touch to the funeral gathering, and it’s not just the deceased’s tastes that should be considered. The dietary needs and preferences of mourners should be taken into consideration to the best of your ability in order to foster a sense of inclusivity and compassion.

By personalising funeral food and catering options, families can create a nurturing environment where memories are shared, connections are strengthened, and loved ones are honoured with love and care.

We'll help you make it happen

It seems we are constantly finding new ways to honour loved ones, be it by highlighting their personality and quirks, or honouring their beliefs, lifestyle, or beloved occupation.

At Tobin Brothers Funerals, our staff have experience in arranging and conducting a wide range of funerals.

Whilst we have outlined below a number of ways you can personalise a funeral service, we always invite creative ideas and challenges.

If you have something in mind that we haven’t mentioned, please reach out to our Funeral Advice Line or your Funeral Planner.

If its legal, it’s possible and we’ll help you to make it happen.

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Tobin Brothers Funerals

Celebrating Lives Since 1934

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Founded in 1934

The first funeral conducted by Tobin Brothers Funerals was for Ena Margaret Price in 1934. In its first year, the company conducted 53 funerals and after the payment of creditors and the collection of debts, it made a modest profit.