A little extra effort can make a funeral much more personal. Here are a few suggestions you may find helpful.

Place personal items inside the coffin – photos, letters, drawings, etc.

Organise for your loved one’s favourite music to be played – this can be a recording or a live performance – from flute to bagpipes.

Place a photo of your loved one on the coffin for the service or make up a display board with photos and other memories to have on display in the foyer.

Place personal items on the coffin for the service – from a favourite fishing hat to a much-loved painting, it will add to the atmosphere.

Involve family and friends – they could deliver the eulogy, read religious passages, or perhaps a suitable poem.

Arrange for clubs or organisations to attend, perhaps forming a guard of honour.

Arrange for family/friends (women can be included) to act as carriers.