My story about Hank and Cheek gave me an idea. While I was working as an event designer, I designed funerals for sophisticated clients.

I wish to share some insights in making the funeral events more unique and memorable. We may not like to talk about it but the family is often at lost when it comes to organizing a funeral.

Contrary to the wedding industry, the funeral events typically lack style. The funeral industry has evolved but it is still not stylish and the choices are very limited. That is why families hired me.

I was responsible to design the funeral theme, source more sophisticated supplies and decorate the room. I was also supervising the event to make every details where handle property. You could say that I did the job of a wedding planner but for a funeral. Unlike a wedding, everything must be done in a matter of a few days. So it is best to learn the basics before you need to.

Celebrating Life Not Death

The best funerals are the ones that celebrate the life of the deceased. A funeral is a time to say adieu but also to remember someone.

Since it is a time of sorrow, why not distribute custom handkerchiefs at a funeral? I would not go with the person picture; I think it would feel weird. It would be proper to use a cheerful illustration as long as it speaks about the deceased. I did it before. Even conservative people commented the family by how great the thank you card and the festivities were. Look at your pictures for a source of inspiration.

Personalize the Ceremony and Celebrations

From my experiences, the immediate family gets more comfort when we remembered what the departed did in his/her life. Forgo the cliché mountain, lake and sky pictures. Print instead something that symbolizes a passion, a life philosophy or a point of character. This also goes for the memorial bookmarks. Be creative, you want people to share a nice memory about the deceased.

Custom handkerchiefs would make a tasteful and useful thank you gift at a wake. You can still send a memorial Thank you card with a personal note later on. I do not know if Hank and Cheef can deliver in short notice for the wake. This is the main issue when you plan for a funeral.

Delay the Event

Having a beautiful, personalized funeral takes times. I encourage if the body is not exposed to delay by a few days to one week the funeral. Opt for less busy time. Monday is ideal. You get a more dedicated service from the funeral home and people from out of town can still attend. If the late was still working, more coworkers will show up. A ceremony Saturday afternoon at 2 pm is the worst; everything is rushed.

Categories: OFF topics  BIG events