One way of personalizing a funeral is to incorporate the unique qualities and personality of the deceased into the various elements of the service. These may include the visitation, ceremony at the church or chapel, procession or committal service.
During the funeral planning process, consider the deceased's hobbies, accomplishments, passions or activities that characterize his or her unique life.
Displaying the deceased's personal possessions, memorabilia or articles used in a hobby or pastime is becoming a very popular way of personalizing the visitation period. The following examples illustrate some of the wonderful things families have done to remember and honour their loved ones.

Theme funerals are a more comprehensive focus on aspect of the deceased's life. Families are increasingly choosing to celebrate their loved one's lives through lifestyle displays. Click here for more information about Theme Funerals.

The eulogy can be the most personal and memorable part of a funeral service. A close friend, family member of clergy, may deliver it. Sometimes several people may be asked to share their memories. Click here for more information about eulogies.

Write a personalized obituary or expand the funeral notice to include information about the deceased.

Choose clothing for the deceased to reflect his or her life, interests or career. The clothing need not be formal.

Personalize the casket spray by incorporating special items into the floral pattern such as stuffed animals, emblems, ribbons, pictures, et cetera. Bring in freshly cut flowers from your own garden. Choose the type and colour of flowers the deceased liked. For more information about how flowers are used to help mourn the loss of a loved one, click here .

Ask children or grandchildren to write a letter or draw a picture to be placed in the casket. Older children can serve as pallbearers, while younger children can serve as bearers carrying military medals, hat, et cetera.

If the deceased enjoyed music, play it during the visitation period, at graveside or during the reception after the service. Select special hymns or musical instruments to be sung or played during the church or chapel service. All types of music are acceptable.

Personalize a casket or urn. There are many features available, including cap panels and distinctive hand-painted corners for caskets with outdoor, spiritual, military or family themes. Customized engraving on caskets and urn is another feature offered. Most urns may be personalized by engraving a loved one's name, picture or a scene that would have special meaning to the deceased.

Create a column in the guest book for people to jot down a memory after they sign the book.

Have relatives, friends or family serve as pallbearers. If the deceased was a member of a fraternal organization, a veteran or served in the community as a firefighter, police officer or another capacity, ask fellow colleagues or members of these organization to serve as pallbearers.

Create a personalized grave market by including a picture, special scene, phrase or verse that defines the deceased.

Create a personalized program bulletin for the funeral service. In addition to the order of service it can include a favorite poem, picture, short tribute. Some families include a copy of the funeral notice.

Instead of a eulogy, you might choose to print a leaflet with a picture and tribute to be circulated during the period of visitation or funeral service.

Personalize the funeral procession from the church to graveside. Include special vehicles that may have been used by the deceased as part of his or her job or favorite activity.

The internet has added a new dimension to how a loved one can be remembered. Families can now create on-line memorial tributes in perpituity, visit virtual cemeteries or even see their grandmother's funeral live on the net, the possibilities are endless.