When a loved one dies, choosing to hold a funeral gives friends, relatives, and acquaintance a chance to say their final goodbyes. Having a sense of closure could also make it easier to move past grieving the loss and remembering the rich life once lived. To give the deceased a remarkable send-off they would truly appreciate, below are a few tips to create a touching tribute.

3 Ways to Make a Funeral More Memorable

1. Provide Guests With Mementos to Take Home

Although you can donate some of your loved one’s possessions to charity, make sure to keep the most sentimental objects. Small trinkets, such as jewelry, figurines, and coin collections would make great gifts to give to those they held dear. Funeral guests will associate fond memories with the loved one each time they look at the objects, allowing them to feel as if the person isn’t completely gone.

2. Fill the Food Table With the Loved One’s Favorite Fare

Usually held before the funeral service, a wake gives people who knew the deceased a chance to socialize and share their condolences with the surviving family. The events typically include food, so consider preparing dishes the deceased enjoyed. Doing so will bring to mind fond memories many guests might have of sharing meals with the person.

3. Share a Photo Display

When planning the funeral, make sure to go through old photo albums and pick out a few snapshots to share with the group. Seeing images from family vacations, holidays, and additional outings is a form of visual storytelling, providing a closer look at the individual’s life. You can ask close friends and relatives to share their pictures, too, ensuring they will get them back after the service. You can arrange all the images on a display board to make it easier for everyone to view.

If you need help honoring the memory of someone special, contact the respectful associates at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home. For over a century, families in Ontario County, NY, have looked to the funeral directors for assistance making funeral arrangements to alleviate some of the stress while grieving. To discuss how the staff will make your family member’s funeral more memorable, call the Canandaigua location at (585) 394-4280 or call (585) 657-7717 to reach the East Bloomfield branch. Representatives are available to discuss options. You can also reach out to the funeral home online for service information and Facebook for more funeral planning advice.