When planning a funeral service for a deceased loved one, it's important to personalize the service. Not only does this honor the unique life of the deceased, but it will also help friends and family who attend the funeral to feel closer to your loved one and to have a sense of closure. Here are a few ways you can honor your departed loved one's individual personality.

How to Personalize a Funeral

1. Videos

A video or slideshow of your loved one's life will evoke cherished memories of their time with family and friends. Ask around for photos and videos which you or a professional can edit together into a memorial film.

2. Crafts & Collections

If your loved one had a hobby such as knitting, woodworking, painting, or sculpture, some of their work should be put on display at their funeral to remind attendees of their creativity. If they had a particular interest in collecting, display some of their favorite pieces.

3. Music & Poetry

It's traditional to have music and readings at a funeral. Choose songs and poems that were special and meaningful to your loved one, or that friends and family will associate with them.

4. Charity

If your loved one was involved in charitable work or cared strongly about a particular cause, consider asking for donations in their honor. It's becoming more and more common to ask for charitable contributions in lieu of flowers, as this can leave a lasting mark on the world that your loved one would have appreciated.

5. Memorials

After the funeral, it can be comforting to have a lasting monument to the deceased which you and your family can visit. It doesn't have to be anything costly; a tree or flowering shrub planted in their honor is enough.

For help creating a meaningful funeral to honor the memory of your loved one, choose Porto Funeral Homes. For over 75 years, this family-run funeral home has served the New Haven County, CT, community, providing help and comfort during times of loss and providing ways to honor the deceased. For help making funeral arrangements, call (203) 467-3000 for East Haven or reach out online. To reach their West Haven location, call (203) 934-5000.