Here are some ideas to help you add a personal touch to the memorial service of your much-loved family member or friend, creating a celebration of their live that those attending will always remember.
| Memory | Create a board with post-it notes and pens for guests to share special memories and moments. |
| Story | Provide a box with small cards to drop in a personal story or inspiring anecdote from their life. |
| Plant | Give each guest a small plant or packet of seeds they can plant in memory of an avid gardener. |
| Song | One daughter played her Dad’s favourite song ‘Sweet Caroline’ at his funeral – very moving and powerful. |
| Poem | Read out a favourite poem or poet in the service or include in the order of service booklet. |
| Wrap | You can personalise the coffin with a themed wrap from animals, nature and surf to the Australian flag. |
| Performance | For creative art lovers, consider having someone sing or dance at their memorial service. |
| Feast | You may like to include their favourite food at the after gathering, e.g. pizza, seafood or an Aussie BBQ. |
| Dress code | Invite guests to dress in the favourite colour of your loved one or even vibrant colours, as was the request of three young girls for their mum’s memorial service. |
| Photo | Ask guests to bring a copy of their favourite photo of your loved one and create a photo board. |
| Legacy | Consider making a donation to their charity of choice as an alternative to sending flowers. |
| Star | Buy and name a star for them, a gift that will be recorded in the Australian Star Registry. |
| Recipe | Share a favourite recipe they loved to cook on a recipe card for all the guests in the order of service. |
| Keepsake | Purchase an item that can be signed by all guests (e.g. teddy bear) and retained as a keepsake of the day |
| Artwork | Print a copy of their work on card for all guests who attend the memorial service. |