How to Sprinkle in Your Personality When You're Planning Your Funeral

It’s incredibly eerie, right? Like, thinking about your own funeral isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon. But at the same time, you know for a fact that doing this is going to help your loved ones, so they hopefully won’t be as stressed out. So, most people would rather chat about holidays or dinner plans than talk about caskets and ceremonies. Which, of course, is super understandable; no one knows what happens after death, and so planning for the end might be inevitable, but it’s still so terrifying.

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But honestly, planning ahead gives you a chance to actually make your final send-off reflect who you are. Nowadays, anyone over 50 can usually plan and even pre-pay for their funeral. It’s becoming more common for people who like to stay organised, those who want to take the stress off their family, or anyone who fancies going out in style. Basically, it’s not about being morbid. It’s about turning something inevitable into a celebration of a life lived, and adding those personal touches that make people say, “That was so them.”

Just Pick a Theme that Feels Like You

Seriously, just forget the one-size-fits-all approach. Honestly, if you’re lucky enough to plan your own funeral, why even settle for that? Like, if you adore the beach, why not ask for sand and seashells incorporated into the décor? If you were the life of the party, your funeral doesn’t have to be all hushed tones and tissues. Sure, people will still cry their eyes out, but it’s a better send-off than those templates for every funeral, right?

Like, think about playlists that reflect your taste (instead of Amazing Grace), food you actually loved, or even a dress code that tells people to ditch black in favour of something brighter. Seriously, funerals don’t have to feel like everyone is following an outdated script. They can feel personal, because they should.

Think About the Entrance and Exit

This is the moment people will always remember, so it should feel fitting. For some, it’s about keeping it traditional. And yeah, that’s fine, because you can choose your own pallbearers (since the dead usually don’t get to have a say in that).

For others, it might mean adding a twist, like choosing a unique funeral car is one way to make that moment unforgettable. For example, something motorcycle themed, or a classic-like car, can be an option rather than just the standard funeral car that the funeral home has. Besides, it sets the tone instantly. It’s the sort of detail that makes guests smile and think, “Of course they chose that.”

Write Your Own Playlist

Needless to say, music is powerful. It‘s what tells a story, creates emotion, and leaves an impression long after the service is over. Instead of leaving the decision to someone else, curate your own playlist. Sometimes, you can just make one on YouTube or Spotify, and just have the link to it in your funeral plans (or write down the list of sounds too.

For example, you don’t have to settle with Amazing Grace, and instead can request to have Spirit in the Sky play instead (which is a more upbeat goodbye song if you think about it. But overall, just pick songs that you want people to hear that they will be tied to moments with you, not just the ceremony.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post