‘Something to remember me by’
We treasure the simplest things that remind us of loved ones. A beautiful way of giving such pleasure to your friends and family is to offer a basket of simple mementos at the funeral or life celebration.
These mementos should be small enough to be carried in the guest’s pocket or handbag, tucked away somewhere special where it will remind them of you. Small heart carvings, metal tokens, pebbles from a beach, or perhaps a small tin or packet containing your favourite seeds or a much-loved verse?
Or distribute chocolate, mints or sweets during the service, either to be eaten as they listen, or to take home for quiet enjoyment and contemplation later.
If you are planning a funeral for a gardener, how about tying small posies of Rosemary (for remembrance) in a basket for people to pick up and keep. Many small posies , or individual stems, will dry prettily and can be a moving memory gift.
Dividing your own possessions for those you leave behind can be a difficult task, not least because you do not know what they will like or have room for. But a special memento thoughtfully provided by you can be enjoyed whatever the recipient’s circumstances.
Personal Gifts
Larger memory gifts require more personal time but can have a commensurately greater impact. A musician could record tracks to be played at their funeral and then supplied to mourners. If you are good with words you could write some prose or verse, to be read at the life celebration then supplied on quality cards as a keepsake.
A growing number of businesses provide professional recording services so that you can leave a personal message on DVD, or create a biographical montage from a mixture of photos, mementos and film – or film the funeral itself.
You could even use a self-publishing service to design a memory book, incorporating the funeral Order of Service, Tributes and Eulogies as well as photographs, making a moving but highly personal memory gift.
Picking up on the widely accepted custom of providing favours to wedding guests, those organising funerals are coming to realise the value in leaving their guests with a tangible memory of the event and their special life. A little thought can go a long way in finding the perfect Funeral Favour.
Pocket Token from HolyShop
Funeral Seed Favours (Forget-me-Not seeds)
Farewell tributes (eg, Video/Book) from Sentiment
Self-publishing at Blurb