Funeral Design
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- faxion
My Dad finally succumbed to a long battle with Parkinsons and passed away peacefully in his sleep this weekend.
I have the task of designing the Order of Service and other peices for his fumeral.
I remember a recent post talking about headstone design, but any suggestions/examples of well designed material would be appreciated.
- Continuity7
I can't answer any of your question, nor give you any example.
I'm just here to give you my condolences — I'm really sorry for your loss, mate. Take the time to grieve.
- oey_oey3
My condolences as well faxion, sorry for your loss.
Wish I could help.
- milfhunter3
My Condolences..
You know you dad as no other. I think nobody can really give any better example than you. design from your heart.
- faxion3
Thanks fella's. My mind clearly isn't on spelling.
It hasn't really hit me yet, in all honesty I just feel empty. His last years were rough. I am just glad he doesn't have to suffer any more.
- I'm sorry. I think nowadays they make a collage type video which I've seen work well. Gather your old photos and make slideshow maybe??cherub
- whatthefunk4
So sorry for your loss, went through this with my Mother years ago, here's what we did after the funeral home attempted to quote us something like $4k for some photos, a one-page pamphlet, and a memorial card:
1. Sourced a photo to use for obituary and had blown up for funeral entrance photo - used same throughout
2. Self-designed a one-page funeral program and had them printed/folded at a local kinkos (photo, obituary, poem of hers, etc.)
3. Bought half a dozen easels and enlarged a bunch of photos to display at funeral entrance and elsewhere. Made some large collages of family, friends, etc.
4. Designed a small memorial card and had that printed as wellCame in well below budget and all done in a couple of days. Was a rough time, but couldn't stomach the rates they were pitching.
(Also did you know you can request to rent a casket for the service and then have loved one buried in less expensive one, had no idea but man do they take advantage of grieving families at a time when one's head couldn't be further from organizing an event like this.Anyway, so sorry for your loss - hope some of my info is helpful...heart goes out to you
- thanks wtf, I hear you about the exploitation at a vulnerable timefaxion
- hotroddy3
My deepest Condolences. It's a mixed bag of emotions from grief to relief.
My father passed away two months ago at 87. He was suffering from complications associated with covid19.I try to speak to him and I'd like to think he hears me.
- formed2
So sorry for your loss. My mother has been battling with Parkinson's for several years now. It's such a ruthless disease.
I wish I could offer help with your questions. My deepest condolences.
- trooperbill1
i had to do the same a few years back. i found a rare photo of my dad smiling. found some rose frame ullustrations, composited the photo inside, added a few more rose motifs inside and got an example from the funeral home for the order of service.
- PhanLo3
Sorry to hear that Faxion. I think there will be some templates online. But you could go with something in your own style more.
Getting good photos is a good start, ones that will make people remember who he was in his prime.
I know I designed my dad's one with my wife, but I can't remember doing it as mentally I wasn't there.
- DaveO2
Sorry for your loss. Funerals have been some of the most life affirming experiences I've had over the years, a reminder of celebrating those that have passed and indeed cherishing the days we have left.
We've had a few deaths in our family lately – my cousin and I have a template that we've been passing back and forth for the order of service – it has helped quite a lot with the other family members organise what they want to do / say. Simple piece of A4 folded, nicely laid out type, some botanical illustrations (as our lot are all gardeners) and bits of info on there.
I think we've used it 5 times now – which is of course, sad but any way we can contribute makes us feel like we're part of it, and helping.
A good photo slideshow with some music is a good one too, less print deadlines and if you have a projector, very cost effective. Also breaks up the service and you can get more music in and lift the mood (if thats what it needs vibe wise).
I really think that some well-chosen readings, speeches from a diverse range of characters and plenty of 'wake' hanging out time is what people really remember.
Good luck and godspeed.
- noneck4
Lots of good advice here.
I did this for my father-in-law a few years ago. One of the things that helped me is knowing that my own expectations for this piece far exceed anyone else's (especially what the funeral homes make for you). I commited to doing a good job on the piece, but also knowing that I wasn't in the position to make something *beautiful*. I just needed to design something appropriate.
Allow yourself permission to do less than your absolute best work. It's okay.
- Cheers noneck, I want to do him justice. The pressure is purely self inflicted.faxion