Funeral Readings and Poems

Guide to Readings and Poems for Funeral Ceremonies

Whether you’re planning in advance or looking for the proper tribute for a loved one, here you will find suggested readings for numerous occasions and in a variety of forms and styles. A memorial reading can be chosen because it was a favorite, triggers memories of the deceased, pays tribute or helps family and friends communicate emotions.


Funeral Songs

Selecting Funeral Songs for Ceremonies

At any event, music sets a mood, encourages emotion and welcomes guests. A funeral is no different. During a funeral, music provides a background that invites mourners to mingle and comfort each other. Ideally, musical selections should:


PLanning ahead for a funeral

Why Should You Plan Ahead for a Funeral?

Funerals — Planning Ahead has Advantages Funeral Homes, cemeteries and other funeral service companies can help you arrange a funeral at any time -- even before there has been a death.


Funeral Resources

Looking For More Funeral - Related Information? If you need more information on funeral planning, grief, customs, or other funeral-related issues, you can find more information in books, organizations and on other websites. We are happy to offer various sources of useful information organized in the following categories



Create Meaningful Ceremonies

Celebration of Life: Planning Guide & Ideas

When someone dies, we want the chance to say goodbye, honor their memory, and find meaning in the loss. A celebration of life ceremony helps with all of this — but instead of following a traditional, somber format, it focuses on the joy and personality of the person being remembered. Here you'll find resources for planning every part of a celebration of life, from the ceremony itself to the personal touches — music, readings, food, and stories — that make it feel true to the person you're honoring. Whether you're picturing a traditional service, a lively gathering, or something in between, these guides will help you plan with both compassion and creativity.


How to Make Funeral Arrangements: A Step-by-Step Guide

What To Do When Someone Dies Here you can learn what to do if a friend or loved one has just died or if death is expected sometime soon. The following guides will take you through the steps of arranging a funeral from making the first call when someone dies to the various arrangements to be made following the funeral.


Episcopal Funeral Service Rituals

As in other Christian faiths, funeral services are held in a church or funeral home. Guests may sit where they choose and are not expected to view the body. A priest leads the service and sometimes includes a Bible lesson as part of the program.


Funerals 101: Everything You Need to Know

Guide to Funeral Products, Services, and Providers Here you'll find comprehensive, unbiased information about funerals. It's where you can learn what you need to know to make smart choices in planning funerals, purchasing funeral products, and supporting friends in grief.


New Survey Shows Most People Don’t Plan to Die

Chicago, IL, May 17, 2010 – How much do consumers really know about funeral planning? According to Funeralwise.com, not enough. That’s the conclusion suggested by a fascinating new study released this week that shows consumers are reluctant to pre-plan funerals or express their final wishes.


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