What instructions for the mourners of your funeral can help you to leave a personal touch on your funeral?
Everything about the mourners invited or not invited to your funeral speaks volumes about you and your relationship with them.
As this is your final get together, just like an invitation to a party, they may appreciate a little help with the dress code and what to bring. It sets the mood and tone. Would the traditional black dress fit the bill or something a little outrageous? Flowers or donations?
When planning your own funeral it’s certainly worth a little thought and something they can remember you by.
Who is this guide for?
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1.5 mins
Instructions for the mourners at your funeral.
How to choose the dress code for the mourners at your funeral
You might want to factor in that different generations have different ideas about what a funeral should be, and leave it open to choice. That way, anyone who wants to attend in traditional black can do so without feeling uncomfortable, while those who prefer to dress smartly (or not!) can do their own thing.
Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Themed funerals are growing in popularity. You could reflect some aspect of your life, whether that’s your favourite colour, a cause that meant a lot to you (e.g. pink for its associations with breast cancer awareness), or a theme you’ve devised to go out on an unforgettable note.
What about a Star Wars theme for a funeral? You can have the last laugh and request that the funeral staff also honour your sartorial directions, which could mean dressing up as Darth Vader. Or you could ask them to wear pink wellies to your woodland funeral or yellow bow ties - or both!
Let your imagination run wild: vintage clothes, 1920s, historical and Marvel comic hero costumes …
There is no right or wrong answer here, only personal preference. Just be sure that everyone knows the dress code in advance so that no one is entirely surprised when your best friend turns up in fancy dress.
Who to invite to your funeral?
Who is on your guest list?
You can have your say who is at the service and who is invited afterwards for refreshments. It could be an open invitation, or you might want to keep one or two at the gates!
Funeral flowers or charitable donations?
Example of a living wreath
Do you have a preference for flowers? If so, which flowers, what colour? Would you like flowers from family only?
If a greener funeral is your preferred way to go, you could ask the mourners to bring along a potted plant or living wreath and everyone could take a pot home at the end of the day.
Maybe you’d prefer charitable donations to a cause you supported?
You could offer a choice of both flower power and good causes. The choice is all yours.
Useful RESOURCES
How to make a living wreath
For a greener way to go
Directory of UK charities
Who will you leave a gift to?
