A Guide to a Meaningful Funeral Program

A funeral program is one of those heartfelt keepsakes that lets friends and family cherish and remember a loved one. This simple piece of paper turns into a memento that provides comfort and connection long after the service is over.

A funeral program, often called an order of service or pamphlet, is more than just paper. It outlines the service, shares memorable quotes, poems, and photos, and helps guide attendees through the event. This cherished memento can be personalized to reflect the unique spirit of your loved one. It’s customary to hand out programs as attendees arrive or to leave one on each seat, but there's no pressure if it doesn’t fit your style of service.

Designing a funeral program starts with understanding its structure and content. Traditional services might include things like a music prelude, scripture readings, prayers, and eulogies. Non-traditional services could feature open mic tributes, informal gatherings, and moments of silence. The goal is to honor your loved one in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Funeral Program

Cover Page: The cover page is the first thing people see. It typically includes the person’s name, birth and death dates, and a meaningful photo or collage. You might also add a program title or theme and an inspirational quote or saying.

Inside Pages (if any): Open the program to the main section, which outlines the order of service. This part contains details like the eulogies, music details, readings, photos, and more. It’s helpful to list the names of those participating in the service to acknowledge their contributions.

Back Page: The back of the program can include additional details like acknowledgements, thank you messages, and information about post-service gatherings or receptions. It’s also a place to share any extra quotes or personal messages. Some families choose to share a donation request here.

Personalizing the program can make it a more fitting tribute. Consider these elements:

Color and Design: Pick colors and design themes that resonate with your loved one’s personality or your family’s traditions. Floral designs, nature motifs, or specific color schemes can add a meaningful touch.

Tone: The language and tone should reflect the mood of the service. If your loved one had a great sense of humor, an upbeat tone or a witty quote might be perfect. For a more solemn or traditional service, a formal tone can be used.

Type Styles: The fonts and styles of type can set the tone of the program. Elegant script fonts might be suitable for a formal service, while clean, modern fonts can create a contemporary feel.

Photos: Including photos is a powerful way to honor your loved one. A cover photo and additional images throughout the program can show different life stages, like childhood, family life, and professional achievements.

Printing - Make sure to discuss the timeline to have the programs ready in time for the service!!

Caleb Wilde - Confessions of a Funeral Director

The Glam Reaper, Jennifer sitting down with Caleb Wilde over a 3 part video - Caleb is a sixth-generation funeral director and the conversation delves into cultural sensitivity in America, funeral planning and he discusses his upbringing and familial influences that propelled him into this profession. 

PART 1

PART 2

FINALE

Tune in to hear first hand from the man himself some confessions of a funeral director!

The Rise of Virtual Funerals: Navigating Loss in the Digital Age

 

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Mandy Benoualid, co-founder of TalkDeath and Keeper. Mandy shares her journey of recognizing a need for educational content in the death care industry, which led to the creation of TalkDeath and their online memorial provider company Keeper. Jennifer and Mandy conversed about the impact of social media on death and grieving, normalizing conversations around death. They touch upon their social media presence across various platforms and their strategies for engaging with their audience. They talk about the almost mandatory live streaming that is a growing trend in the funeral space. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of unconventional approaches to death and grieving, along with the impact of social media on the funeral industry! Key Topics: -Crafting Heartfelt Online Memorials -Saying Goodbye in the Digital Age -Streamlining Farewell Services Online -Different Perspectives on Death and Healing Quotes From The Episode: It's not just black and white ….. It's also talking about who actually has access to a good death. - Mandy Benoualid I think at the end of the day, what anybody in this space on social media is trying to do is have the community talk about it, like literally talk about death. - Jennifer Muldowney Connect with Mandy Benoualin: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mandy-benoualid Website - https://www.talkdeath.com/ Instagram -   / talkdeathdaily   Twitter -   / talkdeathdaily  

Breaking the Silence: Understanding Modern Loss

 

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Rebecca Soffer, Co-founder and CEO of Modern Loss. Rebecca opens up about her personal journey as a grief coach and author, sharing how Modern Loss has become a beacon of solace for countless individuals navigating the tumultuous seas of bereavement. Rebecca also emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and feel understood and Jennifer states the value of providing solace to those grappling with loss, underscoring the universal nature of grief and the need for greater societal understanding and support. Tune in now as we navigate the depths of grief and loss with Rebecca Soffer! Key Topics: -Starting the profound journey through sorrow and grief. -Creating strong connections amid modern experiences of sadness and loss. -Obliterating Stigma Around Grief -Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing -Importance of Being Heard in Grief Quotes From The Episode: There is no fix for grief, there is no fix for loss. - Rebecca Soffer We don't necessarily need somebody to solve all our problems, we just need to be seen, and heard, And that's it. - Jennifer Muldowney Connect with Rebecca Soffer Instagram -   / rebeccasoffer   LinkedIn -   / rebeccasoffer   Twitter - https://twitter.com/rebeccasoffer?lan... Website - https://modernloss.com/the-modern-los...

Because Saying Goodbye Should Be as Unique as Your Favorite Pair of Shoes

Louboutin.com

Welcome to Wake 2.0, where we blend the best of the old with a dash of the new, creating memorial experiences that are as unique and vibrant as the lives we celebrate.
You know, traditional Irish wakes have been around for centuries, and there’s a good reason for that. According to a fascinating study by Ulster University, these customs are pretty effective at helping folks cope with grief. The study found that only 10.9% of grieving people in Ireland experienced prolonged grief disorder (PGD), compared to a whopping 15.3% in the UK. The secret sauce? The communal nature of Irish wakes, where the whole community rallies together in support. 

What is Wake 2.0?
Wake 2.0 is our way of taking the cherished traditions of the Irish wake and giving them a modern, personalized twist. Think of it as a chic upgrade, like swapping out your old sneakers for a pair of Louboutins. 

Personalized Memorial Spaces: Gone are the days of cookie-cutter services. We create bespoke memorial spaces that reflect the personality and passions of your loved one. Whether they were a world traveller, an avid gardener, or fashionista, we’ll make sure their essence shines through.

• Digital Legacy: Our digital memorials allow family and friends to share stories, photos, and videos online, creating a virtual scrapbook of memories that lasts forever. It’s like Instagram, but for the heart.
• Sustainable Practices: For those who want to leave a lighter footprint on the earth, we offer eco-friendly options. Think biodegradable urns, green burials, and sustainable materials. Mother Earth will thank you!
• Food and Beverage: Sharing grief and mourning a loss while celebrating a life with favorite foods and beverages of the deceased is another way we bring the old customs of the Irish Wake into the modern day. The sharing of food and drink fosters a sense of community and solidarity still to this day.

At Muldowney Memorials, we believe that saying goodbye shouldn’t be a hushed whisper—it should be a rallying cry of love, laughter, and shared memories. Our wakes are still a time for family, friends, and the community to come together, but we’ve added a few extra touches to make the experience even more special.

Imagine a space filled with personal mementoes, vibrant photos, and digital screens playing videos of your loved one’s greatest moments. Picture a gathering where stories are shared, tears are shed, and laughter rings out over a delicious spread of food and drinks. And yes, we still embrace the beautiful tradition of the open coffin, allowing everyone to say their personal goodbyes in a way that feels right for them.

Remember, every farewell is unique—just like every heartbeat. At Muldowney Memorials, we’re here to ensure that your goodbye is as unforgettable as the life you’re celebrating. So, let’s raise a glass (or a cup of tea) to the ones we’ve loved and lost, and embrace the future of farewells with open arms and open hearts.

Parenthood and The Modern Funeral Director, the story of Little Miss Funeral

 

APPLE podcast

Spotify

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer welcomes Lauren Leroy, a Licensed Funeral Director and the creative mind behind the blog and YouTube channel "Little Miss Funeral." 

Lauren opens up about the inspiration behind her online platform and how it became a safe space for sharing her journey in the funeral industry.

Lauren talked about her decision to prioritize her role as a parent over her career as she explored the delicate balance between family obligations and professional pursuits.

Don't miss out on this episode as Jennifer and Lauren discuss prioritizing family over career obligations and the impact that can have on your career and your mental health within the death space. Tune in now!

Quotes  From The Episode: 

I just think that it's very difficult to be a devoted funeral director and a present parent at the same time.

- Lauren Leroy

I can sleep at night knowing I gave that family all that I could in whatever way I could.

- Jennifer Muldowney

The Art of Ritual: Finding Solace and Connection in Personal Ceremonies with Megan Sheldon.

 In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, our host Jennifer sits down with Megan Sheldon, the CEO and founder of Be Ceremonial to talk about Megan’s journey with recurrent pregnancy loss and grief, which ultimately inspired her to create the Be Ceremonial app. 

As the conversation unfolds, Megan highlights the significance of marking life's significant moments, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Jennifer. Together, they explore the innate human inclination towards ceremony, reflecting on the ways in which rituals enrich our lives and offer comfort in times of need.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that celebrates the human spirit and the transformative power of ceremony. Tune in now!

Connect with Megan Sheldon 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/megansheldon 

Website - beceremonial.com / seekingceremony.com