More than funeral music

Think about listing more than funeral music to mark your life as unique. And think about events other than the funeral that will enable you to be remembered by all those who knew you. 

Reception

The reception, or wake, is the gathering that immediately follows the funeral, usually held at a venue that can accommodate more people and provide food and drink.

Grieving will be giving way to acceptance that a life has ended.

Whereas the funeral, with the body present, is a comptemplative farewell, the reception gathering, or the wake, is where friends and relatives support and help each other to cope with the sadness and grief by sharing positive memories and highlighting the good aspects of the parted's life and achievements.

On many occasions a wake becomes a more positive party.

Consider this when listing the music to be played, the pieces to be read. It will help you 'go out on a high note'.

Celebration party list

Memorial parties that celebrate the life that has ended are becoming more popular.

If it is your life that will be celebrated, make sure it is celebrated the way you want it to be.

Instruct your executor or suitable family member to organise it. It should be at least six weeks after the funeral, so that the grieving process has moved on.

A good time for the memorial party could be the anniversary of your birth, or death.

Ensure it celebrates you the way you want to be remembered by choosing the venue, the guest list, the menu, the wine list as well as the music.

More than music

There may be more than music that you want your life to be remembered by.  So think of organising the following:

• Videos of your favourite comedy sketch(es);
• A video of your life;
• A pre-recorded message from you - almost like being present at your departure;
• Pre-recorded messages from your family and closest friends;
• A reading of a favourite poem or other piece of literature that will communicate something about the person you were and the life you lived.

A good quality video of yourself, thanking your loved ones, wishing them love in the future, highlighting some special moments in your shared lives, will be very memorable and also very moving.

How to make it happen

Go to Music and create your playlists.

Then you can store them in your Lifebox. This is your secure area which only you can open to access, edit the contents, add more content. (PH)