Tribute Checklist

Remembering the unique person who has died:
  • Publish the Obituary Notice in the local paper
  • Presentation of the coffin can be with photographs, a special book, personal belongings, e.g. medals, hat, pipe, rosary beads, etc. A flag may be draped over the coffin. Flowers or the placing of single roses 
by family members.
  • Flowers and plants are a way of decorating the location of the service. These are displays of sympathy and support by family and friends.
  • Type of service: Religious or secular?
  • Eulogy and Readings: Ask family members and friends (who are comfortable with public speaking) to give a fitting tribute or eulogy (suggest 2-5 minutes each). It is important to check with the Minister regarding the appropriate length of time, number of speakers and where it should be said in the service.
  • Organise funeral music: With the singer or the minister, as they are familiar with the funeral service. It is important to discuss the songs with the Minister as some are not in favour of certain songs/hymns being played or sung during their service.
  • A memorial slideshow is a beautiful way to showcase the life of your loved one. It can also be a great way to share condolence messages and memories of the deceased. This can be screened prior or during a funeral service, or wake, to celebrate the life of the deceased. Photographs and film footage can be combined with favourite songs and music to create a vivid and enjoyable focus for the recollection of happy memories. Alternatively, Eileen can sing or play the violin to accompany this, just let her know how long your ‘photo tribute’ will be.
    Always nominate someone to take the prepared memorial slideshow to the venue prior to the funeral day to ensure that it works with the venue’s equipment – this avoids any unexpected complications on the day.
  • Live stream the service: If significant family members or friends are unable to attend it is helpful to arrange for the service to be live-streamed. Many funeral homes and places of worship are now equipped to provide this service, but it needs to be arranged in advance, and links sent out to your loved ones. Alternatively you can arrange to record the service as a video or audio file on your digital device.
  • Delegate the role of making payments on the day for sevices, e.g. Minister, Musician, etc.

Order of Service Booklet

Front Cover

Ideally a photo of the deceased, their name, with their birth date and the date they were born into eternal life.
The location of the funeral service and the funeral date.

Body of the Booklet

This depends on the type of service. (Example for Catholic Funeral Mass)
Name of the Entrance
Hymn
Blessing of the Coffin
Opening Prayer
Eulogy can either be delivered before the First Reading or after Communion
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm (state whether it is ‘to be sung’)
Second Reading
Alleluia Verse (state whether it is ‘to be sung’)
Gospel Reading
Homily
Prayers of the Faithful
Offertory (list the hymn)
Communion (list the hymns ‘to be sung’)
Eulogy (if not already delivered)
Final Prayers
Prayer Of Commendation
Recessional Hymn
The Wedding Singer

Inside Back Cover

It is nice to acknowledge those involved with the funeral tribute, for example the speakers, the minister, the singer, etc.

Back Cover

Invitation to the final resting place, for example:
‘We warmly invite you to accompany the ‘deceased’ to their final resting place.
’
Organise the location for funeral afters/reception. Some cultures like to celebrate the person’s life by having music at the afters. Eileen is also available to sing at the wake if this is the case.
Invitation for funeral afters/reception, including the address, phone number and perhaps directions.

Funeral service planning

Advanced planning of your service will help your family immensely. It is a comfort to all concerned when you have already chosen the style of service you would like together with your musical tribute preferences.
Choose whether it is a religious or secular funeral, the style of flowers, the music you do or do not want to have played or sung. Would you like to nominate a charity for donations instead of money being spent on flowers? Plan the readings or poems you would like presented or included in the funeral brochure.
Your personal input into the ceremony will add depth and integrity to your service.
The service of ‘Planning Your Own Musical Tribute' is conducted in a one off meeting, which is comparable to creating a will. Eileen will help you set in place the details of your own future funeral. This is documented with copies to be kept with your will and with your next of kin. It can be as detailed or as simple as you wish, the goal is to remove stress, doubt and unnecessary cost during your loved ones' time of grief.