Titan Casket started in 2016 as a direct-to-consumer casket seller. Their products are available on several platforms, including the Titan website, Amazon and Walmart. The Siegel family started Titan Casket in response to a dinner conversation, at a time when they were dealing with the loss of loved ones and friends.
They idea was to modernize and disrupt the funeral industry—and they’re doing a great job! Titan has disrupted the industry and we recommend Titan Casket as our favorite online casket seller.
Mission Statement
Titan Casket was founded with a singular mission: to offer designer caskets at revolutionary prices, while driving affordability and transparency in the funeral industry.
About Us: The Titan Story
“By circumventing traditional channels, designing caskets in-house, and engaging with customers directly, we’re able to provide higher-quality, better-looking caskets with more variety, built in the USA, at a fraction of the going price.
“We believe that everyone has the right to a meaningful, memorable, and personalized funeral, without breaking the bank.”(Titan Casket’s Mission)
Disclaimer: in-Valhalla has partnered with Titan Casket to help support our services.
Products & Services
Titan Casket sells metal, wood, cloth, and wicker options in 15 different colors.
Titan is an online business that specializes in manufacturing and shipping caskets. Their logistics and expertise mean they can offer prices that are much lower than you will find at funeral homes.
We have researched the options and concluded that Titan offers the best products, customer service, and easiest experience among online casket sellers. Use our research to save time, money, and energy. We are confident in Titan.
At the time of publication, Titan Casket is not registered with the Better Business Bureau. (No reason for concern, it would just be a plus.)
Titan works with Affirm to allow consumers to pay for their casket by installments.
How Much Does a Titan Casket Cost?
Titan prices are competitive with the lowest options anywhere. Standard steel caskets begin under $1,000. The Titan Era series is their most expensive line, with the Bronze Stainless Steel priced at $1,999. Their most expensive casket overall is the Rustic Oak (check the price).
Titan Care is a program offered by Titan Caskets that allows you to preplan your funeral expenses. You can use Titan Care for just the casket or the entire funeral. The process involves product selection, a no-pressure consultation, and payment. Plans range from time of purchase all the way up to 10 years or more.
It may seem strange to consider returning a casket. But it is comforting to know that the return policy is 30 days with a 30% restocking fee plus shipping. On products over $1,000, 30% can be substantial. However, the 30% charge is common across the industry.
They offer similar caskets at similar prices. However, we prefer Titan’s customer service, perspective, and simpler website and catalogue. Also, Titan offers more options for customization.
Trusted Caskets places more emphasis on ordering by phone, and have a wider selection of wooden caskets.
Best Price Caskets
BEWARE. Their license has been revoked by the Better Business Bureau for failure to response to customer complaints.
They rank really well in Google search results, which is why they are included on this list—but their website is from a long, long time ago. Their selection is extensive, and also offer a variety of urns.
They have a large selection of caskets, headstones, and burial vaults, with a focus on metal caskets.
If you are struggling to find a particular design from Titan Casket, peruse Overnight Caskets’ catalog.
FAQ
What does Titan Casket sell?
They sell caskets, of course: metal, wood, cloth, and wicker caskets in 15 different colors. They also offer cremation containers, headstones, and flowers.
How much does a Titan Caskets cost?
Their caskets range from under $700 to $2,499 at the time of writing this article. The range in prices has to do with material, customizations, and styling.
Is Titan Casket expensive?
Compared to funeral homes, definitely not. Compared to other online casket sellers, they are average to below-average. However, we like them for more than just their prices!
Is Titan Casket the best choice?
We think so. We have researched the options and feel that Titan offers the best products, customer service, and easiest experience of all the casket sellers online. Their selection is relatively small, but you can design your own casket.
Who are Titan Casket’s competitors?
Alternatives to Titan include Trusted Casket, Fast Caskets, Overnight Caskets, and Best Price Caskets. Also, you should consider your local funeral home as a competitor, though their prices will be much higher than any other retailer listed here.
Can you pay for caskets with installments?
Titan Casket allows you to pay for purchase by installments. They work with Affirm to allow consumers to make installment payments.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
When making burial arrangements for a loved one, one important step is to select a grave marker. Choosing one is not easy, but it can be a significant step towards your healing process.
In this article, we offer a guide to choosing a grave marker that will best memorialize your loved one. We discuss different types, cost, design options, and other important information to consider.
What is a Grave Marker?
A grave marker is a slab of stone or bronze the lays flush to the ground and marks the site of a grave. They might also be called lawn marker, grass marker, flush marker, or lawn-level stone.
The term ‘grave marker’ can be used to refer to any means of signifying a grave, such as a tombstone, cross, or flat markers. We will focus on flat, nearly flat, and specialty markers in this article—not headstones or tombstones.
A grave marker is usually simple in design and contains personal information such as the name, birth date, and date of death. In most cases, it also features some words or phrases meant to honor the memory of the deceased.
Families often wait for weeks or months before buying a permanent grave marker. In its place, a temporary marker is put on the grave as a place holder.
Some cemeteries have dedicated sections meant only for grave markers (not headstones). Memorial park is a term for a cemetery that only allows grave markers.
Types of Grave Markers
Grave markers generally fall into three categories:
Flat
Ledger
Specialty
Flat Grave Markers
Flat markers are flush to the ground and made of solid stone or topped with bronze. This memorial is usually placed at the head of the burial space. When it comes to size, a flat marker can either be in single, companion, or child size. These are very easy to maintain.
Ledger Grave Markers
A grave marker may be too small or not have enough freedom for details. In this case, a ledger grave marker can provide enough space for engraving words and illustrations for your loved one.
Ledger markers are flat grave markers that can cover the entire burial space. It is a thick slab of stone typically measuring 8 inches thick. Of course, they are installed after the casket is buried.
You can use a ledger grave marker with an upright headstone at the head of the grave, or simply use it alone. Ledger grave markers are also suitable for multiple burials due to their size.
Specialty markers are those with unique designs and styles. While the usual grave markers are flat and rectangular, special markers can be made in unique cut designs.
Some examples of specialty markers are memorial benches, obelisks, crosses, and angel statues. There are a lot more customizable designs for specialty markers. Giving you the freedom to choose one that would best honor the deceased.
An older grave in Purewa Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo taken by Photo by Sandy Millar.
From Jalan Makam Peneleh, Peneleh, Surabaya City, East Java, Indonesia. Photo by Kevin Yudhistira Alloni.
Grave Marker Materials
it helps to be familiar with material types when purchasing a grave marker. There is a wide range to choose from, but the most popular options are granite and bronze.
Bronze and granite are both durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean and maintain. They are also available in different colors and easy to customize. There is a wide range of options for personalization and embellishment for both choices.
Granite is an extremely resilient material which is why it has been a common choice for grave markers for centuries. Due to the integrity of the stone, it is durable, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding natural elements.
Granite markers are available in various colors and styles. They can also be finished with elegant polishes and finishes. Craftsmen can engrave almost any design on a granite grave marker.
Another suitable material for a grave marker is bronze. Bronze is an alloy mostly made of copper and contains other metals such as tin. This material is highly durable, making it a perfect choice for grave markers.
These typically feature a granite base topped with a polished bronze plaque. It is created by heating and liquifying the bronze and then shaping it in a mold that contains the design of the plaque. The marker is then applied with brown tinting.
Aside from rectangle shapes, bronze markers are also available in specially cut designs such as oval or heart shapes.
Other Materials
Alternatively, markers can also be created out of other materials such as slate, marble, and fieldstone.
These materials can look great when used as a grave marker, but they are not as durable. Relative to granite and bronze, these materials tend to deteriorate quickly—which is why cemeteries usually do not recommend these materials.
How Much Is a Grave Marker?
Prices vary depending on style and detail, but here is a general guide to price range among material. Read our guide to headstone prices to see how markers compare to other options.
Granite
The price of a granite grave marker will start around $200 and reach $1,800 for a single grave. It would cost about $600 to $2,500 for a granite marker in companion size (two graves).
These prices vary depending on the specific dimensions, color, and the amount of engraving and illustration included.
Bronze
For a bronze grave marker, it can cost around $600 to $2,500 for a single size and $1,500 to $3,000 for a companion size.
These prices also vary depending on the dimensions, color, lettering, and illustrations included.
Depending on other customizations such as the rare color of the stone, amount of lettering, symbols, illustrations, and the seller, a grave marker can cost up to $10,000 or more.
Additional Costs
Note that a grave marker, especially if purchased from a cemetery, is purchased separately from the burial site.
Grave markers are always installed by professionals and require an installation fee, which starts at around $200 to $2,000. The two main factors affecting cost varies are the size and weight of the grave marker.
Depending on where you grave marker is made, you may incur a shipping cost that will vary according to the size and weight of the marker, as well as the distance traveled.
Some sellers charge separately for engraving of name, birth date, date of death, and other additional lettering. Typical engraving usually costs around $500.
How To Choose a Grave Marker
First, find out if the cemetery permits additional designs on the grave marker. You might not be allowed to add any more details apart from the name, birthdate, date of death, and a few words. In if this is a problem, reach out to the cemetery. They will inform you of your options.
Decide where to purchase. Different retailers offer different materials, price ranges, and levels of customization. Start with your cemetery (local recommendations) to avoid shipping costs if possible. We discuss other purchase options later in the article.
Choose a size. A small grave marker will have a limited amount of space for additional designs apart from the basic details. If the grave marker is larger, such as a ledger marker, you would have more room to add illustrations, designs, and letterings.
Decide on the type, material, and size of the grave marker. If you already know which style of grave marker to choose, you can narrow down your design options. For instance, a bronze marker allows embossing. On the other hand, granite markers are etched and engraved.
Design Options and Accessories
After choosing the style for a grave marker, it is now time for the design process.
When considering a marker, it is usually best to draw from the personality, beliefs, and identity of your loved one. Think about how they would want to be remembered.
For instance, if your loved one was a nature lover, consider a design that features outdoor scenery. If your loved one was a religious person, you might choose to feature religious themes, emblems, or symbols.
There are also other entry points to get creative when planning for a grave marker. You can add words, illustrations, and symbols, as well as accessorize with a portrait and vase.
One of the most important elements on a grave marker, apart from the basic details, will be the words you choose. Epitaph and scripture are common tributes for a person’s life. Try to choose words or phrases that capture your loved one’s identity.
A good place to start for inspiration are the favorite quotes, poems, song lyrics, and Bible verses of the deceased. However, you are not limited to these options. You are free to choose what you think would be preferred by your loved one.
Get suggestions from other family members and friends or borrow from existing epitaphs and other sources. You can also create your own.
Illustrations
There is a wide range of options when it comes to choosing illustrations for the grave marker. You can add artwork, emblems, symbols, logos, and other visuals that reflect the person’s life.
Usually, the maker will have extensive options for illustrations for you to choose from. And most manufacturers provide the choice for you to design your own unique illustration for the deceased.
Examples of traditional illustrations are flowers, angels, and praying hands. You can also add images that draw from the organization or groups in which your loved one belonged to, such as military symbols, religious icons, sports logos, or others.
Photographs
Many families find it comforting to see a photo of their loved one on the grave marker. Recent advances allow for an exact replication of images on porcelain tile for a reasonable price—either in color or in black and white.
After you provide your chosen photo, the maker will replicate it permanently onto a ceramic tile. They can form it in different shapes such as oval, rectangle, heart shape, or circle. Another benefit, is that ceramic pictures are easy to install.
Make sure to provide a photo with a high resolution to ensure that the finished product will have fine details.
Vases
Some families choose to accessorize with vases to hold flowers from each visit. Usually, a flat grave marker will have a hole that accommodates a flower vase. When the vase is not in use, families can turn it upside down or lay it flush on the grave.
Vases are available in a wide range of materials and styles. The most popular types are granite, bronze, and metal.
Typically, granite vases go well with granite grave markers. The same goes for those made of bronze. The most economical option would be made of aluminum or zinc.
Where to Buy Grave Markers?
You can purchase a grave marker directly from the cemetery, funeral home, or an online monument company.
Cemetery
It is a common option for families to buy the burial plot and the grave marker at the same time directly from the cemetery. In this case, the cemetery staff will keep the family posted on all details of the grave marker including the price quote, design, and installation services.
This is a convenient option since cemeteries usually have rules about the grave markers they allow in their property. In this case, you will not have to worry about meeting their requirements and they will handle the details.
Funeral Home
Some funeral homes have selections of grave markers as well. Purchasing from a funeral home can be a good option since the funeral director will help you with the buying process and the majority of your funeral expenses will be in one place.
However, it may take a bit more time to process the order since funeral homes do not manufacture the markers themselves. They would only serve as a mediator between the family and the cemetery or other source. Usually, families buy from a funeral home when their chosen cemetery does not offer grave markers.
This can lead to increased cost.
Online Monument Company
The best option is to purchase from an online monument company or retailer. These sellers focus on providing grave markers and other memorials, and they usually have extensive options that provide the best value.
Since this is not one of those urgent decisions, shopping online can be a great choice.
You will have unlimited options and more opportunity for customization. This way you can truly arrive at a unique tribute for your loved one.
Buying online makes it easier to shop around and find the best value. Some online retailers offer free shipping and do not charge an extra fee for additional engravings.
One thing to remember, though, is that it is your responsibility to determine the rules and guidelines of the cemeteries regarding allowable material and size of the grave marker.
Take Note of Cemetery Restrictions
Some cemeteries are very particular about the type of grave marker installed in their property. They regulate the types of materials, sizes, and sometimes even the design. Some cemeteries only permit bronze markers, and some only allow granite. Each cemetery is different.
Unlike funeral homes, cemeteries are not required by law to give you a printed price list before you buy, and no federal regulations give cemetery customers the right to buy only the services and merchandise they want.
In each case, you must check the policies and guidelines of the cemetery before purchasing.
If you will buy a grave marker from an online retailer, they will often need (critical) information about the cemetery’s rules. In some cases, they will reach out to the cemetery themselves and confirm their regulations.
It will save time and make the process simpler if you are familiar with cemetery policies.
FAQ
How much is a grave marker?
It depends. Because grave markers are available in a range of materials, styles, designs, and sizes, prices vary widely. To give you a price range for popular the choices, a granite grave marker costs between $200 and $1,800 for a single size, and range from $600 to $2,500 for a companion size. For a bronze grave marker, it can cost between $600 to $2,500 for a single size and $1,500 to $3,000 for a companion size.
Can I buy a grave marker online?
Yes. You can buy a granite marker from an online monument company or retailer, instead of your funeral home and cemetery. Online sellers usually have a variety of styles and choices and offer less expensive prices than cemeteries. They make it easy to compare by prominently indicating their prices.
Can I buy any grave marker I want?
No. Before buying a grave marker, especially online, it is important that you check the rules and guidelines of the cemetery first. Most cemeteries regulate the allowable size, material, and design of the grave markers being installed on their property.
What is the difference between a grave marker and headstone?
Sometimes these two terms are used interchangeably but a grave marker generally pertains to a flat marker flush to the ground, while a headstone refers to upright monuments installed at the head of the burial space. Both grave markers and headstones have various styles and designs.
Can I add a photo to a grave marker?
Yes. Recent technology allows for the production of exact replicas of photographs onto ceramic tiles. The finished product can then be installed onto the grave marker as an accessory.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
Flowers add a comforting element to a challenging time.
One of the most important flower arrangements at a funeral is the casket spray. It is a floral display prominently displayed directly on the casket.
Choosing the perfect casket spray can be an overwhelming task. This article will help you find the most suitable spray for your loved one.
What Is A Casket Spray?
A casket spray is a floral arrangement used to decorate the top of the casket.
It can be laid across the entire casket or the unopened half of a casket.
Casket sprays are usually made of fresh greens and flowers. After the burial, it is customary to leave the casket spray on top of the gravesite.
A casket spray is typically one of the most beautiful and largest funeral floral arrangements present at a service. They add beauty and elegance to the casket, as well as a lovely fragrance to a funeral service.
Special types: a casket blanket is a piece of fabric with flowers attached that drapes over the coffin and may cascade t the floor. A casket scarf is similar but will only cover a small part of the casket and may not reach the floor.
Choosing a Casket Spray
A casket spray is usually chosen based on the tastes of the person who died.
Caskets sprays are available in a variety of styles, sizes and a wide open price range. This allows for unlimited options to best match your budget to the perfect sentiment.
When choosing a casket spray, you might begin with your loved one’s favorite flower and colors. For more inspiration, consider style. Funeral flowers can set the tone and affect the mood of the service.
Are you looking for bold and colorful, subtle and reserved, calming or whimsical? Consider the feeling you want represented and how the deceased will be remembered. Even the circumstances of the moment may effect your choice.
Other considerations include the surroundings. Consider the color and style of the casket as well as the mood and environment where the service will take place.
Lastly, seasonality can affect your final decision. Your first choice may not be available at the time. In this case the supplier can suggest similar designs.
We provide a more thorough review later in the article, but if you’re looking to buy a casket spray, Florist One is our top choice.
Traditionally, the immediate family is responsible for ordering the spray that is draped on top of the casket. It is most commonly chosen by the spouse, parents, siblings, or children.
The flowers are chosen as part of a large number of other decisions made for the funeral. Whoever is leading that front will likely choose the flowers.
Hierarchy
Choosing the casket spray is commonly reserved for the members of the deceased’s family. This is based on funeral service etiquette. These are just general guidelines that have evolved over time that are observed out of respect.
Funeral etiquette —especially with flowers—follows a hierarchical structure. This structure relies on the relationship to the deceased.
In practice, the closer your relationship with the deceased, the closer the flowers you provide will be placed to the body at the service.
The immediate family has priority to choose flower arrangement that rests on top of the casket.
Sympathy flowers are a popular funeral tradition. These are arrangements that are placed farther from the body of the deceased, urn (if cremated), or headstone (if burial). Arrangements might also take the form of baskets and funeral wreaths.
Placements depend on the relationship of the sender to the deceased. This funeral etiquette is out of respect for the bereaved family.
Casket Spray Designs
Casket sprays are available in many styles, varying sizes and the types of flowers used.
The purpose of the flower arrangement is to honor the memory of your loved one. It serves to add beauty, brightness, and elegance to a somber occasion.
When choosing flowers, consider the:
Preferences of the deceased
Type of flower
Color of the flower
Fragrance of the flow
Color and design of the casket
Surroundings
Size and placement of the arrangement
Establish a budget and consider a variety of designs, colors, and styles before making your final decision. We’ve gathered a variety of suggested designs to inspire you .
Casket Sprays By Casket Design
When purchasing a casket spray, one decision will be half couch or full couch spray. The casket design will determine which type of casket spray will work best.
What’s the difference between a half and full couch casket?
A half couch design opens in two sections. This allows the lid to be partially open. During the funeral, normally the torso and head are visible while the lower half of the body remains closed. Most caskets are half couch.
Full couch caskets have only one upper section and the whole body is visible when the lid is open.
Full couch casket sprays are placed in the middle of the casket while half-couch casket sprays are laid on the bottom half of the casket. Because it is meant to decorate the entirety of the casket, a full couch spray is generally larger than a half-couch variant.
In choosing a casket spray, one of the first decisions is the main flower to be used in the arrangement. Two common choices are roses and carnations.
Other types of flowers used in casket sprays are daisies, tulips, snapdragons, lilies, and sunflowers.
A casket spray may feature a single type of flower or a combination of two or more. It may also include green foliage that add color and texture.
Funeral Flower Meanings
When choosing the right kind of flower, think about what would be meaningful to your loved one.
If your loved one did not have a favorite, you can choose among different types based on your own preferences and the meanings and emotions associated with each type.
Here are some of the most popular flowers used for casket sprays and the special meanings they convey:
Type of Flower
Associated Meaning
Rose
love and respect
Carnation
innocence, pure love (white); “I’ll never forget you” (pink)
Daisies
innocence and hope
Tulip
passion, declaration of love (red); sunshine in your smile (yellow)
Snapdragon
graciousness
Lilies
beauty, grace, peace, and dignity
Sunflower
adoration
Casket Spray Ideas
Your loved one will inspire the final casket spray design.
Disclaimer: Family dynamics and relationships cannot be assumed. Furthermore, in a modern world the idea of gender color stereotyping (i.e. “Blue is for boys and pink is for girls”) is a thing of the past.
With that in mind, below is a collection purely meant to inspire your own designs.
Casket Sprays for Mom
Finding the perfect floral display should make you confident in the way your loved one is memorialized.
Suitable casket sprays for mothers often feature light and bright colors such as red and purple. Popular flower choices are red roses or pink and white carnations.
Generally, floral arrangements with a touch of pink, red, purple, and white are top choices of casket sprays for a Moms and woman.
Casket Sprays for Dad
There are also masculine floral arrangements that are perfect to honor fathers.
Casket sprays with strong designs are beautiful tributes to fathers. It can resemble the strength that they had in life. In this case, a spray that has a solid color is suitable.
All-red roses can always be used to symbolize your love for anyone. You can also choose white calla lilies to express serenity and peace in the funeral service.
They say a brother is a friend given by nature. Regardless if he is younger or older, a brother is a great defender, always willing to lend a hand.
To symbolize this love and natural friendship, you can pick yellow flowers as a tribute to his memory. The bright and colorful hue is very fitting to honor a brother and the joy he has brought into your life.
There are also other styles to choose from. For instance, fall colors in casket sprays are very suitable for men. And the universal symbol for love, red flowers are suitable for a brother.
Casket Sprays for a Sister
A sister is a great friend, and the bond of great sisterhood cannot be broken.
A great way to honor a sister is to pick a simple and sweet casket spray. You can choose among a wide variety of color schemes, but the most popular choices are sprays with pink and purple colors. It serves as a cheerful and bright display to celebrate the influence that your sister had on you.
Another perfect option is a casket spray made of all-white flowers. This color is universal, and it is appropriate for both women and men.
Where to Buy a Casket Spray
We recommend Florist One for anyone planning a funeral in the United States (including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico) and Canada. Outside of North America, From You Flowers and Teleflora both have broader global delivery options. They are also have some more affordable options if you have a smaller budget.
Florist One
Casket spray prices from Florist One ranges from $224.95 to $429.95. For same-day delivery, simply place your order before 1:00 PM in the recipient’s time zone and it will arrive in time for the funeral service. Florist One also ships internationally.
Teleflora
This flower retailer offers a wide range of casket sprays ranging from $109.24 to $479.99. If you need the casket spray at the last minute, Teleflora offers same-day delivery. They also deliver internationally – 160 countries.
From You Flowers
The price of caskets sprays from From You Flowers ranges from $103.99 to $395.99. They also deliver to 160 different countries. If you want near instant delivery, just place your order before their cut-off time and the flowers will arrive the same day the order is placed.
How To Make A Casket Spray Yourself
Ever thought of making your own casket spray? All you need are the flowers and an idea. This process, (like building a casket), can be an effective grieving method for family and friends.
FAQ
What are the flowers called that go on top of the casket?
Casket spray refers to the flowers that are laid on top of a casket. Depending on style, they might also be called a casket blanket, casket scarf or just casket flowers.
What are casket sprays?
Casket sprays are flower arrangements used to decorate the top of a casket.
Who buys the casket spray?
Immediate family members generally choose and purchase the casket spray. It is funeral etiquette that flower position follows a hierarchy out of respect. The closer the relationship to the deceased the closer the flowers are placed.
How much does a casket spray cost?
The price of a casket spray usually ranges from $100 to $480 depending on the type of flower used, style, size, as well as the flower retailer itself. We recommend Florist One. Read our review above.
What do I need to make a casket spray?
To make your own casket spray, you will need flowers, a casket saddle (material such as burlap)and possibly foam blocks.
How big should a casket spray be?
It depends on the casket being used. For an open casket service, a half-couch casket spray is usually the choice. If it will be a closed casket funeral, a full-couch casket spray (the larger variant) is usually the answer.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
When a loved one dies, it is a common tradition to send flowers to the bereaved family. It can be a heartfelt way to offer sympathies and pass on your condolences.
One of the best flower arrangements you can give to a grieving family is a funeral wreath. It is a beautiful and elegant tribute to a loved one.
Funeral wreaths come in a wide range of options. To help you decide what type, size, color, and style to choose we summarized the most important things to consider when buying a funeral wreath.
What Is a Funeral Wreath?
A funeral wreath is a prominent flower arrangement with a ring shape. The circular design is said to represent the symbol of eternal life or the cycle of life and death. Funeral wreaths also symbolize the continuation of life and love.
The flowers in a funeral wreath are usually attached to a foam base with water that keeps them hydrated. Funeral wreaths can last only a few days or up to two weeks depending on the types of flowers.
Funeral Wreath Sizes
Funeral wreaths are usually large and prominent in size. They are usually displayed on an easel and easily recognizable during a funeral service. Other large flower arrangements used in funeral services are casket sprays, hearts, crosses, and funeral baskets.
The size of a wreath usually ranges from 22 inches to up to 40 inches or more in diameter.
Funeral wreaths are usually offered in small or large. Most of the time, the size varies by only a few inches but larger funeral wreaths will feature more varieties of flowers.
The size of funeral wreaths is usually measured in diameter. Diameter measures the distance from one end of the funeral wreath to the other.
When buying a funeral wreath, especially online, make sure to check the size on the product description. If you plan for the wreath to be present during the service or wake, knowing the size will be useful for planning.
How Much Does a Funeral Wreath Cost?
The average cost of a funeral wreath usually falls between $100 to $400 or more.
There are cheap options priced from $55 to $87. These funeral wreaths will be small and won’t feature as many blooms as wreaths priced above $100.
The difference in price between small and large for the same type of memorial wreath is generally $50. So if a small funeral wreath costs $175, the large option will cost $225.
Some flower stores offer regular, deluxe, and premium options. The latter options are designed with more varieties of flowers, have a fuller look, and are larger overall. The pricier options are also often presented in a more elaborate container. The difference in price between regular, premium, and deluxe options will be $50 to $100.
The price of a memorial wreath also varies depending on the type of flower used. Flowers that are in-season and readily available may be cheaper than others.
Funeral wreaths require time, labor and expertise to create. They can be more complicated to arrange than any other type of flower arrangement. An elaborate wreath can be one of the most luxurious flower decorations at the funeral service, alongside casket sprays and casket blankets.
Choosing a Funeral Wreath
If you’d like inspiration choosing a wreath, we recommend speaking to the person organizing the funeral. The family and funeral director may have a dedicated style or color scheme in mind. Being aware of their preferred choices will help you choose an appropriate arrangement.
Once you decide on color, it is time to think about the kind of flowers you want. You should consider the favorite flowers of the deceased. You might also be inspired to choose a certain variety of flower based on the meanings associated with them.
Some of the most popular choices are roses and daisies because of their longevity. Other common choices are carnations, and lilies, which signify sympathy and the innocence of the person who died.
Traditional funeral wreaths use chrysanthemums and carnations as their base because they are accessible and affordable.
Customized Funeral Wreaths
Funeral wreaths can be personalized. If you have a specific idea in mind about what color, style, or type of flowers you want for the funeral wreath, you can request a florist to customize one for you. If you are sending the funeral wreath to a family or a close friend, the florist can also arrange it with a message of condolences.
The funeral wreath can be sent directly to the funeral home, church, or crematorium. It can also be delivered to a gravesite to display near the headstone.
Where to Buy a Funeral Wreath
A convenient way to buy a funeral wreath is to purchase online. Many flower stores offer nationwide delivery services that can deliver within 24 hours of ordering.
Two of the best flower companies online are FTD and 1-800 Flowers. Both companies offer same-day and international delivery. We also recommend From You Flowers and Florist One, but they have limited funeral wreath options.
The passing of a person can be sudden and unexpected. Because funeral wreaths are common for wakes, services, and memorials, often there is a tight deadline. If you are unable to visit a florist in person, simply browse through the websites of FTD and 1-800 Flowers, choose from their beautiful selections, and place your order.
Purchasing online is also the best option if you cannot attend the service and want to offer a funeral wreath as condolences to the grieving family.
Funeral Wreath Designs
Here are some ideas for funeral wreaths.
White Funeral Wreath
It is common to use white flowers for funerals because the color white is usually associated with goodness, humility, optimism, and light. White is also an appropriate color.
This white funeral wreath by FTD features white carnations, daisies, roses, and stock flowers. This simple and elegant funeral wreath measures 26 inches in diameter. It is suitable to give to any loved one, whether it be a family member, close friend, or co-worker.
Pink Funeral Wreath
Funeral wreaths with pink and white blooms are most appropriate for mothers, sisters, and female close friends. The color pink in funeral flowers symbolizes remembrance, admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, and love.
This color is suitable for the funerals of women and children. Pink is considered a feminine color, though we discourage color gender stereotyping. Pink flowers go well with white blooms, making it a graceful style for a funeral wreath.
Serene Blessings™ Standing Wreath – Pink & White from 1-800 Flowers
This pink funeral wreath from 1-800 Flowers is a beautiful offering to honor a loved one. It is made of pink roses and carnations. The white flowers are a football mum and daisy poms. It is accented with baby’s breath and beautiful greenery.
Blue Funeral Wreath
Blue flowers are commonly used in funerals for men. A blue funeral wreath is also suitable when the deceased’s favorite color is blue. The blue color in funeral flowers represents sadness, peace, and serenity. It is a calming color for funeral services.
Serene Blessings™ Standing Wreath – Blue and White from 1-1800 Flowers
This blue funeral wreath from 1-800 Flowers is a standing wreath arrangement made of white roses, football mums, and carnations. The contrasting blue flowers are delphiniums. It is accented with baby’s breath, beautiful assorted greenery, and a dainty blue ribbon.
Colorful Funeral Wreath
Memorial wreaths do not always have to be white. A wreath arrangement can also be made of colorful flowers that add some lightness and positivity to the solemn atmosphere of a funeral. Funeral wreaths can also feature bright hues such as yellow, pink, orange, and lavender colors.
Serene Blessings™ Standing Wreath – Bright from 1-800 Flowers
This bright and colorful funeral wreath from 1-800 Flowers features a wide selection of flowers. It is made of springtime colors and lush blooms. It has red roses and carnations; orange Asiatic lilies and mini carnations; yellow roses and spider mums; hot pink roses; pink Gerbera daisies; purple Peruvian lilies (alstroemeria), statice and monte casino. The bright wreath is accented with beautiful greenery. This is a bright tribute for a funeral or memorial service.
Heart Funeral Wreaths
A heart-shaped funeral wreath is a unique tribute to show your love and care for the grieving family. It is usually made of red, pink, and white flowers to enhance the feeling of love that it represents.
Always Remember™ Floral Heart Tribute – Pink & White from 1-800 Flowers
This pink and white heart-shaped funeral wreath from 1-800 Flowers is made of pink roses, Matsumoto asters, and carnations. The white flowers are football mums, stocks, and monte casinos. It is further designed by adding baby’s breath, some greenery, and a blush pink satin ribbon.
Always Remember™ Floral Heart Tribute – Red from 1-800 Flowers
If you prefer radiant red blooms, you can get this red heart-shaped funeral wreath from the same company. The all-red flowers are roses, spray roses, Gerbera daisies, carnations, mini carnations, and hypericum.
Cross Funeral Wreath
Funeral wreaths with a cross shape represent faith and spirituality. This is a good tribute for religious families to let them know that you are praying for the deceased. Cross-shaped funeral wreaths are often made of white flowers accented with lush greenery.
Peace & Prayers™ White Standing Cross from 1-800 Flowers
This cross funeral wreath from 1-800 Flowers features a bed of white mums and roses shaped in a cross. It has a soft baby’s breath and lush greenery as accents. This funeral wreath measures about 42 inches high and 28 inches long.
Where to Place a Funeral Wreath
Funeral wreaths are often mounted on a standing easel and placed near or beside the casket to represent respect.
Memorial wreaths may also be placed beside the urn or a picture frame of the deceased in a memorial service following the cremation.
After the service, the funeral wreath can be used as an adornment for the grave. Grieving families traditionally display a wreath at the door of their home after the funeral to signify that they are mourning the loss of their loved one.
Reminders for Sending a Funeral Wreath
If you are sending a funeral wreath as sympathy for the bereaved family, here are some important tips that you can take note of:
Include a personal note or message. You can write kind words offering your sympathy to the family. You can even send a funeral poem to express your emotions and to let the family know that they are not alone. Make the note comforting and personal.
Send the funeral wreath to the funeral home. When delivering a funeral wreath, send it to the place where the funeral service will be held, and not to the home address of the grieving family. Large funeral arrangements such as funeral wreaths are only appropriate for funeral homes, churches, and gravesites.
Make sure that the funeral wreath arrives in time for the service. The funeral wreath will be placed near or beside the casket. Double-check delivery times to make sure they can make the service.
FAQ
Where do I send funeral wreaths?
In general, send the funeral wreath directly to the funeral home, church, or wherever the funeral service will be held. The second option is to send it to the home address of the bereaved. But large flower arrangements such as funeral wreaths are most appropriate for funeral homes, churches, and gravesites.
How much should I spend on funeral wreaths?
Most funeral wreaths cost between $100 and $400 or even more. If you prefer the cheaper options, you can get one priced from $60 to $90. Prepare to pay more if you want your funeral wreath to have a variety of flowers and be in a larger size.
Are wreaths only used for funerals?
No, wreaths are not used for funerals only. Wreaths are commonly used as household ornaments, typically during the Advent and Christmas seasons. In other cultures, wreaths are used in ceremonial events.
Where is a funeral wreath placed?
Funeral wreaths are often placed near or beside the casket during a funeral service. For memorial services where a casket is not present, funeral wreaths are placed beside the urn or a picture frame of the deceased. After the service, the funeral wreath can be used as an adornment for the grave.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
Sometimes it is necessary to transport the body of a loved one from one state to another or even farther. Most often the shipping is done by air. Whether the deceased is placed in a casket or not, the body is required to be placed in a special shipping container.
This special container for transport is called an air tray. It is specifically designed to hold and protect bodies during transport.
In this article, we explain the details about air trays for caskets. We also included a list of recommended units in case you are looking for quality air trays at affordable prices.
What Is an Air Tray?
An air tray is a shipping container used for transporting casketed remains. It can be made of wood, cardboard, a combination of the two, or other lightweight materials.
The air tray protects and conceals the casket. It is required by airline companies and is made to meet the handling requirements.
Here are the requirements for an air tray container:
Six (6) handles for ease in moving
An identification envelope, window or insert to secure shipping documents
Orientation label (“HEAD”) to assist in loading and unloading
An air tray is air-tight and leak-proof for health and safety concerns. Air trays also go into the cargo hold of the airplane and are secured by strong nylon straps attached to the tray.
Air Tray vs. Combo Tray
There are generally two types of transfer containers that are used in shipping human remains: air trays and combo trays. Airlines require these two for the legal transportation of human remains.
How are they different?
Source: Connecticut Casket Company
Air Tray
Meant to encase caskets transported by air.
This transfer container has a wooden tray with a cardboard cover.
It also has strap handles made of nylon for better handling.
Combination (Combo) Tray
Specifically designed for the air transport of human remains that are not placed in caskets.
This transfer container has a box made of particle board and a tray and cover made of cardboard. Construction is meant to satisfy air shipping regulations.
Made to be strong enough to ensure the protection of the human remains.
The construction of both air trays and combination trays follow the stringent guidelines established by the Air Transport Association (ATA).
While air trays and combo trays are usually made of wood and cardboard, there is another shipping container type for human remains that is made of metal. This is the Ziegler case casket. Ziegler caskets are mainly used for shipping human remains overseas.
Air Tray vs. Cremation Tray
Source: Connecticut Casket Company
When browsing for air trays, you may find cremation trays in a similar catalog. Although both are virtually made of the same materials, air trays and cremation trays are slightly different.
Cremation trays are used for the cremation of human remains. When cremating a body, it needs to be placed in a rigid and combustible container. It can either be a cardboard casket or a simple cremation container.
How Much Does an Air Tray Cost?
Air trays have a wholesale cost range between $60 and $175. This is the cost a funeral home will pay for the tray.
If you are a consumer looking for an air tray, airline companies themselves usually offer it as part of the transport cost.
It is most common that the cost of an air tray is included in the package when you pay for transporting remains. This will include the shipping fee, paperwork, service fees, etc.
(You also have the option to source an air tray from a retailer or a funeral home directly but it is less common.)
Air Tray Sizes
Air trays are available in many different sizes. The standard sizes available are adult, oversize, youth, child, and infant.
Just like casket sizes, the dimensions of an air tray are meant to fit different sized bodies across different ages. The adult air tray fits the average-sized casket and body. The same applies to other air tray sizes.
How Heavy Is an Air Tay?
An air tray weighs around 50 to 58 pounds, depending on size. If the air tray is smaller, expect that it will be much lighter than an adult and oversize air trays. Compared to caskets and Zeigler case caskets, an air tray is not too heavy because they are made of lightweight materials.
The maximum weight capacity of an air tray is up to 1000 pounds. The large maximum capacity is meant to accommodate both the weight of the casket and the weight of the body. For scale, the average casket weight is 200 pounds and the average weight of an adult man is about 198 pounds.
Recommended Air Trays
If you are searching for an air tray, here are some of our recommended options. These recommended air trays are available in average sizes. But all recommended companies offer different sizes for their air trays unless otherwise stated.
For the Consumer
If you are a consumer looking to buy an air tray, chances are you wouldn’t be able to buy directly from a manufacturer or retailer. This is because the cost of air trays is usually already included in a package offered for shipping human remains.
For instance, if you want to use the services of a funeral service provider or a shipping provider when transporting the deceased, they usually offer packages that include charges for shipping, basic services of the funeral director and staff, paperwork, embalming, transportation to the airport, and the air tray unit.
This is why when you try to browse online for air trays for sale, almost all of the manufacturers and distributors only cater to funeral professionals.
For the Retailer
If you are a retailer or a funeral professional looking for affordable and high-quality air trays, here are a few recommended manufacturers and distributors:
Lynch Supply: Deluxe Wood Base Air Tray Unit
Dimensions
Outside Dimensions: 88″ L x 32″ W x 25″ H
Inside Dimensions: 85″ L x 30″ W x 25″ H
Construction
The air tray has a plywood base measuring 1” x 4” and ⅜”. It has a white double wall and corrugated hood. This air tray has 4 corner protectors and it is water-resistant.
Inclusions
Each air tray comes with a full-size casket cover. It has 6 nylon webbing handles for carrying, 2 of which are strapped outside with high-impact buckles to secure the tray in place.
Lynch Supply offers air trays and combo trays in different sizes including youth and oversize. It is also IPPC approved for international shipping.
Starmark’s air tray has a lid and liner that is made of corrugated fiberboard. It has strong reinforced corners and is 3rd party tested to carry up to 1000 lbs.
Inclusions
This air tray has strong nylon straps for easy carrying. It includes a casket cover bag and packing slip envelope to secure shipping documents.
According to Starmark, their air tray has a Heat Treated & Bug stamp so it is certified for international shipping.
This air tray has a sturdy 1”x4” base made of oriented strand board (OSB board) or plywood. The air tray also has a double-wall corrugated outer box with the labels “Head”, “Date”, and “Destination” to assist in loading and unloading. To save space, this air tray folds to 4” deep when shipped and stored.
Inclusions
For easy lifting and carrying, this air tray has 8 strap handles measuring 2” wide. Each air tray includes a plastic bag used to shroud the casket.
Affordable Funeral Supply offers many sizes for air trays and combo trays including an infant, child youth, adult, and oversize. They also offer Ziegler cases.
Price
$64 (On their website, this price is listed for a minimum of 10 orders. You can call them directly if you want to order smaller quantities.)
Can I use an air tray for a body that is not placed in a casket?
No. Air trays are only meant for casketed remains. You can use a combo tray if the remains are not in a casket . Combo trays are specifically designed to encase and protect non-casketed remains.
Is an air tray different from a cremation tray?
Air trays and a cremation trays differ in purpose. They are both made of the same type of lightweight materials such as wood and cardboard, but air trays are designed to be used as shipping containers for caskets while cremation trays are made to be containers for bodies during incineration.
Do air trays come in different sizes?
Yes. Just like caskets, air trays are available in different sizes such as adult, oversize, youth, child, and infant. These sizes are meant to accommodate different sizes of bodies across different ages.
Can I buy an air tray directly online?
Yes and no. Online sellers cater to funeral professionals. If you are a retailer or you work for a funeral home, you can order wholesale air trays online. For consumers, the air tray is usually included in the transport package provided by the airline or funeral professional. Most online retailers offer high-quality and affordable air trays that can be shipped across the US.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” Henrik Ibsen.
The final viewing of the deceased will leave a lasting impression. Obviously survivors will have many memories, but the last visual will be especially memorable. Burial clothes and overall appearance deserve careful consideration.
You should make every effort to present your love one in a way that captures their spirit and the way they lived their life.
Here are some ideas and things to consider while choosing burial clothes for your loved one.
Traditional Burial Clothes and Funeral Gowns
Traditionally, deceased men are dressed in formal attire such as suits. Women are dressed in funeral gowns or dresses. Funeral gowns for deceased women, also called burial gowns, commonly have long sleeves and high necklines.
Suits and dresses are considered traditional for burial clothing, but there aren’t any rules governing what the deceased should wear. As times have changed, the world is more casual than ever. So the traditional dress may not apply. It is up to you to decide what is appropriate and determine what is most fitting for your loved one.
Who Chooses Burial Clothes for the Loved One?
Families usually provide the burial clothing for their loved one. This responsibility usually falls on the person closest to the deceased. This is usually the spouse or closest living relative.
Funeral directors may also provide the surviving family with a selection of burial clothes and funeral gowns. This can be a convenient option, especially if the deceased has recently changed weight and doesn’t have clothes that fit.
If you are a family member, the funeral director will help coordinate the burial clothes. Be sure to express your wishes and intents.
How to Choose Burial Clothes
During a funeral, the body is commonly displayed for viewing in either a full-couch or half-couch casket. Half couch is most common, where the deceased is visible from the torso up. Because the viewing will serve as the mourners’ final chance to see the person who died, the deceased must be presented in his or her finest look.
Here are some important steps in picking the final outfit for your loved one:
Consider Your Loved One’s Final Wishes
The first thing to consider in choosing burial clothing is the final wishes of the deceased. They may have left a statement in their will about how they wanted to be dressed when they die, or they may have told a family member about their final outfit choice.
In case the deceased has left instruction on what clothes to bury them in, simply dress them according to what they specified. This makes deciding on a burial outfit much easier.
If not instructions were left to follow, did they have a favorite? It is up to you to decide what you think would be the best outfit. Sounds obvious, but a peek into their closet may provide inspiration.
Consider the Personality of the Deceased
Be inspired by their life.
Base your loved one’s burial clothes according to what they would usually wore when they were alive. Did they have a favorite color? Did they dress in a particular style? Think about their occupation, affiliations, hobbies, and interests. What image do you have of your missed loved one and what would truly represent how they lived?
For example, if your loved one was a member of a sports team, you might dress them in their sports jersey. The same thing applies to veterans who are often buried in military uniform.
Even if there is no strong affiliation, you can simply match their outfit according to their style and preference. If you choose from their own wardrobe it will be the most accurate image and will help the mourners to remember the deceased fondly.
If you were close to the person who died, you will likely already have an idea of what they would prefer. Burial clothing does not have to be traditional. It will be most authentic if it comes directly from the person’s wardrobe
Keep It Appropriate
You have some degree of freedom in choosing the burial clothes of your loved one, but you still have to keep the outfit appropriate for the funeral service. If you are considering an accessory or an outfit choice that is controversial in any way, you may want to consult more family or a funeral director just to get consensus on what is appropriate.
Keeping the burial clothing appropriate also means that it should match the age and lifestyle of the deceased. Here are some guidelines to think about.
Dress younger people in more casual clothes. They seldom wear suits and dresses, so a nice shirt and a pair of jeans could also be suitable for a funeral.
Older people can be dressed in their usual clothing. For instance, if your female loved one has been sick for a while and had always been dressed in a nightgown, that could be an appropriate burial outfit.
For babies, some charities and companies create handmade baby funeral clothes. These are available in different sizes to fit tiny infants as well.
Other Burial Clothing & Accessories
Here are some clothing items that complete the burial outfit of your loved one:
Shoes
Wearing shoes for the deceased is optional. Some families want their loved ones to have shoes because they like knowing that the deceased is fully dressed. The person who died may also have a favorite pair of shoes that would be meaningful if they were buried in them.
For a couple reasons shoes may not be worn at all. The feet probably won’t be seen, especially for half-couch casket viewings. Additionally, putting shoes on the deceased is difficult. The feet become rigid and hard to bend. In this case socks alone will work.
Undergarments
When choosing an outfit, make sure that it is complete including underwear. Funeral directors will not dress the deceased without underwear. This is because you want your loved one’s outfit choice to be dignified. If they always wore undergarments in their life, there is no reason not to dress them with one in their death.
Jewelry
Accessorizing the deceased with pieces of jewelry is also optional. Some people may have wanted to be buried in pieces of jewelry that were sentimental to them such as wedding and engagement rings. They may also be motivated by beliefs that they want to carry with them in their afterlife the personal possessions that were important to them on earth.
However, make sure that you only include pieces of jewelry that you are okay to part with forever. Even if you think it would be good to let the deceased have their jewelry with them in their burial, later on, you might realize that it would have been more meaningful to give to a child or grandchild as an heirloom.
In this case, the deceased can still wear the jewelry during the wake or visitation. Any special items can then be removed before the burial. For cremation, the jewelry will have to be removed anyway since non-combustible items are not allowed inside the incinerator.
For further reading about the selection, read this article.
Important Considerations for Burial Clothes
When deciding on burial clothes, there are other important things to keep in mind. You also have to consider their religion, as well as the method of their final disposition.
Religious Requirements
Religion is another important consideration to think about when dressing the deceased. Some religions have dress and hairstyle requirements. It is best practice to check with the church or religious leaders about the specific rules for burial clothes.
Here are some general guidelines for different religions:
Buddhist
In Buddhism, the deceased are supposed to be dressed in everyday clothes and not in fancy clothes. Theravada Buddhists usually dress the deceased in white to symbolize virtue.
Muslim
In Islam, there is no wake, viewing, or visitation since the burial must take place soon after death. The body is washed three times until it is entirely clean and then covered in a white sheet by family members. For women, their hair must be braided into three braids. After being covered in a sheet, a female Muslim is clothed in a sleeveless dress and a head veil.
Jewish
For Jewish people, the body is covered in simple and plain shrouds called tachrichim, typically made of white cotton or linen. A tallit, or prayer shawl, covers men and sometimes women, and both wear either their normal daily attire or shrouds.
Catholic
For Catholics (especially open casket viewings), the deceased is usually dressed in formal wear.
Hindu
For Hindus, bodies are to be cremated. Until the cremation, the deceased will stay in the family’s home which usually takes a day or two after death. The body is dressed in simple clothing, usually white after it is cleaned. Unmarried young women, amd married women whose husband is alive, will be clothed in red or yellow dresses. Traditionally, the bodies of Hindus are wrapped in a white sheet.
Cremation
Clothes worn during cremation need special consideration since not all types of clothing can be cremated. Some parts like metallic buttons, zippers, and snaps are not allowed to be worn during cremation because of safety and environmental concerns. Materials that are made of metal, plastic, and glass and some clothes made from synthetic materials may be hazardous to burn. The cremation technician will guide you in specifics.
If there is a viewing prior to cremation, some clothes may have to be removed by the funeral director and returned to you. This includes jewelry since they can be unsafe inside the cremation machine.
Green Funeral
Clothes for green and natural burialsmust be biodegradable. The clothing must also be made from untreated natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or linen.
Artificial materials are not allowed such as elastic waistbands, nylon threads, synthetic linings, buttons, and plastic or metal zips. These guidelines are usually imposed by natural burial grounds and cemeteries because of environmental concerns.
How Burial Clothes Fit
The clothes that you choose for your loved one may not fit them anymore especially if they lost or gained weight due to sickness. Also, rigor mortis or the stiffening of the body after death might make it difficult to move the body around and adjust the clothing to make it fit perfectly.
In this case, funeral directors may have to cut the back of the clothes to make it easier to dress the body. This will not be noticeable. The technicians are very skilled at presenting the body in the best possible light.
Manipulating the clothes helps create a natural appearance for your loved one while being laid in the casket. If you do not want the clothes to be cut, tell your funeral director. They are extremely accommodating.
FAQ
What clothes is a body supposed to be buried in?
Traditionally, the deceased is buried in a suit or dress. (But this varies for different religions.) You can also dress your loved one according to what they wore when they were alive. Dressing them in clothes that fit their style and preference and captures their personality is most suitable.
What is a funeral gown?
A funeral gown is a dress meant for deceased women. It usually has a high neckline and long sleeves. Funeral gowns are also typically made of easily adjustable materials.
Is it required to be buried in a suit or dress?
No. Although suits and dresses are commonly used for burials, there are no rules regarding the clothes a deceased person should be buried in. If you think a fancy suit or dress does not fit the personality of your loved one, choose normal clothes that best memorialize them.
Does the deceased have to wear undergarments?
Yes. Funeral directors always put on undergarments on bodies for the dignity of the deceased. Make sure to include one when choosing an outfit for your loved one.
Do you have to put shoes on the deceased?
No. Shoes are optional. Some families do not include shoes and just opt for socks since they are not usually seen during a viewing. (Sometimes shoes are difficult to put on because the feet are swollen or stiff.)
Who picks the burial clothing for the deceased?
Families usually choose the burial clothes for the deceased, especially the spouse or the closest family relative. Funeral directors may also provide burial clothing in case the family is not able to supply them.
Can the deceased choose their own burial clothes?
Yes. The deceased may have left instructions specifying the clothes they want to be buried in. They may also have communicated their final wishes to a family member. In this case, it is easiest to grant the wishes of your loved one.
Do burial clothes have to be cut?
Usually, yes. The clothes have to be cut in the back to fit on the body. Cutting the clothes also help in creating a natural appearance for the deceased while lying in the casket.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
Memorial cards are made to honor the deceased and make a thoughtful keepsake for those who attend the service. The card may include an image of the deceased and some relevant details of their life. They are also a good place to include a poem or prayer that pays tribute to your loved one.
Here is a collection of poems and prayers that might be right for your memorial card or inspire you to write your own.
About Memorial Cards
Memorial cards are usually disbursed at memorial services or other ceremonies such as the celebration of life.
They can also be mailed to those who were not able to attend the service in person. The card will act as a personal memento of the deceased.
Memorial cards usually include a portrait of the deceased, a brief biography, and a scripture passage, prayer, or poem. Memorial cards are typically religious or spiritual, but they can also be designed with secular themes and personalized in any way that the family wishes.
In general, memorial cards are usually small, laminated, and double-sided. Because of the small size, text is limited and memorial poems and prayers are usually short.
The front side features:
Photo of the deceased
Name
Date of birth
Date of death
Other tributes can be found on the reverse side such as:
Eulogy
Message
Verse
Poem
Prayer
Memorial Cards vs Funeral Cards
Memorial cards are also referred to as funeral cards. However, the latter is also used to refer to the funeral program which is lengthier and provides the order of service for the funeral.
Funeral cards can be made into booklets or pamphlets depending on the extent of the content that will be included. Funeral cards also tend to be more devotional because they list the religious rites in celebration of the deceased.
We also have a collection of funeral poems and funeral hymns, both of which can be included in memorial cards, or read or sung during the service.
Memorial Card Poems
As we mentioned, memorial cards can have secular themes. The poems you can include in a memorial card can be non-religious and personal to the deceased or meaningful to your relationship with them.
Keep in mind that the memorial card will be distributed to many different mourners. Consider selecting a poem that will easily resonate with other people as well.
Choose poems that have some connection or representation of the deceased. This will help people share the sentiment, remember the life and celebrate the memory of your loved one.
Lastly, choose shorter poems. These cards are usually wallet sized so space for text is limited. You might want to include a poem that can easily fit into the dimensions of the card.
When selecting poems, common styles or themes to choose from are joy, encouragement, hope, inspiration, remembrance or mourning and healing itself.
Poems about Sorrow
To Daffodils by Robert Herrick
Fair Daffodils, we weep to see You haste away so soon; As yet the early-rising sun Has not attain’d his noon. Stay, stay, Until the hasting day Has run But to the even-song; And, having pray’d together, we Will go with you along. We have short time to stay, as you, We have as short a spring; As quick a growth to meet decay, As you, or anything. We die As your hours do, and dry Away, Like to the summer’s rain; Or as the pearls of morning’s dew, Ne’er to be found again.
Death has parted us my dear, Something no mortal could do. And I am left behind now, Feeling oh so lost and blue.
No more will I rise each morning, To see your dear, sweet face, To hear you say good morning, And fold me in your embrace.
We’ve kissed our final good night, And we’ve said our last goodbye. And now there’s nothing for me to do But remember you my love, and cry.
She is Gone by David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poems about Missing Loved Ones
There is No Light Without a Dawning by Helen Steiner Rice
No winter without a spring And beyond the dark horizon Our hearts will once more sing …. For those who leave us for a while Have only gone away Out of a restless, care worn world Into a brighter day
You Meant So Much by Cassie Mitchell
You meant so much to all of us You were special and that’s no lie You brightened up the darkest day And the cloudiest sky
Your smile alone warmed hearts Your laugh was like music to hear I would give absolutely anything To have you well and standing near
Not a second passes When you’re not on our minds Your love we will never forget The hurt will ease in time
Many tears I have seen and cried They have all poured out like rain I know that you are happy now And no longer in any pain.
Someone So Dearly Loved by Jacqueline Ryan
Someone so dearly loved So popular with his friends We should not cry forever, For this is not the end.
His memory lives amongst us, Times we both laughed and cried, I cannot bare to lose him, But one day, we all must die
I hear his voice within me, and his funny little laugh So many things remind me; Of times that are now gone past.
I knew of no-one who hated him, He was the apple of every eye Any conflicts, we all once had are now by the by.
Memorial Poems about Hope
Warm Summer Sun by Mark Twain
Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here, Warm southern wind, Blow softly here. Green sod above, Lie light, lie light. Good night, dear heart, Good night, good night.
For everything there is an appointed season, And a time for everything under heaven- A time for sharing, a time for caring. A time for loving, a time for giving; A time for remembering, a time for parting. You have made everything beautiful in its time For everything You do remains forever.
A Song Of Living by Amelia Josephine Burr
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky. I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast. My cheeks like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have kissed young love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end, I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend. I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well. I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I gave a share of my soul to the world, when and where my course is run. I know that another shall finish the task I surely must leave undone. I know that no flower, nor flint was in vain on the path I trod. As one looks on a face through a window, through life I have looked on God, Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Just a Memory Away by Rita S. Beer
I’m no longer by your side, But there’s no need to weep; I’ve left sweet recollections, I’m hoping you would keep. Eternal joy and memories Stay in our hearts forever, Strengthening our special bond that parting cannot sever. Now it’s time to journey on, So let your faith be strong, For I am in a better place…I’m home where I belong. And if times of loneliness Bring sorrow and dismay, Don’t despair, for I am there…Just a Memory Away
One At Rest by Unknown
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep I have no pain no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep The living thinking me that was, is now forever still And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now because I’ve gone away Dwell not long upon it friend For none of us can stay Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.
And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry Matters it now if time began If time will ever cease? I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.
Memorial Poems about Goodbyes
Parta Quies by A.E. Housman
Good-night; ensured release, imperishable peace, have these for yours, while sea abides, and land, and heaven endures. When earths foundations flee, nor sky nor land nor sea at all is found. Content you, let them burn: It is not your concern; Sleep on, sleep sound.
If I Should Go Tomorrow by Unknown
If I should go tomorrow It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars.
Goodbye My Friend by Karla Bonoff
Though we never know Where life will take us, I know it’s just a ride On the wheel. And we never know When death will shake us And we wonder how It will feel So Goodbye my friend. I know I’ll never see you again. But the time together Through all the years, Will take away these tears. It’s OK now – Goodbye my friend. I see a lot of things That make me crazy, And I guess I held on to you, You could have run away And left – well maybe, But it wasn’t time And we both knew. So Goodbye My friend. I know I’ll never see you again. But the love you gave me Through all the years Will take away these tears. I’m OK now – Goodbye my friend.
Poems about Acceptance
A Beautiful Life by Unknown
A beautiful life that came to an end, She died as she lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, Of one we loved, and will never forget.
To Those Whom I Love And Those Who Love Me by Unknown
When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do You must not tie yourself to me with tears Be happy that I have had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave me in happiness I thank you for the love each have shown But now it is time I travelled on alone
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust It is only for a while that we must part So bless the memories in your heart
I will not be far away, for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near And if you listen with your heart, you will hear All of my love around you soft and clear Then, when you must come this way alone I will greet you with a smile and welcome you home.
Involuntary Acceptance by Paula Lahey
Even though We’re far apart, You’ll always be In our heart.
He loved you then, We love you now. Kept from your life, We don’t know how.
Perhaps one day A chance we’ll be given. Until that time, You’ll be missed where we’re living.
We’ll hope for the best But expect the worst, That you’ll change your mind, For this we’ll thirst.
Whether you do or don’t We may never know, But never forget, We still love you so.
Long Funeral Poems
And Death Shall Have No Dominion by Dylan Thomas
And death shall have no dominion. Dead men naked they shall be one With the man in the wind and the west moon; When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone, They shall have stars at elbow and foot; Though they go mad they shall be sane, Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again; Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.
And death shall have no dominion. Under the windings of the sea They lying long shall not die windily; Twisting on racks when sinews give way, Strapped to a wheel, yet they shall not break; Faith in their hands shall snap in two, And the unicorn evils run them through; Split all ends up they shan’t crack; And death shall have no dominion.
Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson
Because I could not stop for death He kindly stopped for me The carriage held but just ourselves And immortality.
We slowly drove – he knew no haste And I had put away My labor and my leisure too, For his civility
We passed the school, where children strove At recess – in the ring We passed the fields of gazing grain We passed the setting sun
Or rather – he passed us The dews drew quivering and chill For only gossamer, my Gown My tippet – only tulle
We paused before a house that seemed A swelling of the ground The roof was scarcely visible The cornice – in the Ground
Since then – ’tis centuries – and yet Feels shorter than the day I first surmised the horses’ heads Were toward eternity
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that goodnight, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right. Because their words have forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that goodnight.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that goodnight,
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that goodnight. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Memorial Card Prayers
Comforting prayers are also meaningful to include on memorial cards. You may want to include a special verse to be printed on the card.
When choosing a memorial prayer, look for inspiration from the deceased as well as the survivors and their emotions.
The same goes for the verses—consider a verse that holds a special meaning to the deceased or words that fit the situation of the person who died.
Father in heaven, We thank you because you made us in your own image and gave us gifts in mind, body and spirit. We thank you now for – – – – – – – and what he/she meant to each of us. As we honor his/her memory, make us more aware that you are the one from whom comes every perfect gift, including the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord God Creator Of All
Lord God, creator of all, you have made us creatures of this earth but have also promised us a share in life eternal: receive our thanks and praise that, through the passion and death of Christ, your child – – – – – , our brother/sister, whom we commend into your hands today, shares with your saints in the joy of heaven, where there is neither sorrow nor pain but life everlasting. Alleluia. Amen.
God Our Father
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image, and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for – – – – – – , the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her. Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Prayers from the Bible
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
Common Prayers
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Long Prayers
A Prayer For The Dead
God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone. In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever. Amen.
Compassionate And Loving God
Compassionate and loving God, yours is the beauty of childhood and yours is the fullness of years. Comfort us in our sorrow, strengthen us with hope, and breathe peace into our troubled hearts. Assure us that the love we had for . . . . . was not in vain indeed make it a part of the store of goodness you are even now pouring out upon him/her in your eternal kingdom. Indeed help us to bless you for the gift you gave us in him/her, for the joy he/she gave all who knew him/her, for the memories that will abide with us, and for the assurance that he/she lives forever in the joy and peace of your presence. Guide us through this time of sadness with the light of your love and the strength of your compassion we ask it in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
We Give Them Back
We give them back to you, O Lord, who first gave them to us; yet as you did not lose them in the giving, so we do not lose them by their return . . . For what is yours is ours also, if we belong to you. Love is unending, and the boundary of this mortal life is but a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see more clearly . . . And while you prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that we may be with you and with those we loved for evermore.
FAQ
What does a memorial card contain?
A memorial card usually includes an image of the deceased, name, date of birth, and date of death. It may also include a short bio and a memorial poem, prayer, or a message in tribute of the deceased.
Do memorial cards have to be religious?
No. You can personalize a memorial card according to your wishes. You may add themes and include secular passages in dedication to your loved one.
Are there other uses for a memorial card?
Yes. Memorial cards are usually distributed at the memorial service. They may also be mailed to friends who are unable to attend. Mourners may hold on to them as a keepsake of remembrance. They may put it in a Bible, journal, or even in a wallet.
Conclusion
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Losing a pet you consider your best friend, partner, and guide can cause unimaginable sadness. You may feel at a loss for words and it may be difficult to cope with their death.
One way to help process grief is by dedicating a poem to your pet. You can borrow a poem, write your own, read it at a service, print it on a memorial card, or put it on your pet’s epitaph.
However, during times of mourning, finding the perfect poem can be difficult. To ease the process, we compiled the best pet loss poems you can use directly or take inspiration from.
These pet loss poems talk about the unique bonds that both pets and pet parents share. They also talk about the pain that pet parents experience as they navigate grief.
Lastly, we included tips for writing your own poem for your beloved pet.
Poetry Helps You Heal from Pet Loss
Pets are constant companions, and you might feel lost because of their absence. Suddenly, it is difficult to survive each passing day without their unconditional love. You cannot imagine the day you fully accept their death. You do not have to force it, because the grieving process happens gradually.
Pet loss poems can help you heal. Expressing your feelings in poem is a heartfelt way to show how much you cared for and cherish the bond you shared with your pet.
Poems can help you accept the death of your pet. There are many ways to cope with this kind of grief. Turning to poetry is one of them. Whether you find a poem to express your thoughts or write your own, it will help to pour your emotions out into words as you try to find peace and acceptance.
Children who lost pets can also use poems to heal. If a child in your family is experiencing grief over a beloved pet, reading and writing poems can be a healthy outlet. They can even write their own simple poems to express their feeling over the loss of their pet.
Many people don’t realize the depth of pain over losing a pet (particularly those who have never owned a pet). Do not let this hinder you from getting the support you need. Reach out to family and friends who are willing to listen empathetically.
Short Pet Loss Poems
Pet loss poems can be short and still be deeply meaningful. A short poem is the best option if you plan to have it printed in a limited space.
There is no right and wrong. A pet loss poem can be written in any style. You may want to remember and express the love that you shared with your pet, or it may be more cathartic to convey the pain that you feel as you grieve over your pet’s loss.
You can use a short pet loss poem in a memorial keepsake, funeral card, or scrapbook. A short poem is also be suitable as an epitaph for a memorial headstone.
Not Forgotten
You are not forgotten, loved one Nor will you ever be As long as life and memory last We will remember thee
Missing Your Playful Paws
Missing your unconditional love and playful paws, We are now apart. You’re gone from our lives, But never from our heart.
A Silent Thought
A silent thought, a secret tear, Keeps his memory ever dear. Time eases the edge of grief, Memory turns back every leaf.
I Loved You Best
So this is where we part, My Friend, and you’ll run on, around the bend, gone from sight, but not from mind, new pleasures there you’ll surely find. I will go on, I’ll find the strength, life measures quality, not its length. One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve. There are others, that much is true, but they be they, and they aren’t you. And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, will remember well all you’ve taught. Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed. And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this…I loved you best.
Long Pet Loss Poems
At a time when you might feel like words are not enough to convey the sadness that you feel, a long pet loss poemcan help express the complicated feelings while still honoring your pet in the best way possible.
Long form pet loss poems are best used to recite at a pet funeral. You can dedicate during the service or have it printed in a funeral program.
Below is a list of longer poems to choose from. These can be dedicated to any type of animal. At this difficult time, it can be overwhelming to sift through poems. The examples are express a range of different sentiments and may work well for your tribute.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done, For this – the last battle – can’t be won. You will be sad I understand, But don’t let grief then stay your hand, For on this day, more than the rest, Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn’t want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend, Only, stay with me till the end And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must be you Who has to decide this thing to do; We’ve been so close – we two – these years, Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
I Thought of You Today
I woke early this morning, lifted the shade to a sky overcast and gray No ray of sun to brighten my heart, and I thought of you today. The breezes of summer are no more and have moved along on their way. The crisp air of autumn has settled in, and I thought of you today. The crunch of the leaves under my feet, I remembered how you loved to play, chasing the leaves across the yard, and I thought of you today. As the daylight faded into dusk and the shadows came to play, I lit a candle and watched the flame dance, and I thought of you today. I crawled into bed, turned out the lamp and glanced where you used to lay. The tears came again, as they always do, as I thought of you today.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see; The sun will rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today, I know how much you loved me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And petted me with her hand. She said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.
But,as I turned to heel away, A tear fell from my eye, For all my life I never thought That I would have to die. I had so much to live for, So many sits and downs to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. Remember when I’d nudge your hand, And poke you with my nose? The frisbee I would gladly chase, The bad guy, I’d “bark and hold” If I could relive yesterday, Just even for awhile, I’d wag my tail and kiss you, Just so I could see you smile. But then I fully realized, That this could never be For emptiness and memories Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you and when I did, My dog-heart filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven’s gate; And felt so much at home
As God looked down and smiled at me, From His beautiful throne. He said,”This is eternity”, And now we welcome you, Today your life on earth is past, But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last; For you see,each days’ the same, There’s no longing for the past. Now you have been so faithful So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things, You knew you shouldn’t do But good dogs are forgiven, And now at last you’re free; So won’t you sit here by my side, And wait right here with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me, I’m right there, in your heart.
You can also use these samples for writing ideas. If you will be creating your own pet loss poem, a longer poem will let you explore more emotions and share more about your love for your lost pet.
Dog Loss Poems
Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason, and it is because they are loyal companions. This is why it can be extremely difficult to suddenly face the reality of their absence. Your dog is a member of your family, which is why their death can bring upon great sorrow.
If you are planning a memorial service to commemorate your dog’s life, a good way to say goodbye to your pet is through a poem. You can also share the poem about your dog online, print it as a tribute, or just keep it nearby so you can read it every time you miss your pet.
A poem can help find closure by memorializing your dog. The list below conveys the joy of sharing a life with a pet dog and the pain of losing them. Many of these poems feature common scenarios that you might have shared with your dog.
I Stood by Your Bed Last Night
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, “It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew … In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning and say “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out … then come home to be with me.
A Time to Remember
They come into our lives for such a short time a time we wouldn’t trade not even for a dime Then before you know it the years have flown by and then all of the sudden we’re saying good-bye
It wasn’t that long ago we said our good-byes we held on to you tight as you closed your eyes Your spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove into God’s loving arm’s; in heaven above
Over the days we’ve shed many tears but the memories we have will live on for years We feel your presence and we know that your near you’re keeping us safe and calming our fear
We think about memories from years past when you were young and strong and ran so fast we remember all the great times that we all had how you always made us happy never made us mad
They were the best and happiest years we had we’ll always look back on them and never be sad We look forward to the time we’ll be together again and we thank the Lord for such a great friend
Now you run and play up in Heaven above cradled in God’s arms covered with his love Playing by the Bridge waiting for the day we come down thru the meadow to the bridge to stay
The love that you showed us we’ll never forget because to us you’re one very special pet You’re like a star in the dark of night always watching over us with the Lord’s light
So now we take time to remember our best friend who will always be with us even to the end We’ll always remember you the way you were one big lovable huggable pile of fur
Waiting at the Door
I was just a pup when we first met I loved you from the start. You picked me up and took me home and placed me in your heart. my time has come to go. I know your heart is sore. I see the tears that fall when I`m not waiting at the door. You always did your best for me yours love was plain to see, for even though it broke your heart you set my spirit free. So please be brave without me, one day we´ll met once more, for when you´re called to Heaven I´ll be waiting at the door.
Lend Me A Pup
I will lend to you for a while, a pup, God said, For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he’s dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three But will you, ’till I call him back, take care of him for me.
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and (should his stay be brief) you’ll always have his memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I’ve looked the whole world over in search of teachers true And from the folk that crowd’s life’s land I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say “Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,” For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risk of grief we’ll run. We’ll shelter him with tenderness we’ll love him while we may And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay But should you call him back much sooner than we’ve planned, We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. If, by our love, we’ve managed, your wishes to achieve In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve, When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife, We’ll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.
Cat Loss Poems
People say the joy of being with your pet cat outweighs the pain when you lose them.
But grief is a difficult process, and honoring your pet cat with a poem can help you cope. Poems can also have a positive effect on your spiritual relationship with your pet cat as you finally accept their physical loss.
The cat loss poems below are well-suited to be recited during a memorial service. They can serve many purposes. You can recite one as a eulogy, print one a funeral program, used them in a memorial keepsake, and share them online.
Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now… No eager purrs to greet me. No softly padded paws to run Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry Will say it’s time for feeding. I’ve put away your bowl, and all The things you won’t be needing;
But I will miss you little friend, For I could never measure The happiness you brought me, The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share In earthly joy and sorrow; I’m sure there’ll be a place for you In Heaven’s bright tomorrow…
Alice E. Chase
Heavenly Nap
You lived your nine lives here with me my loyal, loving friend, Then God took you up to Paradise to live life number ten.
I’ll bet you’re peacefully lying upon an angel’s lap. Purring there, without a care having a heavenly nap.
I’ll miss you for a little while, but our friendship will not end. Time will pass, and then at last you’ll be on my lap again.
Ron Tranmer
I Made It Home
I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but it didn’t take too long.
Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new. I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too.
Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand God is taking care of me…I’m in the shelter of His hands.
Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I’ll never hurt again.
Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now… I’ve just got to try my wings.
God’s Garden
God looked around his garden, And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you, And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never, Get well on this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids, And whispered, “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
Poems for Other Pets
There are many other pets such as fish, birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, and horses that people keep.
While many of the mentioned poems explicitly talk about the loss of a cat or dog, there are also pet loss poems that can be suitable for any type of animal. These poems also help with the grieving process.
Below is a list of poems that could be appropriate for other pets. You can also browse through these poems for ideas and inspiration if you want to write your own pet loss poem.
Saying Goodbye to A Special Pet
Saying goodbye to a special pet can be the hardest thing of all.
It’s like losing a friend who has always been there for me.
A companion in times of loneliness, a comfort and moments of sadness,
and everyday joy that has touched my life.
Saying goodbye to a special pet can be the hardest thing of all.
Until I remember I’d never trade one precious memory,
or one single moment spent with my dog who brought so much joy to my life.
And left so much happiness in my heart.
Don’t Cry for the Horses
Don’t cry for the horses That life has set free A million white horses Forever to be
Don’t cry for the horses Now in God’s hands As they dance and they prance To a heavenly band
They were ours as a gift But never to keep As they close their eyes Forever to sleep
Their spirits unbound On silver wings they fly A million white horses Against the blue sky
Look up into heaven You’ll see them above The horses we lost The horses we loved
Manes and tails flowing They Gallop through time They were never yours They were never mine
Don’t cry for the horses They will be back someday When our time has come They will show us the way
Brenda Riley-Seymore
My Forever Pet
There’s something missing in my home, I feel it day and night, I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right. But just for now, I need to mourn, My heart — it needs to mend. Though some may say, “It’s just a pet,” I know I’ve lost a friend. You’ve brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days. A constant friend through joy or loss with gentle, loving ways. Companion, friend, and confidante, A friend I won’t forget. You’ll live forever in my heart, My sweet, forever pet.
Susanne Taylor
I Only Wanted You
They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway, and heartache make a lane, I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Tribute To A Best Friend
Sunlight streams through window pane unto a spot on the floor…. then I remember, it’s where you used to lie, but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound…. then I remember, It’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill, then I remember it can’t be yours…. your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall
I’ll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love and keep them for my best friend until we meet above.
Further Readings and Resources
In addition to these specific pet loss poems, you may want to choose from our collection of the best funeral poems. Remember, there is no right answer. Choose the poem that resonates with your heart and expresses what you feel. For more inspiration, here is a collection of funeral readings, including specific selections from the testament.
If you have decided that you would rather write your own poem to honor your beloved pet, you are taking a positive step towards processing your grief. Writing about your feelings over the death of your pet is cathartic and healing. Here are some ideas on how to start:
Acknowledge your emotions. Grief can be a mix of different emotions such as sadness, anxiety, confusion, shock, and even anger. One way to tackle this is to allow yourself to feel these emotions and acknowledge that grief is normal. Your journey towards acceptance will change gradually and you just have to be patient with yourself as you take time for your soul to heal.
Write about your personal memories. After you accept that the grieving process is natural, you can then process it by writing about your life with your pet. As you reminisce about the life you shared with your pet, recount the good times that you had together and be thankful. If you have a specific fond memory of your pet, sharing it makes a personal connection.
Try to structure your poem around a theme. As you draft your poem, it’s good to think about the overarching theme that you want to share. Determine the focus of your poem, as well as the emotion you want to elicit from the reader. For instance, you may want to write your poem as a farewell to your pet. Or you can simply express your feelings of longing and acceptance.
Mindfulness and Grief has a helpful guide providing advice about writing poetry dealing with loss.
Your Poems
Send us an email to submit your poems and see them featured here!
Farewell My Old Friend
by John McGuire
You looked me in the eye; said ” it’s all right”. Time to send me on my way. Don’t be sad. I’m just glad. This old dog has had its day.
(I sang)
Farewell my old friend. Don’t mind if I cry. Grieving’s just a way to say “goodbye”, To someone that I’ve loved and lost; that’s why.
Here’s to all those good times we spent together; Pulling on that leash and running free. Rainy days, lonely nights, You were always there to share with me.
Farewell my old friend. Don’t mind if I cry. Grieving’s just a way to say “goodbye”, To someone that I’ve loved and lost; that’s why.
So long my old pal. Thanks for being true. Giving back the love I gave to you. There’s another dog who’s waiting for some, too. I’Il pass it on and love ’em just like you.
FAQ
Do I need to have a funeral for my pet?
It is not required, but it helps the healing process.. A ceremony for the death of your pet can help you find closure as you say your final goodbyes. It helps with the grieving process if you acknowledge their death and your emotion formally.
Do I need to have a funeral card/program for my pet?
It is not necessary, but it would make a good keepsake. A funeral card can be a beautiful tribute to your pet. You can honor the life you shared with your pet by adding their photos and memories to the funeral card.
Can I add a poem to my pet’s funeral card?
Yes. Dedicating a poem for your pet would make a beautiful tribute. You can add a poem written by others or create your personal poem for your pet. Aside from poems, you can also choose to add quotes, song lyrics, and prayers.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
Music can inspire, comfort, and uplift family and friends while they celebrate a lost loved one. Here is an inspiring list of funeral hymns to help you choose the best music (hymns) for your funeral service.
Choosing Funeral Hymns
Music is an important part of the funeral liturgy. It unites the mourners in heart and mind, and helps to express the thought and emotions felt by everyone. For direction, choose a funeral hymn would honor the life of the person who died.
The best starting point in looking for an appropriate funeral hymn is to check the wishes of the deceased. Musical choices may have been written in a funeral plan, or mentioned to family and friends.
If no plans were made consider the mood you want to convey and the best way to pay tribute to the deceased.
The following hymns are appropriate for church funerals since they include themes of the paschal mystery and the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection.
When you find a hymn you like, talk to the pianist, organist, professional cantor, or leader of the funeral music to make sure it can be performed and is appropriate for the service.
Funeral Hymns or Funeral Songs?
A hymn is a type of song, so all hymns are songs but not all songs are hymns. A song is considered a hymn if it uses meter and addresses a religious figure (often with adoration or prayer). They are simple, emotional, and spiritual.
Though not required, hymns can have an instrumental accompaniment. In Christianity, most often this is the piano. Hymns are sometimes referred to as praise songs or worship songs.
Traditional Funeral Hymns
Here are some of the most popular classic hymns with lyrics that traditionally describe God, His attributes, and activities.
Abide With Me
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless, ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
All my hope on God is founded; he doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true. God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.
Human pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray his trust; what with care and toil he buildeth, tower and temple, fall to dust. But God’s power, hour by hour, is my temple and my tower.
God’s great goodness aye endureth, deep his wisdom, passing thought: splendour, light, and life attend him, beauty springeth out of naught. Evermore from his store new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th’ Almighty giver bounteous gifts on us bestow; his desire our soul delighteth, pleasure leads us where we go. Love doth stand at his hand; joy doth wait on his command.
Still from earth to God eternal sacrifice of praise be done, high above all praises praising for the gift of Christ his Son. Christ doth call one and all: ye who follow shall not fall.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art– thou my best thought by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my great Father, I thy true son; thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my battle shield, sword for my fight; be thou my dignity, thou my delight, thou my soul’s shelter, thou my high tow’r: raise thou me heav’n-ward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, thou mine inheritance, now and always: thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!
O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine, we feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!
And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west; soon, soon to faithful warrior cometh rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Guide me, O my great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but you are mighty; hold me with your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore, feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain, where the healing waters flow. Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, ever be my strength and shield, ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever sing to you, I will ever sing to you.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; Lay down, O weary one, lay down Your head upon my breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, So weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, And he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink, and live.” I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light; Look unto me, your morn shall rise, And all your day be bright.” I looked to Jesus, and I found In him my star, my sun; And in that light of life I’ll walk Till trav’ling days are done.
O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide.
O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee, that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be; and, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend.
O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear; my foes are ever near me, around me and within; but Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.
O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self will. O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul.
Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom; Lead thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene—one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that thou Shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path; but now, Lead thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years.
So long thy pow’r hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till The night is gone. And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, Whose trust, ever child-like, No cares could destroy, Be there at our waking, And give us, we pray, Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, At the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, Whose strong hands were skilled At the plane and the lathe, Be there at our labours, And give us, we pray, Your strength in our hearts, Lord, At the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, Your hands swift to welcome, Your arms to embrace, Be there at our homing, And give us, we pray, Your love in our hearts, Lord, At the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, Whose voice is contentment, Whose presence is balm, Be there at our sleeping, And give us, we pray, Your peace in our hearts, Lord, At the end of the day.
Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain, Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain, Thinking that He never would awake again, Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain; Quick from the dead the risen One is seen: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Jesus’ touch can call us back to life again, Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
Praise we our God with joy And gladness never ending; Angels and Saints with us Their grateful voices blending. He is our Father dear, O’erfilled with Father’s love; Mercies unsought, unknown He showers from above,
He is our Shepherd true, With watchful care unsleeping; On us, his erring sheep, An eye of pity keeping. He with a mighty arm The bonds of sin doth break, And to our burden’d hearths In words of peace doth speak.
Bleeding, we lay, but He With soothing bands hath bound us; Dark was our path, but He Hath poured His light around us; Graces in copious streams From that pure fountain come, Down to our heart of hearts, Where God hath set his home.
His Word our lantern is, His Peace our consolation; His sweetness all our rest, Himself our great Salvation! Then live we all to God, Rely on Him in faith, Be He our guide in life, Our joy, our hope, in death.
Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song! Death and sorrow, earth’s dark story, To the former days belong. All around the clouds are breaking, Soon the storms of time shall cease; In God’s likeness we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace.
O what glory, far exceeding All that eye has yet perceived! Holiest hearts, for ages pleading, Never that full joy conceived. God has promised, Christ prepares it, There on high our welcome waits. Ev’ry humble spirit shares it; Christ has passed the eternal gates.
Life eternal! heav’n rejoices: Jesus lives who once was dead. Shout with joy, O deathless voices! Child of God, lift up your head! Patriarchs from distant ages, Saints all longing for their heav’n, Prophets, psalmists, seers, and sages, All await the glory giv’n.
Life eternal! O what wonders Crowd on faith; what joy unknown, When, amid earth’s closing thunders, Saints shall stand before the throne! Oh, to enter that bright portal, See that glowing firmament, Know, with you, O God immortal, Jesus Christ whom you have sent!
Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast, body of Christ, be thou my saving guest, blood of my Saviour, bathe me in thy tide, wash me with water flowing from thy side.
Strength and protection may thy Passion be, O blessèd Jesu, hear and answer me; deep in thy wounds, Lord, hide and shelter me, so shall I never, never part from thee.
Guard and defend me from the foe malign, in death’s dread moments make me only thine; call me and bid me come to thee on high where I may praise thee with thy saints for ay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son: endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won; angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Refrain: Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son; endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won.
Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom; let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing, for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. [Refrain]
No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life; life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife; make us more than conqu’rors, thro’ thy deathless love: bring us safe thro’ Jordan to thy home above. [Refrain]
In recent years a lot of popular liturgical music has been written that is appropriate for a funeral. Below are some contemporary church hymns that slightly differ from tradition hymns.
Traditional funeral hymns are often “about” God, while modern funeral hymns are often “addressed to” God. Most modern lyrics read if the worshipper is addressing God directly.
Be still and know I am with you
Be still, and know I am with you, Be still, I am the Lord. I will not leave you orphans. I leave you with my world. Be one.
You fear the light may be fading, You fear to lose your way. Be still, and know I am near you. I’ll lead you to the day and the sun.
Be glad the day you have sorrow. Be glad, for then you live. The stars shine only in darkness, and in your need I give my peace.
Be not afraid
You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live.
Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown. If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the pow’r of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all.
Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs. Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!
Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
Go, silent friend, your life has found its ending; To dust returns your weary mortal frame. God, who before birth called you into being, Now calls you hence, his ascent still the same. Go, silent friend, your life in Christ is buried; For you he lived and died and rose again. Close by his side your promised place is waiting Where, fully known, you shall with God remain.
Go, silent friend, forgive us if we grieved you; Safe now in heaven, kindly say our name. your life has touched us, that is why we mourn you; Our lives without you cannot be the same. Go, silent friend, we do not grudge you glory; Sing, sing with joy deep praises to your Lord. You, who believed that Christ would come back for you, Now celebrate that Jesus keeps his word.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Oh, the love of my Lord is the essence of all that I love here on earth. All the beauty I see he has given to me and his giving is gentle as silence.
Every day, every hour, every moment have been blessed by the strength of his love. At the turn of each tide he is there at my side, and his touch is as gentle as silence.
There’ve been times when I’ve turned from his presence, and I’ve walked other paths, other ways. But I’ve called on his name in the dark of my shame, and his mercy was gentle as silence.
On eagle’s wings
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in his shadow for life, say to the Lord: “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: under his wings your refuge, his faithfulness your shield.
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come.
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
For to his angels he’s given a command to guard you in all of your ways; upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Refrain: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.
For justice, for freedom, for mercy, hear our prayer. In sorrow, in grief, be near, hear our prayer, O God.
Refrain: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.
For wisdom, for courage, for comfort, hear our prayer. In weakness, in fear, be near, hear our prayer, O God.
Refrain: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.
For healing, for wholeness, for new life, hear our prayer. In sickness, in death, be near, hear our prayer, O God.
Refrain: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.
Lord save us, take pity, light in our darkness. We call you, we wait, be near, hear our prayer, O God.
Final Refrain: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.
Refrain: Unless a grain of wheat shall fall upon the ground and die, it remains but a single grain with no life.
If we have died with him then we shall live with him; if we hold firm, we shall reign with him. [Refrain] If anyone serves me then they must follow me; wherever I am my servants will be. [Refrain]
Make your home in me as I make mine in you; those who remain in me bear much fruit. [Refrain]
If you remain in me and my word lives in you, then you will be my disciples. [Refrain]
Those who love me are loved by my Father; we shall be with them and dwell in them. [Refrain]
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; peace which the world cannot give is my gift. [Refrain]
Yahweh, I know you are near, standing always at my side. You guard me from the foe, and you lead me in ways everlasting.
Lord, you have searched my heart, and you know when I sit and when I stand. Your hand is upon me protecting me from death, keeping me from harm.
Where can I run from Your love? If I climb to the heavens You are there; If I fly to the sunrise or sail beyond the sea, still I’d find You there.
You know my heart and its ways, you who formed me before I was born in the secret of darkness before I saw the sun in my mother’s womb.
Marvelous to me are Your works; how profound are Your thoughts, my Lord. Even if I could count them, they number as the stars, You would still be there.
When selecting a funeral hymn, one consideration is the liturgical season that is being celebrated.
The Easter Season is an appropriate time to make a connection between the death and resurrection of Christ and our own dying and transition to eternal life.
Next, the selected music for the Advent Season address anticipation and longing for a Savior, the coming of the kingdom.
Lastly, hymns during Lent focus on God’s mercy and forgiveness. Below are a few of the popular hymns for different liturgical seasons.
All creatures of our God and King (Easter)
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing alleluia, alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heav’n along, O praise him, alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, alleluia, alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest man both warmth and light, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And all ye men of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part, O sing ye, alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and on him cast your care, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise him, alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, three in one, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace, thus saith our God; comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning ‘neath their sorrow’s load. Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over.
Yea, her sins our God will pardon, blotting out each dark misdeed; all that well deserved his anger he no more will see or heed. She hath suffered many a day, now her griefs have passed away; God will change her pining sadness into ever-springing gladness.
For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near, bidding all men to repentance, since the kingdom now is here. O that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way; let the valleys rise to meet him, and the hills bow down to greet him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain; let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign. For the glory of the Lord now o’er earth is shed abroad; and all flesh shall see the token that his word is never broken.
O Sun of Justice, Jesus Christ, May darkness of our mind give way To strength’ning light of grace divine, As you restore on earth the day.
You give us time to make amends, Arouse true sorrow in our hearts; May your great kindness win us back Whose faults your pity disregards.
Let all the vast world worship pay To you, O Trinity most kind; And let us sing new hymns of praise, Renewed by grace in heart and mind.
Of the Father’s love begotten (Christmas)
Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the Source, the Ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
O that birth forever blessed, when the Virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore!
This is he whom heav’n-taught singers sang of old with one accord, whom the Scriptures of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long expected; let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heav’n, adore him; angel hosts, his praises sing: all dominions, bow before him and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ry voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore!
Christ, to thee, with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory, evermore and evermore!
Wait for the Lord, his day is near Wait for the Lord, be strong take heart Prepare the way for the Lord Make a straight path for Him The Glory of the Lord shall be revealed All the Earth will see the Lord Rejoice in the Lord always He is at Hand Joy and gladness for all who seek the Lord
When the King shall come again all his power revealing, splendor shall announce his reign, life and joy and healing: earth no longer in decay, hope no more frustrated; this is God’s redemption day longingly awaited.
In the desert trees take root fresh from his creation; plants and flowers and sweetest fruit join the celebration. Rivers spring up from the earth, barren lands adorning; valleys, this is your new birth, mountains, greet the morning!
Strengthen feeble hands and knees, fainting hearts, be cheerful! God who comes for such as these seeks and saves the fearful. Deaf ears hear the silent tongues sing away their weeping; blind eyes see the lifeless ones walking, running, leaping.
There God’s highway shall be seen where no roaring lion, nothing evil or unclean walks the road to Zion: ransomed people homeward bound all your praises voicing, see your Lord with glory crowned, share in his rejoicing!
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Ave, verum Corpus natum de María Virgine: Vere passum immolátum in cruce pro hómine: Cujus latus perforátum fluxit aqua et sánguine:, Esto nobis praegustátum mortis in exámine. O Jesu dulcis! O Jesu pie! O Jesu fili Maríae.
Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more; neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Thou only art immortal, the Creator and Maker of man; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return; for so thou didst ordain when thou createdst me, saying: ‘Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.’ All we go down to the dust, and, weeping o’er the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more; neither sighing, but life everlasting.
God so loved the world. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso believeth, believeth in Him should not perish, should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world. God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; But that the world through Him might be saved.
God so loved the world. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso believeth, believeth in Him should not perish, should not perish but have everlasting life, everlasting life, everlasting, everlasting life. God so loved the world. God so loved the world. God so loved the world.
In Paradísum dedúcant te ángeli: in tuo advéntu suscípiant te mártyres, et perdúcant te in civitátem sanctam Jerúsalem. Chórus angelórum te suscípiat, et cun Lázaro quondam páupere aetérnam hábeas réquiem.
My Shepherd, you supply my need, most holy is your name; in pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream. You bring my wand’ring spirit back. when I forsake your ways; you lead me, for your mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When through the shades of death I walk, your presence is my stay; one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. Your hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; my cup with Blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; Shut not thy merciful ears unto our pray’rs; But spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty. O holy and most merciful Saviour, Thou most worthy Judge eternal, Suffer us not at our last hour, For any pains of death to fall away from Thee.
First, consider the wishes of the deceased. They may have been included in a funeral plan or mentioned to friends and family. They may also have a favorite hymn, which would be meaningful if it is played during the service. If no choice was made you can then start with the list provided or ask for assistance from family, friends, and even Church ministers.
Can I choose any hymn that I want?
No. Although, you are given some freedom to select a funeral hymn that you think would best fit the funeral service of your loved one, there are still certain parameters that the Church has set for an appropriate funeral hymn. Many churches have to approve the chosen funeral hymns first. In this case, it is best to ask for guidance from the minister, director of music, organist, professional cantor, or any other person leading the music of the funeral liturgy.
What is the difference between traditional hymns and modern hymns?
Traditional funeral hymns often have lyrics that are “about” God, while modern funeral hymns are often addressed “to” God as if the worshipper is speaking to God directly.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
When you are grieving, it is hard to process your thoughts and emotions, let alone put into words how you feel about your lost loved one.
In this article, we will look at the elements of a eulogy and break it down into parts that are easy to understand. We hope this will serve as a practical step-by-step guide to writing a eulogy that gives you confidence to express your thoughts.
What Is a Funeral Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech that tells the life story of the deceased. It is usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service as a way to honor and praise them.
Family members or close friends are usually chosen to deliver the eulogy. If the deceased has many family members and friends, multiple eulogies can be delivered during the service.
Difference between Eulogy, Elegy, and Obituary
Many people mix up the terms eulogy, obituary, and elegy. However, they have important distinctions.
An obituary is an announcement of the deceased together with some biographical information that acts as a snippet of one’s life. It is often published in a local newspaper and/or posted online.
On the other hand, an elegy is a song or a poem used to mourn the dead.
As noted earlier, eulogies are speeches performed during the service that praise the deceased.
Parts of A Eulogy
A good eulogy captures the essence of the deceased and how they lived. It tells the life story of the person, including the lives they touched, the accomplishments they made, and any stories that help to paint a vivid picture of the person’s life.
Details to Include in a Eulogy
Below is a road map to the structure of a eulogy. As you look at the broad sections think about details that you want to include along the way. Here is a list of ideas:
introduce yourself and your relationship
birth date and location of the deceased
nicknames and aliases (some people may know them by a different name)
where and how the person grew up
close family and important people who influenced the deceased
how they met their partner or significant other
accomplishments, achievements, and awards
education
sports prowess
contributions to the community and society
favorite writings, teachings, or songs
clubs and organizations
military service
milestones achieved
leadership roles
humorous anecdotes
names of close family members
acknowledgement of important guests (and those that traveled far)
Introduction
Depending on the group it may be a good idea to introduce yourself and your relationship to the person who died.
Keep in mind hat the introduction of the eulogy will set the tone and introduce the theme of how you want to portray the life story of the deceased.
At this point, keep the eulogy very simple to understand. Just keep it personal and conversational. There’s no need for you a formal speech. A eulogy will simply serve as a heartfelt appreciation for the person who died. And it is your unique perspective so there are no wrong answers.
Body
The body will be the most detailed part of a eulogy. This is where you will further expound on the personality of the deceased, elaborating on your main point in the introduction.
For instance, if you’d like to center your speech around the kindness of the person, this is where you tell those stories that exemplify the generous heart of the deceased.
The stories and anecdotes you provide here will have more impact if they are vivid and insightful. Do you have a story that shows a side of the deceased that is not well known? It helps to recall how you felt when the story took place and offer your unique perspective. One simple way to structure the body is to progress through the person’s life and milestones in chronological order. This way it is easy to follow along.
Conclusion
The conclusion is essentially a short summary of the introduction and body. You can tie your thoughts together by emphasizing what made the person special to you.
Take care with the final thought. The last sentence can have a lasting impact on the listeners because it is your last statement in honoring the deceased. One idea is to close the eulogy by directly addressing the deceased. I was recently moved by the last thought of a eulogy when the son simply said “I love you Dad.”
How To Write a Eulogy
There is no master template on how to write a eulogy. The guide and samples you will find here are some essential information that can help you start the writing process. It gives a general overview of what to expect, so you don’t embark on the task blindly.
Also, it is normal to experience having your thoughts blocked, especially at a time of devastating loss. You do not have to be extremely pressured about writing the best eulogy. It just has to come genuinely from what your heart tells you. You will find out that writing a eulogy can also be therapeutic.
1. Write Your Ideas First
First, jot down some ideas on what you want to include in the eulogy. Think about some memories, stories, and thoughts that you think would best honor the person who died.
At this point, you do not have to overthink the structure of your eulogy. Just keep the ideas flowing. A common theme will emerge and you can narrow it down later on.
You may include the highlights of their life, accomplishments, passions, hobbies, and other things that make them unique. You may also write some ideas about how the person made an impact on your life and others.
There is no need to rush this step and no need to feel pressure. In a sense, it is even best to let the ideas come out naturally. You will simply need to call up memories, which is a good way to honor the deceased.
2. Decide on the Focus for Your Eulogy
After writing down your ideas, thoughts, and stories about the person, it is now time to think about the main focus of your eulogy. You may have written several stories and anecdotes.
The best guiding principle in narrowing down your ideas is to keep it personal to you and the person. Only include the details and ideas that had an impact on you and your relationship with them. This way you are telling your unique experience which will be revealing and interesting to the listeners.
3. Include Some Poems, Prayers, and Quotes
After narrowing down your ideas and stories for the eulogy, you may choose poems, prayers, and quotes that will add to your speech.
They readings could be directly inspired by the deceased or even be their favorite. This is a great option so you don’t have to rely on writing the entire eulogy. It also gives something familiar for listeners to relate to.
Use the readings to support the theme of your story. In choosing the best reading think about what would be meaningful to you or the person who died.
4. Finalize Your Eulogy
The last step for writing a eulogy is adding the finishing touches. At this stage, you can now choose an order for your stories, anecdotes, and quotes.
This is where you carefully decide the structure and the order of your eulogy. Review everything that you have written so far and finalize the stories, poems, or other thoughts that you want to keep.
There is no required limit for the length of a eulogy. Many funeral homes allow you to speak as long as you want to. A common range is 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Practice Delivering Your Eulogy
The final step is to practice your eulogy. It can be difficult to deliver a eulogy because of overwhelming emotions. By practicing prior to the funeral, you can help yourself in making it easier for you to deliver the speech.
Consider timing, enunciation, volume, and inflection and delivery. Rehearse it several times. There is no need to memorize your speech. Just make sure you feel comfortable in delivering it. The more you prepare the more comfortable you will be.
Remember that you are giving your eulogy as a way to honor the deceased. Even if you feel that it is too daunting or difficult, just remember your relationship with the person and how your eulogy would be a good way to honor their memory. There is no need to be profound…just genuine and naturally yourself.
Eulogy Poem Ideas
Here are some samples of poems to read at funerals. You can find a far more comprehensive list in our funeral poems article.
When I am dead, my dearest by Christina Rossetti
When I am dead, my dearest, Sing no sad songs for me; Plant thou no roses at my head, Nor shady cypress tree: Be the green grass above me With showers and dewdrops wet; And if thou wilt, remember, And if thou wilt, forget.
I shall not see the shadows, I shall not feel the rain; I shall not hear the nightingale Sing on, as if in pain: And dreaming through the twilight That doth not rise nor set, Haply I may remember, And haply may forget.
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep By Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Eulogy Prayer Ideas
Below are some scriptures you could add to your eulogy.
Psalms 23
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Ecclesiastes 3
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Funeral Eulogy Examples
Here are some great examples of touching eulogies. Hopefully these samples will inspire your writing and help you understand the structure—and lack thereof—of eulogies.
From my earliest memories, she is right by my side, taking me on walks through the miniature golf course near our house, dutifully preparing my odd lunch requests for cheddar and mayo sandwiches and sneaking me Almond Joy candy bars away from the gaze of my mom.
I was so close to my grandma that around the age of 23 I grew increasingly anxious that she might not live to attend my wedding unless I hurried up. Well … she did live to attend that wedding, and also to witness my first divorce, my second marriage, and to know and love my two children. She liked Jeff from the beginning and one day before we were engaged, she boldly told him, “Well, you better put a ring on it!” quoting Beyoncé without knowing the reference.
The most remarkable qualities about my grandma as she aged were her gratitude and her humility. She often told me to live for myself and not worry about her — to work, focus on my family, and come visit when I had time. She loved every minute of our visits but never pushed for more.
I once asked her if I should have a third child and she replied, “Why, honey? You already have the perfect family.” The most important things to my grandma were family and faith; she didn’t care for material possessions. In fact, she was known for giving items away because “there was someone who was more in need.” This selflessness and service for others leave a legacy that I will try to model for my children. Time with her family was the greatest gift and even with that, she was not greedy.
I am deeply thankful to our family who cared for, loved her, and relished spending time with my grammie as she aged. Knowing she had Adie to take her to church and lunch every Sunday punctuated her week with a joyful event she truly looked forward to. Dave and Aileen always arrived with a box of her favorites See’s Candies, essentially confirming the Pavlovian model as she began to drool as soon as they walked in the door. And to my mom, who cared for my grandma for the last 10 years of her life with compassion and unrivaled duty. I thank her not only for giving back to her mom, but for modeling care and respect for our elders.
“When my friends began to have babies and I came to comprehend the heroic labor it takes to keep one alive, the constant exhausting tending of a being who can do nothing and demands everything, I realized that my mother had done all of these things for me before I remembered. I was fed; I was washed; I was clothed; I was taught to speak and given a thousand other things, over and over again, hourly, daily, for years. She gave me everything before she gave me nothing.”
First I would like to thank all of you for your support. It means so much to us all.
Vincent was my father but he was also father to Donna, Joey, John Sr., Miriam, Harel, and Alex, and Grandfather to John Jr. Alison, Hailey, Kayla, Jake, Lila and Carissa, plus Uncle to many nieces and nephews here with us today.
We all have memories of Vincent. I want to share some of my most precious childhood memories with you now.
The most fun I had with him was staying up all night playing video games, watching hockey together, walking to Smoke Stax down the block and racing home, and painting Christmas ornaments with him. Getting a ride on my Dad’s motorcycle was also the coolest!
But what I cherished most about my Dad was that he also loved animals. If a person found any hurt animal they knew my Dad would help them.
Hopefully you all had a chance to look at the college pictures. Not to sound weird but when I saw his high school picture I was like, “Wow! Dad was hot!”
My Mom didn’t stand a chance! They met when my Mom was 16 and my Dad was 19. My beautiful Mom was waiting at a bus stop with her friends. My Dad, riding in a car with his friends, noticed the girls and asked if they wanted a ride. Of course no one takes rides with strangers, right kids?! So they said no.
Then one of my Dad’s friends said to my Mom, “Vinny LaManna wants to talk to you!” and my Mom said, “Tell Vinny LaManna to go fly a kite!”
Maybe not exactly those words but you know what I’m saying. Well, that’s all my stubborn Italian Dad had to hear and he said “I have to meet that girl!”
My Mom and her friends took the bus to an ice cream parlor not knowing that the boys had followed them. Once they got inside the ice cream parlor Dad pulled my Mom into a booth and my Mom saw those piercing green eyes and dark hair. She didn’t stand a chance.
They were married for 51 years and when they moved into their first apartment all they had to eat for dinner was a hard boiled egg which they shared. They worked, making honest livings as bus drivers and we were proud. They provided all they could. They made sure we always had the presents we wanted on Christmas and the feeling of love was always there.
My father was an old fashioned Italian who struggled with showing emotions. Growing up with him was not always easy. Most of the time I just wanted to slap him in the back of the head and say, like Cher from Moonstruck, “Snap out of it”!
I know my Dad loved us but unfortunately he didn’t know how to show us. With all of that, I have learned a very valuable lesson from my father. I will not live in fear or anger. I will love and I will grow and I will not let something like age tell me I can’t learn something new or do something I enjoy.
When I make a mistake I will forgive myself and not live in regret. I’ve decided to take him on that journey with me because I know he would be proud and think, I’m nuts but, that’s what life is about – love, learning, growing, pushing for more. That’s what he taught me and I will not let him down. I want to experience the things he couldn’t.
Again thank you to our family and friends for your support.
I know that Mom is smiling upon us today because she always smiled when her family was gathered together. Family was at the core of who mom was. She wasn’t much for social events, she wasn’t much for politics, she didn’t watch soap operas, she just cared and nurtured her family in the best way she knew how. Every Sunday she would get up early to attend Mass so that she could come home and start cooking the Sunday dinner by 9:00AM. A big pot of gravy could be found on the stove cooking, and cooking, and cooking. Somehow, Dad would always manage to steal a few fried meatballs before they made it to gravy. On special occasions she would make homemade macaroni. In fact, the whole family would make homemade ravioli with each family member having their own job to do in a giant assembly line that started in the kitchen and ended on a white floured sheet in the bedroom.
To Mom, food was love. When I asked her grandchildren for memories of their grandmother, they all agreed that the three words most often used by grandma were, “Eat, eat, eat”. That was her way of saying, “I love you, I love you, I love you”. She could whip up a gourmet meal on a moments notice out of just what was in the refrigerator and proclaim, “oh it’s so simple to do”. So many of the memories they had of her where about food and therefore about her love. Love for her husband, and her children and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pizzelles, the home-made ravioli, the polenta, the spaghetti alio ulio, the cheesecake, the Easter bread, the Christmas cookies, and the list goes on and on. Mom sure knew how to cook up a lot of love.
We should remember today not to mourn her passing but to celebrate her life. Her life as a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to so many of you sitting here. Her life as a mother who did her best to guide her children in the right direction. Her life as a dedicated wife and companion of 56 years to Dad who loved her just as deeply. I know that Mom & Dad loved to dance and today I am sure they are together again dancing in heaven. Let us be happy for them and for the privilege to have known our mom, Antoinette Rofrano, and have been touched by her life.
FAQ
What do I include in a funeral eulogy?
Add stories, memories, and anecdotes that had an impact on you and your relationship with the person. Just remember to keep it personal since this is the best way for you to fully capture the essence of their character. You may also include poems, prayers, and quotes as long as it is meaningful to you and the person who died.
How do I begin a funeral eulogy?
Begin with an introduction that describes the person’s character. You may start with the memories you had with the person, delivered in descriptive details. It is also good to establish your relationship with the deceased during this part.
Who delivers the eulogy in a funeral?
Usually, family members or close friends are tasked to deliver a funeral eulogy.
How long should a funeral eulogy take?
Although there is no limit, a good range for the speaking time is about 5 to 10 minutes. However, there isn’t really a time limit for eulogies. You can take as long as you want. Bear in mind that you want to hold the listener’s attention.
What tone should my eulogy speech take?
There is no right answer. Eulogies are generally in offered in praise of the deceased. The tone may be dictated by the deceased and they way they lived their life or may be a reflection of the person giving the eulogy. If you are genuine and natural the message will be received well. Death is a solemn time of reflection, but humor is also a wonderful tool and can be appropriate even in a eulogy.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
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