How to personalise a memorial service?

A memorial service is a commonly used term to describe an end-of-life ceremony that doesn't have the deceased body present in a coffin.
A memorial service usually happens after a cremation and is important for family and friends to come together, remember, and pay tribute to the life of the deceased person.

A memorial service can be held in any public or private space of your choosing in Queensland.

A memorial service can be a reflection of someone’s unique life. The words of the service and music played reveal the individual and their life. But more can be done to create that personal touch, where someone’s personality, interests and life can be reflected in just an extra touch or two.

Examples of how to personalise a memorial service:

Utilise decorations that reflect the deceased person’s personality and life:
It's easy—and really comforting—to make the space feel personal and welcoming. You could put out things they made, decorate with their favorite flowers, or scatter meaningful items from their home. Maybe even stack some of their well-loved books around the room. Anything that reflects who they were and celebrates their life can help make the space feel just right.

Establish a memory table:
Set up a table near the front of the service area or in the foyer, and fill it with things that capture your loved one’s life. You might display photos, trophies, certificates, favorite keepsakes, or artwork, along with items that show off their hobbies—like a fishing rod, garden tools, a football, or even some favorite clothes. Basically, anything that reminds you of who they were.

Memory-Sharing Station
Set up a spot with paper or postcards that have prompts about your loved one. Guests can pick a question, share stories with each other, and spark meaningful conversations. It’s a great way to bring people together and keep their memory alive.

Wear Special Colors or Clothing
Ask guests to wear something meaningful—maybe your loved one’s favorite color or the colors of their sports team. It could even be a specific item, like a fishing shirt, a Hawaiian shirt, a string of pearls, or a favorite piece of jewelry. These little details can bring warmth and a sense of connection to the service.

Photo Display
Create a space filled with photos—photo boards, framed pictures on tables, or albums to flip through. You could also invite guests to bring a favorite photo to add to a memory book, writing a little note about why it’s special.

Personalised Music
If a family member or friend can sing or play an instrument, live music adds a heartfelt touch. If your loved one had favorite songs, consider printing the lyrics so everyone can sing together. Another great idea is creating a shared Spotify playlist where guests can add songs that remind them of the person, then playing it during the wake.

Memory Table
Instead of a traditional guest book, invite people to share memories in a creative way. It could be a memorial book with story prompts, a memory tree where guests hang notes, or a jar filled with handwritten messages. This is especially meaningful for families with young children who may cherish these stories later.

Personalised Decor & Flowers
Decorate with things that truly represent your loved one. Maybe a florist can arrange flowers with special meaning, or you could use greenery from their garden. If they weren’t a big fan of flowers, consider books, their favorite drinks, sports memorabilia, handmade crafts, or even vegetables from their garden.

Favorite Foods & Drinks
Serve refreshments that reflect their tastes—signature cocktails, their favorite beer, a lolly station, meat pies and chips for a sports fan, or even an ice-cream truck if they loved ice cream. You could also print and share a favorite recipe of theirs for guests to take home.

Symbolic Releases
For a special farewell, consider releasing something meaningful—ashes in scattering tubes, letters, doves, butterflies, bubbles, flowers, pebbles, or even paper boats into a river or the ocean. It’s a beautiful way to symbolize letting go while honoring their spirit.

Small Keepsakes for Guests
Offer a small token as a way to remember them—a bookmark, a packet of seeds, a memorial candle, a stone, or a bag of their favorite chocolates. If they were a book lover, invite guests to take home a book from their collection. If they were a crafter, share something they made. Little gestures like these help keep their memory alive.

These ideas are just a starting point for planning a meaningful farewell. While grief can be overwhelming, putting together personal touches can give loved ones a sense of purpose and connection. Getting family and friends involved in specific tasks not only creates a more personal tribute but also allows everyone to feel part of the goodbye in a way that’s healing and meaningful.