How to Say Goodbye, Your Way: A Guide to Funeral Service in 2025
Let’s be honest—choosing a funeral service doesn’t have to mean sticking to stuffy traditions or following someone else’s rules. Whether you want a quirky celebration, a quiet committal service, or something completely unexpected, there are countless ways to create a farewell that will feel uniquely personal.
Funeral services don’t have to be about formality—they’re about honoring someone in a way that actually reflects who they were. The best part? You get to decide how it looks, feels, and sounds.
Too Long; Didn’t Read: Funeral Services
What They Are: A way to honor someone’s life, whether it’s heartfelt, offbeat, or something entirely unique.
Why They Matter: Funeral services bring grieving family members together to reflect, share memories, and start healing.
Types of Services: Options range from traditional funeral services to modern celebrations of life or simple committal services.
Personalization Ideas: Add touches like playlists of favorite songs, quirky decorations, or keepsakes that guests can take home.
Who Can Help: Funeral directors handle the logistics, but you can also lean on friends and family for creative input.
What Is a Funeral Service?
A funeral service is your chance to say goodbye, your way. It can be as formal as a black-tie affair in a chapel or as laid-back as karaoke night at their favorite dive bar. The point? It’s about doing what feels right, not what tradition dictates.
At its core, a funeral service brings grieving family and friends together to reflect on someone’s life and the mark they left behind. It’s about honoring the person they were—quirks, passions, flaws, and all. And sure, it gives everyone a chance to grieve together, but it’s also a time to laugh, swap stories, and maybe raise a glass in their honor.
One powerful way to shape a funeral service is by celebrating what they stood for. What did they love? What did they fight for? Take Rozalind, for example—she lived for her garden. So, her send-off was held at twilight, right in her backyard, surrounded by flowers, fruits, and vegetables from gardens she nurtured. Her recycled wooden coffin was adorned with all the things she grew with love. It wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a full-on celebration of everything she cared about.
That’s why we’re here—to help you create a farewell that’s as unique as they were, breaking the mold of cookie-cutter traditions and delivering a true reflection of their life.
Why Funeral Services Matter
Here’s the deal: funeral services aren’t just about saying goodbye—they’re a socially acceptable way for community members to reaffirm and express their social attachments.
They Bring Grieving Family Members Together: This is your chance to lean on each other, swap stories, laugh, cry, and maybe even share a drink in their honor.
They Celebrate Someone’s Achievements: Whether they ran marathons, baked the best cookies, or had the quickest comebacks, this is the moment to shine a light on what made them special.
They Take the Stress Off: Having funeral professionals or funeral directors handle the logistics means you can focus on what matters—your people and your memories.
Types of Funeral Services
1. Traditional Funeral Services
These structured ceremonies can include:
A viewing or visitation, where people can pay their respects.
A formal ceremony, complete with literary or religious passages, eulogies, and music.
A committal service, held at the burial or cremation site.
Even if you’re keeping things traditional, there’s room for personality. Favorite dance songs, custom readings that express who they were, or themed decor can make the ceremony unique. At Vita Viola, we’ve filled rooms with vibrant purple objects like flowers, amethyst trinkets, and even temporary tattoos of birds or dragons for guests to wear!
2. Celebration of Life
If you want something less formal, a celebration of life is the way to go. Think of it as a party that captures the essence of the person you’re honoring. Ideas include:
A venue that they loved—whether it’s a park, their favorite diner, or even their backyard.
A playlist of their favorite songs blasting in the background.
A themed gathering, like superhero costumes, dance party vibes, or a picnic under string lights.
A memorial service is another option for those looking for a meaningful way to honor the deceased.
3. Committal Service
For those who prefer to keep it simple, a committal service is short and meaningful. This intimate ceremony is held at the burial or cremation site, and it’s ideal for families who want a quiet way to say goodbye.
How to Personalize a Funeral Service
No two lives are the same, so why should funerals be? Here are ways to make a service meaningful:
Music: Create a playlist or bring in live performers.
Themes: Celebrate their quirks—sports jerseys, favorite flowers, or a nod to their weirdest hobbies (garden gnomes, anyone?).
Keepsakes: Hand out thoughtful items that remind people of them, like bead bracelets, handwritten notes, or custom keychains.
Eco-Friendly Options: Go green with biodegradable urns, seed paper memorials, or a tree-planting ceremony.
Funeral Etiquette: Make It Your Own
Let’s get one thing straight—there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to funerals. Sure, some traditions exist, but you don’t have to follow a script if it doesn’t feel right for you. Funeral services, whether traditional or a celebration of life, are about honoring someone in a way that’s meaningful, not just ticking boxes on a checklist.
If you’re leaning toward a traditional approach, things like eulogies, literary or religious passages, and committal services can create a familiar structure. These ceremonies might take place at a funeral home, church, or even outdoors. But why stop there? Who says the “procession” can’t be a parade of bicycles or guests walking together through a favorite park?
Forget the unwritten rules about what to wear—dress for the person you’re honoring. If they loved bright colors or had a thing for funky patterns, lean into that. Sure, black suits are an option, but so are bold outfits, superhero T-shirts, or cozy sweaters that feel personal.
And when it comes to the service itself, the only “etiquette” that matters is creating a space where people can feel connected. Whether that means standing as a group for a moment of silence or joining hands around a bonfire, respect comes in many forms.
Even a celebration of life with a relaxed atmosphere can be meaningful and heartfelt. The goal isn’t to follow protocol—it’s to honor your loved one in a way that reflects who they were. If that means swapping hymns for rock ballads or a graveside service for storytelling under the stars, do it. Respect and dignity look different for everyone, and that’s okay.
Funeral Costs: Budget Without Breaking the Rules (or the Bank)
Let’s face it—funerals can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean you need to go broke saying goodbye to someone you love. The cost of a funeral depends on the type of service, where it’s held, and how much you want to personalize it. Spoiler: You don’t have to spend a fortune to make it meaningful.
Traditional funeral services, with all the bells and whistles—viewings, ceremonies, and burials—tend to cost more than simpler options like cremation or memorial services. But here’s the thing: more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean more memorable. You can honor someone’s life with creativity, not just a big budget.
Funeral homes and directors can walk you through the numbers, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy into everything they suggest. Flowers, caskets, programs, keepsakes—they’ll offer options, but you get to decide what matters most. Pro tip? Skip the unnecessary frills and focus on the elements that truly reflect the person you’re honoring.
If the idea of last-minute expenses freaks you out, pre-planning and pre-paying for funeral services might be the way to go. This approach lets you lock in today’s prices and spare your family the financial stress when the time comes. It’s practical, and honestly, it’s a gift for your loved ones.
At the end of the day, understanding funeral costs isn’t about checking boxes or impressing anyone. It’s about making informed decisions that fit your family, your budget, and the life you’re celebrating. Because what really matters is how it feels—not how much it costs.
Supporting Loved Ones Through Grief: Be There, Your Way
Grief is messy, unpredictable, and different for everyone. Some people cry for days, while others crack jokes to cope. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, but one thing’s for sure—showing up for the people you care about can make all the difference.
Funeral services, whether they’re traditional, casual, or a full-blown celebration of life, create a space where people can come together, share stories, and find comfort in each other’s company. These moments aren’t just about saying goodbye—they’re about showing up for each other and finding strength as a group.
You don’t need to have all the answers to support someone who’s grieving. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting with them, listening, or bringing them their favorite coffee. Forget clichés like “time heals all wounds” (seriously, don’t say that). Instead, encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling—even if it’s messy or hard to hear.
Grieving alongside others can be incredibly powerful. It’s why gatherings like memorial services or celebrations of life matter—they’re not just for honoring the person who passed but also for giving everyone a moment to process, connect, and start healing.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfectly navigating someone’s grief. It’s about showing up, being patient, and letting them grieve in their own way. There’s no script for this, and there shouldn’t be. Just lead with compassion and let the moments unfold naturally.
Checklist for Planning a Funeral Service
Decide What Feels Right: Choose between traditional funeral services, celebrations of life, or a committal service.
Pick a Location: It doesn’t have to be a funeral home—think parks, backyards, or even their favorite diner.
Talk to Your People: Keep the family in the loop so everyone’s on the same page.
Work with Funeral Directors: Let them handle the paperwork and logistics while you focus on the details that matter.
Add Personal Touches: Make it meaningful with music, themes, or keepsakes that reflect their life.
Conclusion
Funeral services don’t have to feel like following someone else’s script. Whether you’re planning a celebration of life, a traditional funeral service, or a simple committal, what matters most is making it feel real, personal, and honest.
Your loved one deserves more than a cookie-cutter goodbye. Break the rules, add the quirks, and make it a moment to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Funeral Services
1. What’s the difference between a traditional funeral service and a celebration of life?
Traditional funeral services tend to follow a set structure, like a ceremony and burial. A celebration of life, on the other hand, is more about joyfully remembering the person, often in a casual or creative setting.
2. Can you mix traditional and modern elements?
Absolutely! You can start with a formal ceremony and wrap it up with a backyard barbecue—it’s your call.
3. What is a committal service?
A committal service is a brief, intimate goodbye at the burial or cremation site. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, heartfelt send-off.
4. Do funeral directors take over everything?
Not if you don’t want them to. They’re there to help with logistics, but you can still be in charge of the vision.
5. Can I skip the traditions altogether?
Of course! You could even plan a send-off months later if it makes more sense—there’s no rulebook.
