How to Plan the Readings for a Funeral Service

Planning a funeral service can be a daunting task, with many decisions to be made. Selecting appropriate readings is one of the key decisions. Here's how to select readings that set the tone you're looking for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Essays
• Poems
• Books

1. Make a list of the deceased person's favorite authors and/or poets. Consult family members and friends if needed to find out this information.
2. Choose excerpts of poems, stories or essays that evoke memories of the deceased person's personality or life.
   
3. Look online or check your local library for compilations of popular readings for funeral services. You might happen upon one that strikes just the right chord.
4. If you are having a religious service, talk to the priest, rabbi or pastor about appropriate readings that he or she would suggest. They often will have a selection of appropriate readings available that will help narrow down your choices.

Tips & Warnings

• Readings don't have to be serious. They can be funny or uplifting, too. Choose whatever is appropriate for the deceased.