How to Plan Which Poems to Read at a Funeral

Planning the poetry to be read at a funeral service is just one of the decisions and tasks that you will be faced with in the process of planning a funeral. It’s important to choose poetry with the person you have lost in mind—one that meant something to the deceased or that reflects upon his or her character or life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Poetry

1. Talk to your religious leader or funeral director about commonly read poems and psalms for funeral services.
2. Try to find out which poetry and books the deceased enjoyed, and choose a few poems or excerpts.
3. Search the Internet for appropriate poems.
4. Ask family members which poems remind them of the deceased loved one.
   
5. If someone has written a poem for the deceased person, you can have it read at the funeral service.

Tips & Warnings

• The readings that you choose do not have to be sad. They can be uplifting and fun as well—as long as they reflect the personality of the deceased person.