Many people are now choosing to celebrate the life of their loved one with unusual and unique funeral ideas.

Here are 14 unique funeral ideas that you may wish to include at your loved one’s funeral:

1. Create a memory tree

Memory trees are a great way to get mourners to share their best memories of the person who has died. Simply place branches in a large vase and provide colourful labels and pens. Ask guests to write down their memories or thoughts and hang each one on the tree.

By the end of the funeral or wake, you’ll have a tree full of memories which others can read and enjoy. You can also save the labels in a photo album or memory box.

2. Make the order of service special

Order of service booklets are given out to everyone at a funeral and outline what is going to happen during the service. Usually, an order of service includes at least one photo, but why not make it a collage of all your favourite photos? Mourners can then keep the order of service booklet as a precious memento.

3. Sow seeds of love

In many cultures and traditions, planting a tree is a way of symbolising important occasions, including birth, marriage and death. Embrace the tradition by giving mourners seed packets. They can then grow flowers or plants in that person’s memory for a lasting memorial in their own back garden. Forget-me-nots are a popular choice.

4. Plant a tree in their honour

A tree is a living memorial to someone special that continues to grow year after year. Particularly appropriate if your loved one was a keen gardener, you can even have a small memorial ceremony when planting the tree.

5. Celebrate a life with bubbles

If the loved one was a young spirit at heart, have everyone find their inner child and celebrate the loved one with bubbles. This is a perfect way to get children involved too.

6. Stage a dove release

Doves are symbols of peace and love in many religions. Specialist companies offer beautiful dove releases for funerals as part of the ceremony.

7. Ask everyone to dress in their team’s colours

Avid sport fans will always be remembered for their passion and dedication to their favourite team. Themed football funerals are rising in popularity, with guests dressing in team colours and coordinated funeral flowers.

8. Give out memorial candles as a gift

Sharing a memorial candle with each mourner will help them pay tribute in the days and weeks after the funeral. You can have candles personalised with the person’s name or photograph for a special touch.

9. Make a tribute video

Make a video compilation of your favourite photos and video clips. It’s a perfect way to show memories at the wake, or to play during the funeral service.

10. Release balloons with a special message

Balloon releases, at a graveside or outside a crematorium, are an uplifting and colourful way to say goodbye. Ask mourners to attach messages with specific memories or wishes to each balloon. Remember to choose biodegradable balloons to minimise the impact on wildlife.

11. Ask mourners to make a donation

People often ask mourners to make a donation to charity instead of sending flowers. Choose a cause that was close to your loved one’s heart for a personal legacy that will make a difference.

12. Live stream the funeral for absent friends and family

There has been a rise in demand for live streaming at funeral services in recent years. Allowing absent friends and family to watch the service live on the internet could be a great alternative if they want to pay their last respects but aren’t able to attend in person. Many crematoria have video streaming facilities available.

13. Say goodbye with a personalised picture coffin

Opting for a personalised picture coffin which reflects the character or passion of a cherished individual will help create a more personal farewell. Take inspiration from their favourite sport, hobby or even a personal photograph.

14. Create a memory table

One way of personalising a funeral ceremony is a memory table. A memory table is a lovely way to create, and share, a real portrayal of the person who has died. They are easy to set up and there is a lot of flexibility with them. You could even make multiple memory tables that are set-up like “stations” to represent different chapters or passions in the deceased person’s life. The possibilities truly are endless.