Peacefully Planned

  Simple ways to create a heartfelt tribute - even when you’re short on time or energy. Planning a funeral or celebration of life can feel emotionally and mentally overwhelming. When you're grieving, even small decisions, like what to include in a funeral program, can seem like too much. The good news? You don’t have to do it all. Adding just a few personal touches can make the program meaningful and memorable, without the stress. What Is a Funeral Program? A funeral program (sometimes called an order of service or memorial booklet) is a printed handout that helps guide guests through the service. But beyond logistics, it’s also a keepsake, something loved ones often hold on to as a tribute to the person who has passed. That’s why a little personalization goes a long way. Easy Ways to Personalize a Funeral Program 1. Add a Favorite Quote or Scripture Was there a phrase your loved one lived by? A Bible verse, song lyric, or even a family saying can help capture their s...

  Peace of mind starts with a plan. Here are five simple things you can do now to protect your loved ones later. No one likes to think about the end of life, but having a plan in place doesn’t mean you're expecting the worst. It means you're making a thoughtful choice to protect your family, share your wishes, and give yourself peace of mind. Whether you're just starting to consider the idea of pre-planning or you're helping a parent or spouse get organized, this guide is a gentle first step. 1. Write Down Your Final Wishes From burial vs. cremation to the type of service you prefer (traditional funeral or celebration of life), writing down your final wishes gives your family clarity during a difficult time. You don’t need a lawyer to start, just a notepad or printable worksheet. Explore Pre-Planning Tools & Templates 2. Organize Important Documents Gather the documents your family will need in an emergency or after your passing. This includes: Will...

Looking for the right words to include in a funeral program, memorial invitation, or keepsake fan? Choosing meaningful scripture, spiritual poetry, or a comforting quote can help bring peace, reflection, and remembrance to any memorial service. Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or a religious homegoing, this guide offers timeless ideas to inspire you. Bible Verses for Comfort and Hope These scripture selections are often used in Christian funeral services, programs, and tribute cards. Psalm 23:1–4 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures...” John 14:1–3 “Let not your heart be troubled... I go to prepare a place for you.” 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes... there will be no more death or mourni...

  Memorial keepsakes are thoughtful tokens that help friends and family remember a loved one long after the service has ended. Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or a small memorial gathering, choosing the right keepsake can make a lasting impact. From personalized fans to quote cards and keychains, here’s a helpful guide to selecting the best keepsake for your guests. Memorial Fans : Ideal for Outdoor or Warm-Weather Services Memorial fans serve a dual purpose, comfort and remembrance. Perfect for outdoor services, warm church spaces, or summer celebrations of life, fans can be customized with: 📸 A photo of your loved one 🕊️ A poem, scripture, or life tribute 📅 The order of service on the reverse side Best for: Larger gatherings, summer funerals, and homegoings with a cultural tradition of hand fans. Keychains : A Practical Keepsake That Lasts Custom memorial keychains are small, affordable, and meaningful. They fit easily...

Examples and Wording Inspiration for Thoughtful Notes When the funeral or celebration of life is over, many families wish to express gratitude to those who offered support, sent flowers, or attended the service. Writing a memorial thank you card can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. This guide will help you find the right words to say “ thank you ,” with examples that range from formal to heartfelt and casual. Why Memorial Thank You Cards Matter Memorial thank you cards are a small but powerful way to acknowledge the love and kindness shown during a difficult time. They can be mailed after the funeral, homegoing service, or celebration of life, typically within two to four weeks. Whether you’re thanking someone for attending, sending flowers, preparing a meal, or simply being there, a thoughtful message helps maintain connection and express appreciation. What to Include in a Memorial Thank You Card Not sure what to write? Keep your message simple, sincere, ...

When saying goodbye to a loved one, many families face an important choice: should the service be a traditional funeral or a celebration of life? While both serve to honor and remember someone who has passed, the tone, structure, and even the design of these services can vary widely. Understanding the differences can help you choose what feels most meaningful and authentic for your loved one and your family. What Is a Traditional Funeral? A traditional funeral is typically more formal, often including religious or cultural rituals. The service may follow a structure like: A viewing or visitation A religious ceremony or sermon Procession to the cemetery or final resting place Burial or cremation A repast or reception afterward Tone: Reflective, reverent, sometimes somber - focused on mourning, prayer, and remembrance. Design Tips: Use classic fonts and elegant layouts Incorporate religious symbols or scripture Choose subdued or neutral color palettes (na...