Ten Freedoms for Creating Meaningful Funerals
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

Meaningful funerals do not just happen. They are well-thought-out rituals that, at least for a day or two, demand your focus and your time. But the planning may feel less burdensome if you keep in mind that the energy you expend now to create a personalized, inclusive ceremony will help you, your family and other mourners embark on healthy, healing grief journeys.

The following list is intended to empower you to create a funeral that will be meaningful to you and your family and friends.

1. You have the right to make use of ritual.
2. You have the freedom to plan a funeral that will meet the unique needs of your family.
3. You have the freedom to ask friends and family members to be involved in the funeral.
4. You have the freedom to view the body before and during the funeral.
5. You have the freedom to embrace your pain during the funeral.
6. You have the freedom to plan a funeral that will reflect your spirituality.
7. You have the freedom to search for meaning before, during and after the funeral.
8. You have the freedom to make use of memory during the funeral.
9. You have the freedom to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits.
10. You have the freedom to move toward your grief and heal.