To Theme or Not to Theme

To Theme or Not to Theme

Personally, I love a theme or a color scheme or having a favorite verse or favorite saying the deceased used to play off of when developing the program for the deceased. It makes the celebration of life more interesting, more fun and more inclusive. Consequently, I am a big fan of themes.

One celebration of life I did was a huge KU fan so everyone was encouraged to dress in their KU gear and we did the Rock Chalk Jayhawk cheer to see him off. Another passed away close to Christmas and was a huge Christmas fan. That service was very Christmassy including the songs. Another was a Queen fan, so all the music was by the band Queen. We closed with the hand clap, foot stomp “We will, we will miss you” instead of “rock you. “

Themes allow you to look out on a sea of everyone dressed in red and blue for KU or have a ton of sunflowers for the florals if that was your loved ones favorite flower. I think a theme adds a level of joy to the service. So who is your loved one’s favorite band or favorite genre? What is their favorite color or flower? What is a favorite saying or poem? Is there something they always said that could be used?

One of my aunts always ended every statement she said with: “Don’t you know?” so the pastor said that on her behalf.

Ask yourself: ”Does your loved one have an obsession with a movie or TV series like Star Wars or Game of Thrones? Could people come in costume? I’ve ended with telling people to “live long and prosper” with Spock’s salute for a Star Trek lover.

You are honoring your beloved. Their celebration of life should honor their loves in life. It’s OK to have fun with it. It should be a celebration of their life. People should get a real feel for who they were.

Don’t you know?