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How to Write a Resolution For a
Funeral
By Janet Hudspeth
How to write a resolution for a funeral? Boy was that
ever the question I needed the answer to the first time
I was asks to write for a funeral.
I remember it was for the service of a family member and
I was unsure exactly how to go about it, but through
some quick research and talking with the family I made
it through it. I receiving many thanks and have been
asks a number of times through the years for my
assistance in this area.
How to write a resolution for a funeral, and how to
write a funeral program have become much sought after
skills in recent years, partly because people are not
satisfied with the old traditionally somber and sad
offerings of years past. And, partly because most people
know that they can find the "how-to-do" most anything
on-line saving themselves time, money and stress.
Resolutions of the past were bare, bleak, brief and
mostly produced by churches and funeral homes. Today
families look for someone who knows how to write a
funeral resolution that is a joyful affirmation, full of
heartfelt words of comfort that will leave a glow in
their hearts and more smiles than tears.
The "funeral resolution" or "expression of condolence"
speech as they are sometimes called, seem to be terms
that are used frequently interchangeably, although, they
are two very different instruments or ways of
commemorating a loved one during a funeral service.
Since this is so, I strongly recommend that when you are
writing funeral resolutions or condolence speeches,that
you seek clarification from the person making the
request to make sure you are both on the same page or
speaking of the same thing.
Tip: Let them refer to it as they will just make sure
you understand what they want.
Tip: Here are some quick step-saving references
excerpted from the Merriam Webster dictionary:
Resolution: a formal expression of opinion will, or
intent voted by an official body, author's comments:
Official bodies could include church, lodge, sorority,
civic group,company etc...On the other hand, assembled
group: Assembled group may include Family, friends
etc...Condolence: An expression of sympathy.
The resolution or expression of condolence is the place
in the service dedicated to fondly recalling warm,
happy, and proud times in the life of a loved one.
Admittedly, this can be an emotional time for all,
especially the speaker. And, what you say will affect
the family and be remembered for a long time. For this
reason, the resolution should be warm, not to long five
minutes or so, and your words carefully chosen.
I was honored to contribute from my memories at my own
grandmother's passing; here is a short excerpt: "She
answered to many names; Mother, Big Gran, Gran, or just
Grandmother whatever you called her, she loved to cook
for her children and grandchildren. Whatever your
favorite dish was, if you just let her know you wanted
it, she would cook it for you with joy. She had a
gentle, warm smile and a generous heart."
Writing a funeral resolution is not as scare as it may
seem, just remember along with your own expressions, to
solicit memory contributions from friends and family. As
you include the thoughts and memories of others in your
speech, you will be able to give rich insight into the
life of their loved one.
Tip: Make use of these life events as memory joggers
when asking for comments from others. Memories/stories
surrounding the loved one's marriage, family,
schooling/graduations, military service, achievements,
accomplishments, civic clubs, hobbies, job/career
milestones, church, school, awards, trophies,
commendations etc...
Tip:
It may seem like a given, but do make good use of your
phone, fax and email they are excellent time saving
devices for pulling all of this information together
quickly.
Something that would be much appreciated and cherished
by the family would be a copy of your speech. You may
want to present a framed copy of it or insert it in a
card of condolence to the person who asks you to do the
resolution. And, thank you for caring enough to give
your very best!
As you embark on your journey of comforting through
words let me invite you to take advantage of my amazing
mini-course called, "The Five Biggest Mistakes People
Make While Creating a Memorial Funeral Program: [http://www.TheirLifeRemembered.com] |
