What Is a Personal Tribute?
Personal tributes in a funeral order of service is a heartfelt message that honours the life, personality, and impact of the person who has passed away. Whether spoken during the ceremony or printed in the service booklet, a personal tribute allows loved ones to share memories, celebrate special moments, and express love, gratitude, or even humour in a meaningful way.
Unlike formal readings or prayers, personal tributes are deeply individual. They may come in the form of a eulogy, a short written message, a favourite poem, or a collection of cherished anecdotes. Some are emotional and reflective, while others highlight joyful or even funny memories that bring the person’s spirit to life.
As specialists in funeral order of service printing, layout, and design, I’ve seen how much these tributes mean to families. Our customers often tell us that including a personal tribute helps them feel closer to their loved one during the service. While many choose traditional, heartfelt words, some families also include touches of humour—recalling funny moments or phrases the deceased was known for—which adds a personal and comforting tone to the ceremony.
Where Personal Tributes Appear in the Order of Service?
There’s no fixed rule when it comes to placing a personal tribute in the funeral order of service—it really depends on what feels right for the family. That said, we often see tributes included:
- Shortly after the welcome or opening words, to gently ease into the service with something heartfelt and personal
- Around the hymns, readings, or musical moments, where they naturally flow with the mood of reflection
- Just before the final blessing or committal, offering a meaningful send-off before the closing of the ceremony
Every funeral is different, and that’s the beauty of personal tributes. They can be placed wherever they’ll have the most emotional impact, whether that’s early in the service or as a final heartfelt moment before goodbye.
What to include in a Personal Tribute?
Some tributes are light and full of fond memories, while others are emotional and deeply reflective. Here are a few ideas that families often include:
- A favourite story or memory: that shows who they really were: funny, kind, determined, cheeky, or all of the above
- Words of love and appreciation: sharing what they meant to you or how they made your life better
- Quotes, poems, or verses: that held special meaning or reflect their beliefs or personality
- Little details: like their catchphrases, habits, or hobbies that made them unique
- Milestones and proud moments: they achieved in their lifetime
The best tributes are the ones that feel real, just like you’re talking about them to a friend. And from my personal experience designing funeral order of service booklets, these personal touches are what families treasure most. They help everyone feel more connected during the service, offering comfort through shared love and memories.
Personal Tributes in the Printed Funeral Booklet
The printed funeral order of service booklet can also be kept, as a keepsake, and including personal tributes in it adds warmth and individuality to the ceremony. Some families include:
- A printed version of the eulogy
- A tribute written by children or grandchildren
- A touching poem or letter
- A photo collage as a tribute alongside the words
Our modern funeral stationery services allow families to fully personalise funeral templates, making it easy to design a beautifully printed booklet that includes personal tributes and serves as a lasting reminder of the day.
Therefore, personal tributes are the emotional heart of a funeral service. Whether shared aloud or printed in the funeral order of service, they offer a chance to honour, remember, and celebrate a life that mattered. They transform the service from a routine ceremony into a deeply personal farewell.
