How can I include my loved one's hobbies or interests in their funeral?
The most memorable services feel unmistakably like the person. Small, specific touches usually do this better than expensive ones.
Key points
- Start by asking family and friends for stories, objects and memories.
- Choose two or three strong ideas rather than many small ones.
- Check with the funeral home or venue before planning displays, music or activities.
Gather ideas first
Ask a few people who knew the person well — from family, work, hobbies and faith community:
- What did they love to do? What were they known for?
- What objects, songs, foods or places do you associate with them?
- What story would they want told? Which would they hate told?
Their answers often point to the strongest themes. If the person left notes about their wishes, start there.
Displays and the memory table
- A memory table with photos from different stages of life and a few meaningful objects — a fishing rod, paintbrushes, a favorite hat, a well-used cookbook, sports jerseys, medals.
- Collections displayed carefully: a few pieces are enough, and family should keep an eye on valuable items.
- Their own work: paintings, quilts, woodwork, photographs, recipes or writing.
- Flowers from their garden, or their favorite flower in place of standard arrangements.
See guest books and display supplies for practical items such as easels and frames.
Music and readings
- Use songs they loved, even if they aren't traditional funeral music — check with clergy or the venue if the service is religious.
- Invite a musician friend, a choir they belonged to, or a band they played in.
- Choose readings from authors, poets or scripture that mattered to them, or read something they wrote.
Words and stories
- Build the eulogy around one or two specific stories that show who they were.
- Invite several people to speak briefly, each about a different part of the person's life.
- Provide memory cards for guests to write a story; read some aloud or give them to the family.
- Play a short slideshow or video of photos, ideally with music they liked.
Theme, dress and setting
- Invite guests to wear the person's favorite color or team colors, or casual clothes if formal wear wasn't them.
- Hold a celebration of life somewhere connected to their interest — a golf club, garden, park, boat, or community hall where they volunteered. See alternatives to a traditional funeral.
- Serve their favorite food or a signature recipe at the reception.
Shared activities
- Hand out seed packets for a gardener, or plant a tree together.
- Hold a short drive, walk or ride in their honor for a car, running or cycling enthusiast.
- Ask guests to bring a book to donate to a library for a lifelong reader.
Keepsakes and giving
- Small favors such as bookmarks, recipe cards or photo prints.
- Donations to a cause they cared about in place of flowers.
- For cremation, keepsake urns or jewelry that fit their interests — see memorial keepsakes.
Practical tips
- Ask the funeral home or venue about rules for displays, music, food and outside items.
- Assign someone to set up and take home displayed items.
- Keep the service to a comfortable length — often under an hour — and let the reception carry more of the personal elements.
- Plan it all in one place with our memorial service planner.
This guide is general educational information from Serene Farewells, an independent publisher. It is not legal, medical, financial or tax advice, and Serene Farewells is not a funeral provider. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. Spot an error? Tell us.