Many people today are part of blended families, whether that be due to the death of a first spouse, separation, or divorce. Whatever the reason for wanting to include multiple partners or spouses at your funeral, this may be a delicate and emotional matter. However, if handled with sensitivity and tact, it can also be an important part of the healing process for the loved ones that you leave behind. If it is your wish to include multiple partners or spouses in your funeral proceedings, this blog post may guide you in considering tasteful strategies for doing so.
Craft Your Obituary
One way of honouring multiple partners or spouses with your final farewell proceedings is to craft an inclusive obituary. For instance, you may wish to list all your previous partners by name, and perhaps explain a bit about your relationship with each person, indicate when you were with them, highlight their contribution to your life, and outline your family structure in general.
Photo Slideshows or Displays
It is becoming more popular to include a photo slideshow at final farewells. Not only does this create a beautiful tribute to the life of the deceased, but it can also present a wonderful opportunity to honour multiple partners or spouses. If you are thinking of having a photo slideshow at your funeral, you could easily include some precious memories with each of your previous partners. Alternatively, you may simply choose to have your family photo albums displayed at the service so that guests can browse through them at their leisure.
Eulogies and Speeches
Additionally, the eulogies and speeches that are routinely made during end-of-life celebrations can be used to celebrate multiple partners. This can be achieved by encouraging others to share stories and memories at your funeral, not only of your life, but specifically of your life together with that of any previous or current partners or spouses.
Symbolic Gestures
Another way of including multiple partners or spouses in your final farewell is to stipulate in advance any symbolic gestures that you would like to have included in it. For example, you may wish to include mementos of your partners alongside any photo displays, or to have a candle lit or a flower placed at the service in each person’s memory if they have predeceased you.
Record Your Wishes
If you have decided to honour multiple spouses or partners at your final farewell, you may wish to consider noting this down in My Final Farewell and discussing it with your loved ones in advance. Not only can this avoid family arguments after your passing, but it can also provide a great opportunity for family and friends to provide input into the best ways to approach the inclusion of multiple spouses or partners.
Seek Outside Help
If you are still feeling unsure about the best way to honour multiple partners at your own funeral, you may wish to discuss the issue with a funeral director, pastor, priest, or celebrant. These individuals should have experience and knowledge on this subject, and may be able to provide you with additional guidance and support in planning an end-of-life celebration that honours multiple partners or spouses in a respectful and meaningful way.
Celebrate Your Way
At the end of the day, you should remember that your final farewell is an opportunity to celebrate the unique life that you have lived, together with those who have joined you at different points in the journey. By considering these strategies for honouring multiple partners or spouses, you can create a meaningful and inclusive farewell that truly reflects your wishes.
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