Weaving a hobby into your farewell is a meaningful way to personalise your funeral and share a favourite pastime with your loved ones.

When thinking about your funeral, it’s natural to focus on the practical elements like choosing a venue, deciding on burial vs cremation, or planning the order of events.

While these are all important, there’s a deeper question worth considering: do I want something a little different, a little more creative – a little more me?

If the idea of honouring a hobby in your farewell resonates with you, here are some tips to help you get started. 

Start by reflecting on what hobbies have been a constant in your life. Focus on those that leave you feeling happiest and most fulfilled.

Ask yourself:

• What passions or interests feel like part of me? 
• What hobbies lend themselves to unique funeral ideas?
• What do I want friends and family to remember about me?

While you’ve no doubt lived a colourful life full of interests that might suit a creative memorial, choosing one main hobby or theme can keep things cohesive. 

Arranging someone else’s funeral?

Check their camera roll, playlists, calendar, club cards and bookshelf for the hobby that shows up most recently and often.

Once you’ve chosen the hobby, it’s time to get creative. Brainstorm ideas for how it could be folded into your farewell.

Remember, the aim is to create a personalised funeral that feels genuine to you and sparks happy memories for your nearest and dearest.

• Golf enthusiasts: Hold the reception at your local golf club or display your favourite clubs or photos from tournaments at the service.
• Knitters or quilters: Drape a handmade blanket over the casket or give guests a small keepsake.
• Gardeners: Decorate the service space with your favourite flowers or plants, or give guests seed packets to plant in your memory.
• Sports fans: Incorporate team colours in floral arrangements or decorations.
• Musicians and music lovers: Create a playlist of your favourite songs for the service or have live music performed by friends or family.
• Volunteers: Highlight your charitable work and invite donations to your chosen cause in place of flowers.

Before finalising your plans, have an honest conversation with your inner circle, including those who are likely to arrange your funeral.

This serves several purposes: you'll get input, hear ideas you might not have considered, and gauge whether your unique funeral idea is realistic and meaningful for others, too.

During the conversation:

• Explain why each element is meaningful to you
• Ask if they have questions about how to arrange anything
• Listen to their suggestions or concerns 
• Give them permission to adapt your plans if your exact vision isn’t possible.

Once you've decided how to incorporate your hobbies, document these preferences clearly in your funeral plan. You can be as specific or flexible as you like.

Given the unique nature of the funeral you’re planning, more details may be helpful. It can take the guesswork out of the process for loved ones who are already grappling with the emotions and responsibilities that come with saying goodbye.

Instead of: “Incorporate my photography”, try: “Create a coffee table photo book of my travel photos from around Australia and gift a copy to [add names].”

Explaining not just what you want, but why these elements are meaningful to you can also help your family understand the significance behind your unique funeral idea.