A funeral is an opportunity to remember and celebrate a person for who they truly were — their personality, passions, achievements, relationships and the little things that made them special. While there are traditional elements to every funeral, there are also many meaningful ways to make a service more personal. Sometimes the smallest details can create the most powerful memories.

Here are 10 creative ways to personalise your loved one’s funeral.

Choose music that tells their story Music can bring back memories in an instant. Rather than choosing songs simply because they are traditionally associated with funerals, consider the music your loved one enjoyed. Perhaps it was their favourite song, the music they danced to with their partner, or something they always played around the house. You might choose different songs for different parts of the service — one to reflect their personality, another that reminds you of family, and one that provides a sense of comfort as the service concludes.

Create a meaningful photo display Photographs allow family and friends to see the many chapters of a person's life. Consider creating a slideshow featuring childhood photographs, family holidays, weddings and everyday moments. You could also display framed photographs around the venue, creating a visual timeline of their life. Don't feel that every photograph needs to be perfect. Sometimes the candid, funny, ordinary moments are the ones that best capture who someone really was.

Bring their favourite things Think about the objects that represented your loved one's life. For a keen fisherman, it might be their fishing rod or favourite hat. For a gardener, perhaps a favourite plant or gardening tools. These personal items can become a beautiful part of the service and give mourners something tangible that reminds them of the person they loved.

Share the stories behind the person A eulogy doesn't have to be a formal list of dates and achievements. The stories people remember often say far more about someone than their accomplishments ever could. Talk about their sense of humour, their favourite sayings, or the funny things they did. Invite family members and friends to share their own memories, as hearing different perspectives can reveal just how many lives your loved one touched.

Reflect their favourite places Was there somewhere that held special meaning for them? It might have been the family farm, a particular beach, or simply the backyard. Photographs, decorations, flowers or even music associated with that place can help bring those memories into the funeral service.

Include their hobbies and passions A person's hobbies can tell us a great deal about who they were. Whether they loved gardening, sport, cooking or travelling, don't be afraid to incorporate those interests into the funeral. A collection of medals, a favourite recipe, or sporting memorabilia can all help create a service that feels unmistakably theirs.

Give family and friends a role Personalising a funeral isn't just about what is displayed — it's also about who takes part. Family members or close friends might read a poem, deliver a eulogy, or share a story. For some families, having children or grandchildren involved can be particularly special.

Create a memory table or memory book Set aside a small area where family and friends can see photographs and significant belongings. You could also provide a memory book where people can write down a favourite memory, a funny story or a message for the family. These messages can become a treasured keepsake.

Think beyond traditional flowers Flowers can be a beautiful part of a funeral, but there are other ways to reflect someone's personality. Perhaps they loved native Australian flowers or roses from their own garden. Families can also choose arrangements that reflect a favourite colour or incorporate natural elements like greenery and branches.

Finish with something that feels like them The final moments of a funeral can be incredibly powerful. Think about something that captures your loved one's personality. It could be a favourite song, a poem, a final photograph, or a recording of their voice. Sometimes the most fitting farewell is one that leaves everyone thinking, "That was so them."