Ceremony Templates
Choose a starting point
Each template is a gentle framework — a place to begin. You can edit every section, skip anything that doesn't fit, or write your own.
A note on tradition
Traditions vary by family, community, and faith leader. This guide is fully customizable — every section can be edited or skipped, and no ritual is required. When in doubt, please consult a religious or cultural leader you trust.
Celebration of Life
Warm and personal
A heartfelt, story-led ceremony that focuses on who they were and the lives they touched.
Sections · all editable, all skippable
- 1Opening welcome
- 2Life story
- 3Photo slideshow
- 4Family tributes
- 5Live eulogy
- 6Pause
- 7Closing reflection
Song suggestions
- • A song they loved
- • Somewhere Over the Rainbow — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
- • What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong
- • The Parting Glass — traditional
Reading suggestions
- • A favorite poem or quote
- • Mary Elizabeth Frye — "Do not stand at my grave and weep"
- • Henry Scott-Holland — "Death is nothing at all"
Catholic Funeral Memorial
Traditional and sacred
A reverent structure rooted in Catholic liturgical tradition, suitable for a memorial Mass setting.
Sections · all editable, all skippable
- 1Opening prayer
- 2Scripture reading
- 3Psalm or hymn
- 4Homily reflection
- 5Prayers of the faithful
- 6Final commendation
Song suggestions
- • Amazing Grace
- • On Eagle's Wings
- • Be Not Afraid
- • Ave Maria — Schubert
Reading suggestions
- • Psalm 23 — The Lord is my shepherd
- • John 14:1–6
- • Romans 8:31–39
- • Wisdom 3:1–9
Hymn selections, scripture readings, and the order of service are usually arranged with your parish priest or celebrant.
Jewish Memorial
Simple and respectful
A quiet, dignified ceremony honoring Jewish memorial customs and the spoken remembrance of the departed.
Sections · all editable, all skippable
- 1Opening psalm
- 2Hesped (eulogy)
- 3Memory sharing
- 4El Malei Rachamim
- 5Kaddish
- 6Closing reflection
Song suggestions
- • Optional: a chazzan chanting El Malei Rachamim
- • Optional: a niggun or wordless melody chosen by family
Reading suggestions
- • Psalm 23 — Mizmor LeDavid
- • Psalm 121
- • A favorite passage from the deceased's writings or teachings
Many traditional Jewish funerals do not include recorded or instrumental music. We've left music empty by default — add something only if your family and rabbi feel it's right.
Customs vary widely between Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist communities. We strongly recommend consulting your rabbi.
Islamic Memorial (Janazah)
Reverent and prayerful
A respectful structure for an Islamic memorial gathering, focused on prayer, Qur'anic recitation, and remembrance.
Sections · all editable, all skippable
- 1Welcome and Bismillah
- 2Qur'an recitation
- 3Du'a for the deceased
- 4Reflections from family
- 5Silent remembrance
- 6Closing du'a
Song suggestions
- • Optional: a recorded Qur'anic recitation chosen by the family
Reading suggestions
- • Surah Al-Fatiha (1)
- • Surah Ya-Sin (36)
- • Surah Al-Mulk (67)
- • Verses chosen with your imam
Traditional Islamic funerals do not include music. We've intentionally left music empty by default. Please only add audio if your family and imam consider it appropriate.
Practices vary by school of thought and community. We strongly recommend consulting your imam or local masjid for guidance on prayer order and customs.
Spiritual Remembrance
Peaceful and reflective
A gentle, non-denominational ceremony built around stillness, candlelight, music, and shared memory.
Sections · all editable, all skippable
- 1Opening reflection
- 2Candle-light moment
- 3Life story
- 4Music and memories
- 5Family tributes
- 6Closing blessing
Song suggestions
- • Instrumental piano or harp
- • Tibetan singing bowls
- • A piece of music that brought them peace
- • Spiegel im Spiegel — Arvo Pärt
Reading suggestions
- • A blessing or poem from any tradition that resonates
- • Rumi — "The Guest House"
- • John O'Donohue — "For Grief"
Every template is a gentle starting point — never a requirement. You can rewrite, reorder, or skip any section. For Islamic and traditional Jewish ceremonies, music is intentionally left empty unless you explicitly choose to add something.