Every funeral can reflect the life, personality and wishes of your loved one. At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we help families in Sunderland add meaningful personal touches — from music, flowers and order of service to memory tables, keepsakes and special tributes.
Every funeral can reflect the life, personality and wishes of your loved one. At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we help families in Sunderland add meaningful personal touches — from music, flowers and order of service to memory tables, keepsakes and special tributes.
At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we help families in Sunderland think about the details that can make a funeral feel more personal. This may be something simple, such as a favourite song, a photograph beside the coffin, a flower choice, a memory table, a condolence book, or small messages placed with the coffin.
Some families want a traditional service with gentle personal details. Others may want colours, themes, transport, favourite sweets, personal items, music, poems, photographs or keepsakes that tell part of their loved one’s story.
We will talk through the options calmly, explain what is possible, and make sure any costs are clear before anything is confirmed.
Personal touches do not have to be large or expensive. Sometimes the smallest details can mean the most to a family.
Ideas may include:
placing a framed photograph near the coffin
adding personal items, flowers, letters or keepsakes to the display
using a favourite colour in flowers, service sheets or small details
choosing music, hymns, poems or readings that meant something to the person
adding messages, memory hearts or written tributes to the coffin
choosing a coffin style, colour or design that feels more personal
including favourite sweets, cakes or small treats at the wake or gathering
placing a photograph beside the donation box
using a condolence book, memory book or scrapbook for family and friends
creating a memory table with photos, candles, personal items or keepsakes
leaving an empty chair or place setting at the gathering with a photograph
choosing flowers connected to the person’s favourite colours, garden or memories
including hobbies, football, military service, work, pets or family traditions
We can help families choose what feels right, respectful and suitable for the service.
Page information
This page is reviewed and maintained by Marek Clarke, Company Director at Tony Clarke Funeral Directors.
Last updated: 2 July 2026
This page provides general guidance for families in Sunderland who are thinking about personal touches for a funeral service, burial, cremation, wake or gathering.
Options can vary depending on the crematorium, cemetery, venue, celebrant, minister, transport provider and individual arrangements. We will always explain what is possible before anything is confirmed.
Families can make the coffin feel much more personal by exploring the wide range of bespoke coffins in Sunderland that families can choose from, as well as adding small touches that reflect the life, style and personality of their loved one. This may include tying message hearts to the coffin handles, placing a framed photograph on top, adding personalised flowers, or displaying meaningful personal items such as a favourite hat, shoes, scarf or other cherished belongings. Some families also choose decorative details such as beads, crystal-style pieces, mirrored ornaments or subtle sparkle trims where appropriate. In some cases, even the coffin itself can be personalised with painted details, favourite colours, or small hand-finished touches inspired by something personal to the person who has died, such as a favourite nail polish colour or a detail that reflects their style. These thoughtful additions can help create a more comforting, loving and individual farewell.
There are many ways to make a funeral feel more personal, and not every idea has to be large or expensive. Sometimes the smallest details are the ones families remember most. Some families choose video streaming or a recording of the service, especially when relatives or friends cannot attend in person. Others may arrange professional photography or videography, a larger canvas photograph, prayer cards, memorial cards, keepsake stickers, ribbons, memory badges, or cards where guests can write messages at the wake or gathering.
Personal touches can also reflect the person’s everyday life. Families may include favourite sweets, cakes, drinks, hobbies, work items, football colours, military connections, family photographs, pets, clothing, scarves, hats, shoes or other meaningful belongings. Some families choose a dove release, candles, flowers, memory tables, a condolence book, scrapbook or photo book. Others may want family members to carry the coffin, help guide it on a trolley, choose a special route, use a particular hearse, or arrange a longer service time so there is space for more music, readings and personal tributes.
Every family is different, and every idea needs to be considered carefully. Some options depend on the crematorium, cemetery, venue, celebrant, minister, supplier, timing, safety and permissions. We will always explain what may be possible, what needs to be arranged in advance, and whether there may be any additional cost.
The time after the funeral can also include personal touches. A wake or gathering gives family and friends the chance to share memories, look at photographs and spend time together after the service.
Some families choose to create a small memory table with photographs, candles, flowers, keepsakes, a condolence book or a scrapbook. Others place a framed photograph near the donation box, so people can remember the person while making a donation in their name.
Food and drink can also feel personal. From arranging dedicated funeral catering in Sunderland so you can focus on being together, to choosing to include a favourite cake, sweets, biscuits, drink or a small item from the person’s life, these details really matter. Even something simple can bring back memories and help people talk about the person they have come to remember.
Some families also choose to leave an empty chair or place setting with a photograph, flowers or a candle. This can be a quiet and meaningful way to show that their loved one is still very much part of the gathering.
We can help families think through these ideas and choose what feels right for them.
Music, poems and readings can make a funeral service feel more personal and meaningful. They can reflect someone’s faith, personality, humour, favourite songs, family memories or the relationship they had with the people closest to them.
Some families choose traditional hymns, classical music or well-known funeral songs. Others choose something more personal, such as a favourite song, a piece of music connected to a memory, or music that simply feels right for the person being remembered.
There may also be options for live music, depending on the venue and the arrangements. Families sometimes choose a singer, choir, trumpet player, bagpiper or another musician for the service, committal, graveside, arrival, departure or wake. These options usually need to be arranged in advance and may involve an additional cost.
Poems and readings can also help say what may be difficult to put into words. A reading might be religious, spiritual, personal, comforting or light-hearted, depending on the tone of the service and the wishes of the family.
Families may also choose to write their own tribute, letter or short message. This can be read by a family member, friend, celebrant, minister or funeral director.
We will help you understand what can be included, when music needs to be submitted, what may need to be agreed with the venue, and how readings or live music can fit naturally into the service.
The journey to the funeral can also be personalised. Some families choose a traditional hearse, while others prefer a horse-drawn carriage, vintage hearse, motorcycle hearse, Land Rover, or another specialist vehicle where available.
Families may also choose a particular route, a pause outside a family home, workplace, club, church, favourite place or meaningful location.
Where possible, family members may walk in procession, carry the coffin, or help guide the coffin on a trolley if carrying is not suitable. These moments can feel very personal and can help family members feel involved in the farewell.
Special transport and procession arrangements need to be planned in advance, and availability, timing, route and costs will always be explained.
For some families, a pet was an important part of their loved one’s life. Where the venue allows it, a dog or other suitable pet may be able to attend part of the funeral or walk with the family during the procession.
This must always be agreed in advance with the venue, crematorium, cemetery or place of service. The family will also need to make sure the pet can be safely managed throughout the service.
Flowers can be made personal in many ways. Some families choose colours connected to their loved one, while others ask for flowers in a shape or design that reflects their life, work, hobbies or personality.
Examples may include floral tributes shaped like a favourite animal, a pint glass, a football shirt, a horse’s head, a trade symbol, or something connected to the person’s job or interests.
Whether you prefer a traditional arrangement or a completely unique custom design, we work closely with you to arrange the unique funeral flowers Sunderland families request to serve as meaningful, personalised funeral tributes that feel deeply respectful and relevant to your loved one’s memory.
There are many ways to make a funeral feel more personal, and not every idea has to be large or expensive. Sometimes the smallest details are the ones families remember most. Some families choose video streaming or a recording of the service, especially when relatives or friends cannot attend in person. Others may arrange professional photography or videography, a larger canvas photograph, prayer cards, memorial cards, keepsake stickers, ribbons, memory badges, or cards where guests can write messages at the wake or gathering.
Personal touches can also reflect the person’s everyday life. Families may include favourite sweets, cakes, drinks, hobbies, work items, football colours, military connections, family photographs, pets, clothing, scarves, hats, shoes or other meaningful belongings. Some families choose a dove release, candles, flowers, memory tables, a condolence book, scrapbook or photo book. Others may want family members to carry the coffin, help guide it on a trolley, choose a special route, use a particular hearse, or arrange a longer service time so there is space for more music, readings and personal tributes.
Every family is different, and every idea needs to be considered carefully. Some options depend on the crematorium, cemetery, venue, celebrant, minister, supplier, timing, safety and permissions. We will always explain what may be possible, what needs to be arranged in advance, and whether there may be any additional cost.
You may also find these pages useful when arranging a personal funeral:
Funeral Packages and Prices in Sunderland
Clear information about our funeral options, packages and what may be included.
Funeral Transport in Sunderland
Hearses, limousines, vintage vehicles, horse-drawn carriage and other transport options where available.
Coffins and Caskets
Guidance on coffin and casket choices, including simple, traditional and more personal options.
Funeral Flowers and Floral Tributes
Information about coffin sprays, wreaths, hearts, letters and personalised floral tributes.
Order of Service and Memorial Cards
Printed service sheets, prayer cards and keepsake stationery for the funeral service.
What to Do With Ashes After Cremation
Guidance on keeping, scattering, burying, dividing or memorialising ashes.
Funeral Urns and Ashes Keepsakes
Options for urns, keepsakes and memorial items after cremation.
Direct Cremation in Sunderland
A simple cremation option for families who do not want a traditional funeral service.
Support After a Death in Sunderland
Practical guidance on what to do first when someone has died.
Yes. A funeral can include personal touches such as music, poems, photographs, flowers, memory tables, personal items, coffin messages, favourite colours, special transport, readings or details connected to the person’s life.
No. Many personal touches are simple and low cost. A framed photograph, favourite song, written message, memory table, condolence book, favourite sweets or a personal item can make a funeral feel more meaningful without adding a large cost.
In many cases, yes. Families may choose to place photographs, flowers, letters, cards, scarves, hats, medals, small keepsakes or other meaningful items on or near the coffin. We will always explain what is suitable and what may need to be agreed with the crematorium, cemetery or venue.
Yes. Some families write messages, cards or memory hearts that can be placed with or near the coffin. These can be a comforting way for children, grandchildren, relatives and friends to leave a personal tribute.
Yes. Funeral flowers can be personalised with colours, names, shapes or designs connected to the person’s life, family role, hobbies, work, football team, favourite animal or personal memories. Availability and cost will depend on the florist and the design requested.
Yes. Families can usually choose music, hymns, poems, readings or personal tributes for the service. Some venues have time limits or music submission deadlines, so it is best to arrange this as early as possible.
In some cases, yes. Families may choose a singer, choir, piper, trumpet player or another musician, depending on the venue and arrangements. Live music usually needs to be booked in advance and may involve an additional cost.
Yes. A wake or gathering can include photographs, a memory table, condolence book, donation box, favourite sweets, cakes, drinks, candles, flowers or personal items. Some families also leave an empty chair or place setting with a photograph as a quiet tribute.
Sometimes, yes. This depends on the venue, crematorium, cemetery or place of service. If a pet was important to the person who has died, we can help ask what may be possible and explain any practical considerations.
Yes, where it is safe and suitable. Family members can sometimes carry the coffin or help guide it on a trolley. We will explain what is possible, how many people are needed and what is safe for the location.
Often, yes. Some families choose a longer service time so there is more space for music, readings, tributes or reflection. This usually needs to be arranged in advance and may involve an additional fee from the crematorium, cemetery, church or venue.
Yes. We will always explain what is included, what is optional and what may cost extra before anything is confirmed.
At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we understand that every family is different. Some families know exactly what they would like. Others need time, ideas and gentle guidance.
We can talk through personal touches, funeral choices, flowers, music, readings, service sheets, transport, memory tables, keepsakes and other details that may help create a meaningful farewell.
We will explain what is possible, what may need to be arranged in advance, and what costs may apply before anything is confirmed.
Call Tony Clarke Funeral Directors on 0191 565 6055.