Losing a loved one is a profound experience. When it comes time to say goodbye, honoring your loved one's interests and passions can make the funeral more meaningful and offer a rich sense of comfort to the mourners. For someone who had a deep appreciation for nature and always wanted to be outdoors, here's how you can embrace elements of the natural world at their funeral.

Have the Service Outside

Have the funeral or memorial service in a location that meant something to your loved one. If they were religious, you might choose a church with a large outdoor area or one closer to nature. However, you can also hold the funeral in the forest, at the beach, in a park, or a garden.

Don't be intimidated by the idea of inclement weather. When you're experiencing loss, the sounds of nature and the feel of rain or wind can ground the intense emotions you feel. On the other hand, you may also find the light filtering through the trees or the scent of the ocean to be very calming on the day.

Create Wild Floral Arrangements

Instead of traditional floral arrangements, consider using wildflowers, greenery, and branches to display at the funeral. If your loved one had a garden, spotlight their favorite flowers. To honor their favorite hiking spot, pick plants and natural materials that reflect that place, such as branches, native plants, succulents, and more.

Wild floral and plant arrangements are a thoughtful way to bring your loved one's passion for nature to their funeral. These displays become visual reminders of what your loved one cared about, bringing you closer to them in your time of grief.

Use Seed-Paper for the Program

One particularly touching and environmentally friendly way to honor your loved one is to use seed paper for the funeral program. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also provides a living memorial that continues to grow, symbolizing the enduring presence of the loved one in the hearts and lives of those they’ve left behind.

Seed paper is a type of biodegradable paper that is embedded with seeds. When planted in soil, the paper composts away, leaving the seeds to germinate and eventually grow into flowers, herbs, or even trees. You might select seeds of flowers that your loved one grew in their garden, blossoms that attract butterflies, or native plants that support your local ecosystem.

Plan a Memorial Activity

Memorial activities are important aspects of funerals because they give friends and family an outlet for grief while also allowing them to connect and reflect on the life of their loved one. If your loved one was always in nature, you should organize an outdoor or group activity that celebrates nature in some way. Here are some thoughtful options:

• Plant a tree in a special location, such as your loved one's yard or favorite park
• Go for a hike or gentle nature walk to reflect on your loved one's life
• Create a memorial garden in a community space or at your home
• Scatter ashes in a cherished spot in nature
• Gather donations for an environmental or animal-focused non-profit organization

The natural world is vibrant and beautiful. Being in nature can help ground the grieving process in tactile sensory experiences while also inspiring healing.

Offer Nature-Inspired Keepsakes

Create keepsakes for attendees that reflect the natural world. Choose small potted plants, customized seed packets, stones, soil, or sand from a special place. These keepsakes can serve as lasting reminders of the deceased and their love for the earth.

Incorporating nature into a funeral for someone who cherished the natural world not only honors their memory but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and cycle of life. It’s a profound way to say goodbye, surrounded by the very essence of what they loved most.