Personal keepsakes play a special role in providing comfort for families who have lost a loved one. A keepsake reminds people of the life and love they shared, representing their memories in the form of an item that is significant to them. Choosing a keepsake is a very personal decision for any family, so it is important for funeral professionals to not only provide keepsake options, but also to address them in a thoughtful way. We’ll share answers to questions that funeral professionals may have regarding personal keepsakes, and how to approach the topic with client families.
What Keepsake Options Are Trending?
Brent Thomas, Homesteaders’ Director-Field Training and Development noted that fingerprint memorial keepsakes have become significantly more popular in the past few years. This type of jewelry typically incorporates a piece of metal with a stamp or engraving of the loved one’s actual fingerprint, creating a truly unique and meaningful way to keep that person’s memory close.
Cremation jewelry has become a staple in keepsakes, with sales increasing since the early 2000s, Thomas noted. Over the past few years, companies have also started expanding keepsake options for families who choose cremation to include items beyond jewelry, such as stones or plants.
How to Display Keepsake Options
A crucial step in sharing keepsake options is ensuring that they are arranged in an appealing and easily accessible display. Having samples on a display for families to see and touch is a great way for them to visualize themselves owning each keepsake option. Here are a few best practices to follow for your display:
- Present keepsakes in a highly visible location. The keepsakes, especially jewelry, should be easy for families to see when they are seated. “(Families) should not have to do any work to view them,” said Thomas.
- Keep your display simple and well-organized. Showing a few selections for each keepsake type will give families choices without overwhelming them.
- Show keepsake selections at different price points for each type. This provides options for families to choose items that meet their needs.
Sharing Keepsake Options with Families
Keepsakes can be a meaningful part of memorialization experiences, but families may not be aware of the options that are available. Here are a few tips for helping them learn about items that can help them remember and honor their loved one:
- Make keepsakes part of the planning conversation. Keepsakes can sometimes be an afterthought, so making them part of the planning process ensures that families have opportunities to consider their options. Many families will want more than one keepsake, so these conversations help bring their preferences to light. Your firm could also offer keepsake options as part of service packages.
- Offer a tour of available options. Another way to share keepsake options is to give your client family a tour of your selection room or display area. Take the time before the tour to explain what they’re going to see. Whether you’re showing a physical selection in the room or your digital selection, explain the products available and the system for each of your selection areas.
- Share your story. “If you have a personal keepsake in memory of a loved one, share your story to families when possible,” Thomas suggested. This is a great way to describe how helpful a keepsake can be to someone.
It is important to always listen to your client family to learn more about their preferences and the characteristics of their loved one. Those discussions will guide further conversations about the available keepsake options and your own meaningful experiences with those options.
Understanding trends in consumer preferences will help you provide services that differentiate your firm. Homesteaders recently released the latest edition of Preneed Motivators, a report that shares valuable information about how and why people decide to prearrange. Download this report now for insights on what today’s consumer’s want and how you can apply that knowledge to your own offerings.
