Event organization

MAKE YOUR CEREMONY TRULY SPECIAL

Every person is unique in their own way. Therefore, when a loved one passes, we often feel the need to say goodbye in a manner that reflects how we will remember them. Below, we present several suggestions to make a funeral or memorial service truly unique—gestures that require little effort or expense but carry deep meaning. Through their symbolism, these tributes honor the life and legacy of the deceased, expressing the profound feelings we held for them.

PRESERVE THE NEWSPAPER

The day a loved one leaves us is etched into our memory forever. Beyond the sadness, that date is marked by other world events. A beautiful way to capture this moment in time is to save the newspapers published on that day. This allows you to recall the atmosphere of that time in detail and show future generations exactly what the world was like during their loved one’s life. Reading the news from that significant day during moments of reflection can strengthen a sense of unity and help navigate the journey of grief.

STOP THE CLOCK

A heart that has stopped beating is often symbolized by a clock that has stopped its hands. The ancient custom of stopping a clock at the moment of passing—whether on one device or all nearby—is still practiced in many cultures as a sign of respect. Setting the clock to show the exact time of death is a symbolic detail that adds a sense of solemnity to family gatherings, wakes, or simply serves as a personal way to mark the moment that changed your life forever.

LIGHT A PERSONALIZED CANDLE

A candle featuring the likeness of the deceased is a beautiful tribute. Pokop can create fully personalized candles for use during the funeral or for visits to their eternal resting place. Simply provide a photograph and choose a model and color. We can arrange delivery to your desired location and, if you are unable to attend, we can light them on specific dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. These candles also serve as a thoughtful gift for those close to the deceased.

CARRY THEIR IMAGE

In the age of modern technology, it has become common to support the grieving family by wearing a memorial badge featuring the deceased’s portrait. This compassionate gesture can be further personalized with custom T-shirts featuring a photograph or a symbolic message. This is particularly moving if the deceased had a hobby that connected them with others, such as sailing or golf. It is also entirely appropriate for family members to adorn their lapels with a small memorial badge. Pokop provides design, production, and delivery of these original keepsakes.

CHOOSE SYMBOLIC FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

A heart, a cross, or the Croatian checkerboard (šahovnica) are motifs that speak volumes about the deceased and our bond with them. Red has always symbolized love; when arranged in a heart shape, that message becomes even more powerful. A cross speaks of faith in eternal life and the meeting with the Creator. For those deeply connected to their homeland—such as veterans, statesmen, or patriots living abroad—the red and white squares of the Croatian coat of arms are a fitting tribute. Contact us to create bespoke floral symbolism that fits the personality of your loved one.

TELL THEIR LIFE STORY

Life is made of moments, and photographs are their witnesses. We suggest weaving these fragments into a unique video tribute. Whether in chronological order or following a specific theme, this digital memorial serves as a lasting legacy. Enhanced with music, recited poetry, or a meaningful audio backdrop, it allows you to share their personal journey with everyone. Pokop offers professional photo and video production, including recording the funeral, the wake, or the memorial mass. We can adapt formats for commemorations or for sharing via email, including subtitles for family members and friends worldwide.

DELIVER A SPEECH OR READ POETRY

Often, the words we meant to say remain unspoken when we realize our loved one is gone. However, the funeral is a final opportunity to speak what has been held in the heart—words of love, gratitude, and admiration. You may choose to deliver a eulogy yourself; those skilled in writing may wish to pen their own. For those who prefer a professional touch for such a sensitive task, Pokop provides professional eulogists to write or deliver the speech. Our collaborators can also enrich the ceremony by reading selected poetry.

PLANT A TREE

As one life ends, a new one begins when you plant a tree in the name of the deceased. The choice of sapling and location is entirely yours—it could be their favorite type of tree, or one that reminds you of them through its blossoms or scent. Caring for this living memorial ensures that their memory continues to grow. The planting ceremony can be part of the wake or a separate gathering for family and friends.

RELEASE A LANTERN OR A PAPER BOAT

As a loved one transitions to the next world, it is a beautiful gesture to release paper lanterns into the sky or paper boats into a river or the sea. This event becomes even more intimate when personalized with messages or verses written upon them. Contact Pokop if you wish to include such a ceremony in the funeral or wake. For a more traditional symbolic release, we also offer the release of white doves.