Losing someone dear is one of life’s most difficult experiences, isn’t it? Honouring a loved one’s memory can be both healing and empowering. At Acts of Dove, our small family‑run dove release service in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Paisley, my mission is to help you create meaningful tributes that celebrate life and foster connection. In this post I chat about how memorial practices are evolving and share some ideas to remember those who have passed. You’ll notice a mix of traditional rituals and modern touches, all wrapped up in warmth and compassion.

A shift toward personalised, uplifting memorials

Have you noticed how funerals are changing? Families are moving away from dark, sombre ceremonies toward events that truly reflect the person being honoured. Many choose simpler, heartfelt services with an uplifting tone. Celebrations of life often take place in bright venues or outdoors and include music, stories and laughter. It’s all about celebrating achievements, passions and cherished moments rather than focusing solely on loss.

Why personalisation matters

Personalised memorials let family and friends connect more deeply with the memories they hold. They turn a service into a unique celebration. Think favourite songs, decorations featuring team colours or sports jerseys, displays of hobbies and photographs, even themed dress codes. These little touches encourage guests to share stories and really feel the person’s essence.

Alternative dispositions and eco-friendly options

Many families are curious about eco‑friendly funerals. Natural burial grounds and biodegradable coffins are already available and offer a gentler return to the earth. You may also have heard discussions about water cremation (sometimes called resomation) and human composting. These newer methods use water and alkaline solutions or organic matter to return the body to nature more quickly. There’s a lot of chatter about more eco‑friendly funerals and even water cremations, but I haven’t actually seen any of these services offered locally and they aren’t yet widely available in the UK. The Law Commission is consulting on new funerary methods and interest is growing, which makes me wonder: do you think it will be long until we actually see them?

Acts of Dove: personalised dove releases

At the heart of Acts of Dove is my belief that releasing white doves symbolises love, hope and peace. Every funeral or memorial we attend is tailored to your family’s wishes. I’ll arrive before the service with our birds in a tastefully decorated basket adorned with flowers in colours of your choice (often a loved one’s favourite shade or team colours) and I’m always happy to accommodate special requests. At the end of the service the doves take flight as a final goodbye. I’ll show you how to hold the doves or open the basket, and I’ll read a poem written just for your loved one to accompany the release.

I also provide memorial releases for anniversaries, heavenly birthdays, interring ashes and holidays like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas. These tributes can take place in cemeteries, resting places, special locations or even your own garden. The basket is always dressed with flowers you choose, and a favourite piece of music plays as the doves take flight. We're proud that Acts of Dove has been recognised for our personal and compassionate approach, receiving awards for best memorial company and customer service over the past few years.

Creative ways to honour a life

Here are a few thoughtful ideas to inspire your memorial planning. You can always combine them with a symbolic dove release, our speciality, to add a moment of serenity and hope.

1. Memory table or display

A memory table is a beautiful way to personalise a memorial service. It can include photos, letters, cherished keepsakes, books and hobbies that reflect your loved one’s life. Guests are invited to add their own items or notes, which creates a collaborative display and sparks conversation. Placed near the gathering space, this interactive tribute brings the person’s spirit into the room and invites everyone to share stories.

2. Celebration-of-life gathering

Celebrations of life are uplifting alternatives to traditional services. Host them at a family home, park, community hall or any venue that feels meaningful. Include favourite music, storytelling, food and presentations or video montages that highlight memorable milestones. These gatherings emphasise laughter and connection, honouring the person’s personality and the joy they brought to others. A dove release can be timed alongside a song or eulogy, creating a symbolic moment of sending love skyward.

3. Plant a living memorial

Planting a tree or establishing a memorial garden offers an enduring tribute. This act celebrates the cycle of life and provides a quiet place for reflection. Family and friends can gather for the planting ceremony, share stories and watch the tree or garden flourish over the years, symbolising continued love and connection. Consider releasing a group of doves during the ceremony to signify peace and new beginnings.

4. Hold a charitable event or donation drive

Sometimes the best way to honour a life is by supporting a cause close to the person’s heart. Organising a donation drive or fundraiser for a favourite charity brings community together and creates positive change. Collect items for a local shelter, raise funds for a nonprofit or host an event reflecting your loved one’s passions. Share updates with attendees about the impact of their contributions, ensuring the loved one’s legacy continues to make a difference.

5. Integrate technology in memorials

Technology can help bring people together. You might include a commemorative video montage, set up a livestream or online memorial page for those who can’t attend in person, or create a digital guestbook where friends and family can share stories and photos. These touches help unite those near and far.

Bringing doves into memorial packages

Many families choose cremation or other non‑traditional dispositions and still want a meaningful ceremony. Packages that include memorial services, personalised urns, scattering ceremonies, tree planting or charitable components let you tailor the experience to your loved one. Have you thought about weaving a dove release into one of these packages? Whether at a memorial garden, during a celebration of life, after scattering ashes or even as part of an online gathering, the gentle flight of doves creates an unforgettable moment. Combining a dove release with other personal touches adds emotional resonance and helps your ceremony feel complete.

Conclusion

Saying goodbye is personal; there’s no one-size-fits-all. Whether you choose a memory table, a celebration of life, a living memorial, a charitable act or a digital tribute, the key is to celebrate the individual and stay connected. I feel honoured to support families across Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Paisley with our gentle white doves as part of these special moments.