Who do you have speak and give personal tribute?

Who you choose to speak at  the upcoming funeral or memorial you are planning will determine the success of the event.  I have seen the best and worst.  From my two decades of experience, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

1. Choose folks who had different relationships with your loved one.  For example, try not to choose all family members or all work colleagues or all neighbors.  Try to choose 1 or two from each area of your loved one’s life.  Otherwise people can get redundant.
2. Choose folks who are positive and upbeat.  Yes it’s a funeral and it’s sad, but try to stay away from inviting the most negative or pessimistic to share their thoughts.
3. Do not allow someone to speak who has a personal agenda.  They have a tendency to highjack the service and make it about themselves or their cause.
4. Invite friends and family who new your loved one the best – but not necessarily the longest.
5. Ask the people who can keep their talk to under 5 minutes.  No one wants or needs another preacher.