How I prepare for a memorial service

A memorial service  should accomplish two things -- it should bring comfort to the family, and it should connect with the life of the deceased.  To meet those two criteria, I ask the family to help me by providing these 6 things:

1. Scripture passages.  I ask if they have scripture passages that hold special meaning for them.  I do not promise I will use all the passages, but they usually give me a place to start in message preparation.
2. The Bible that belonged to their loved one. I have asked if the family would like for me to read from their loved one's Bible. Some do not have a Bible they have used frequently, and I move on.
3. Stories. I am looking for stories that characterize their loved one's life.  These can be funny, serious, spiritual, or everyday stories but they need to capture some aspect of the person's life.  I always ask if I can share that at the service.  Sometimes people tell you stories as a part of their griefwork, but they do not want them told publicly.
4. Hymns or songs.  In our community we get requests mostly for  traditional hymns like In The Garden or Amazing Grace.   Some families may select recorded songs that may or may not be apppropriate, but you can guide the family to use music that honors both God and the individual's memory.  I conducted a teenager's  funeral years ago, and the family played heavy metal music prior to the service.  I thought someone at the funeral home had a radio on.  I complained to the manager, who informed me that this was the family's request.  I would have tried to steer them to a more appropriate means of honoring their son.
5. Poems, prayers, or readings. Some families want a special poem, prayer, or reading used during the service.  I try to accomodate those requests as often as I can.
6. Eulogies. Often families want to give an opportunity for others at the service to share their memories with the congregation.  I suggest that one or two of these be planned so there is not a long period of silence while waiting.

If you're a pastor, you probably have a similar list of helps that you're looking for when you prepare for a funeral or memorial service.  What questions do you ask?  How do you connect the service with the life of the person being remembered?