Honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away is an important part of the grieving process. A well-planned memorial service can provide a meaningful opportunity for friends and family to come together and pay tribute to their loved one.
Whether you are planning your own memorial service in advance or helping to plan one for someone else, it’s important to approach the task with care and attention. Here are 6 tips for a well-planned memorial that will leave a lasting positive impact on all who attend.
Start planning early
It’s never too early to start planning a memorial service. Waiting until the last minute can add unnecessary stress and make it difficult to make meaningful and personalized decisions.
Starting the planning process early allows for careful consideration of all the details, from selecting the right venue to arranging a granite grave headstone fairport ny, so everything is in place when the time comes.
Think about the music, readings, and other details
The memorial service’s details are important because they help create a unique experience that celebrates the life of the deceased and provides comfort and closure to those in attendance. Give some thought to the music, readings, and other details that best represent the person and their life.
Consider choosing songs, readings or poems that celebrate the deceased’s personality, values, or hobbies, and that those attending can participate in.
Consider having a life celebration
Funerals and memorials don’t need to be a gloomy affair. It can be a time to celebrate the life of your loved one by planning a life celebration.
This approach incorporates non-traditional elements, which create an opportunity to share happy memories in an upbeat setting, full of light, love, and joy. A life celebration can offer a way to say goodbye to your loved one in an uplifting environment.
Invite family and friends to share memories of your loved one
Memorials offer an opportunity to reminisce about the deceased’s life with friends and family members. Yet, they can’t share their memories if they aren’t invited to. Invite loved ones to share their favorite memories, and laugh about the happy times.
Creating a tribute video with family photos and memories is a great way to involve everyone in remembering what was special about the person.
Decide on whether to have an open casket or a closed casket
Funeral services generally happen a few days after a person has passed away, and it is not uncommon for a person’s casket to be on display at the event.
Some families choose to have an open casket to allow mourners the chance to say goodbye, while others prefer a closed casket for personal or cultural reasons. Either way, it is important to make this decision early on in the planning process.
Provide people time to share stories and say goodbye
The most important thing about memorials is that they bring people together. Funerals and memorials provide a chance for people to say their final goodbyes and share their stories.
It’s important to allow ample time for attendees to do this, whether this involves scheduling more time for the memorial itself, or arranging a gathering where people can come together after the formal ceremony.
The chance to say goodbye, in a pleasant and welcoming environment, can make a big difference for family members and friends who are going through the difficult grieving process.
