A Memorial Ceremony is intended to celebrate a person’s life, not their passing. Traditionally, funerals have been solemn, formal events, dictated by religious practices. However, memorial services of today are more unrestricted and personalized. A well-planned memorial is a great opportunity for people to remember a lost loved one while supporting one another. To ensure that you don’t overlook anything during the planning phase, you should consider the answers to the following questions.
When Should the Service Take Place?
Memorial services are held after an individual’s passing, and the presence of the body isn’t required as it is at a traditional funeral. Most people feel a sense of urgency when planning a service, but there’s no need to rush. The timing of the service is up to you; some families choose a significant date such as the deceased person’s birthday while others consider loved ones’ schedules when planning.
What Kind of Service Should I Plan?
The intent of a Memorial Ceremony is to express the love felt for the person who has passed away. Traditional funerals are more structured, but there are no such constraints when planning a memorial. When planning, consider guests’ comfort and the wishes of the deceased -; other than those considerations, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to celebrate your loved one’s life.
How Much Should be Spent?
Once you’ve decided what kind of service you’ll be holding, you’ll need to set a budget. Consider the number of people you’ll be inviting, and think about costs such as flowers, food, music, and venue rental. Some people pay ahead of time for memorial services and funerals, sparing their families the burden.
Who Will Speak at the Service?
When deciding who will speak, consider which of your family members are comfortable speaking in public. A memorial service is a good opportunity for friends and family to show their love and respect for the deceased, and speaking at the service can offer grieving people a measure of comfort.
If you are using Evergreen Washelli to plan a service for a recently departed loved one, or if you’re planning your own service, discuss the end-of-life plan with your family. Remember to consult an attorney and a financial planner before putting anything in writing, and keep your records somewhere that’s easily accessible. Taking these steps and answering the above questions can help your family in their time of grief.
