Planning a funeral or memorial service can be an overwhelming task. There are so many details to consider. The first step is to decide whether or not you will plan a funeral or memorial service. To decide between a funeral or memorial service, see our article "Difference between a Funeral and Memorial Service".
If you choose a memorial ceremony, you will have a lot more flexibility and time to create a more personalized experience. Memorial services that focus on the interests, activities, and past times of the person who has passed away are becoming more and more popular. Consider the following criteria when planning a memorial service:
Decide on a location or setting
The location, or setting, of the memorial service is key to establishing the mood and atmosphere. Typically, services may be held in a church building, but they do not have to be. If the deceased wasn't a religious person, consider alternative settings such as a park, riverside, lodge, or marina. If the person had a very specific interest, consider a golf course, baseball field, art gallery, beach or ski hill. Always think about how the person spent his or her time, and how he or she would want to be remembered. Keep in mind whether or not you’ll be serving food, and how many people you think will be attending. Adapt the location so that it fits your needs.
Pick a time and date
The time and date of the memorial service can influence how many people attend, as well as dictate the theme of the service. Memorial services can be schedules weeks, and even months after the death. Some choose to delay until the person’s birthday or anniversary. Either way, schedule the service so that guests have plenty of time to make travel arrangements. Consider whether you want to have the service in the early morning, mid-afternoon, or late evening.
Select a theme or purpose
The purpose, or theme, of the service allows people to truly focus on the person who has passed away and remember specific details about the person. Listed below are some possible themes to use in memorial services. These themes can easily help determine what types of readings to use, what songs to sing, what foods to serve, and what items to bring to the service. Overall, once you choose a theme, planning the memorial service gets easier.
How to Select a Theme
Did he or she have a specific hobby? Consider displaying sports equipment, trophies and awards, cooking utensils, written items, art and craftwork, or stamp collections – anything that recognizes the person’s interests. Considering selecting a funeral program template that represents his interest.
Maybe the person took great pride in his or her career. If so, honor the profession by displaying items he or she used. Career-centered themes are especially appropriate for service-driven professionals such as firefighters, police officers, military figures, and teachers.
Consider the person’s culture and ancestry. Most cultures have their own traditions and ways of celebrating life. Investigate some of the unique rituals within the person’s culture and honor his or her history.
Some people are remembered simply because of their relationship to you. You may choose to honor the person’s role, such as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc. and recognize the value of the relationship. There are many memorial or funeral poems for mom or dad, as well as funeral scripture verses and songs that can help you communicate your relationship with the person.
Personalize the Memorial Service
There are a wide variety of ways that you can personalize a memorial service. Memorial poems, favorite songs and quotes are just a few ways that the service can be personalized. This website has a variety of memorial poems, memorial bible scriptures, prayers, and quotes to help with the selection process. Displaying photos and other items that reflect the deceased's hobbies and interest are also a good way to personalize your service. Printed memorial programs can be distributed at the service, as well as prayer cards, bookmarks and other souveniers. See our article on personalizing a funeral or memorial service for more information.
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