Essential Things to Know When Planning for a Memorial Service
by Antonio Robertson
Many people confuse funeral services and memorial services. A funeral is characterised by the presence of a deceased person's body. On the other hand, the focal point of a memorial service is an urn or framed portrait of the deceased. Many aspects go into planning a successful memorial service for a loved one. Essential considerations include a budget allocation for a memorial service, choice of location, invitations, speakers, music and food and drinks. This article discusses organising a befitting memorial service for a loved one.
Why Is a Memorial Service Vital?
Most importantly, a memorial service celebrates the life of a loved one. The event also pays tribute to the deceased by honouring their spirit, achievements and unique personality. The service starts the healing process of a grieving family because it allows support from neighbours, friends and co-workers.
Location
The location for hosting a memorial service should have some personal significance to the deceased. You can consider a public or private park, a family home or their favourite beach. Besides, if you plan on hosting many people, you should choose a location such as a favourite banquet hall, restaurant or religious place. A spiritual site is perfect if you want to work with religious leaders or adhere to certain rites. Remember to acquire the necessary permits when planning for a memorial service.
Payment Options
The cost of a memorial service varies depending on several factors, including location, food and drinks and the number of guests. Although the cost of a memorial service is slightly lower than that of a funeral service, you should work with a funeral service provider to ensure that you stick to your budget. Some of the payment options to finance a memorial service include personal savings, insurance, credit cards and financing through a funeral provider. Besides, confirm whether the deceased might have set aside a payable-on-death (POD) or Totten trust account dedicated to funeral and memorial service expenses.
Flowers
Flowers and other décor are always a personal choice. Therefore, a family should work with a funeral director regarding the choice and arrangement of flowers. Ideally, a family has to order a bouquet for a memorial service based on flowers available in the region. Also, the choice can be influenced by the deceased's favourite colours.
Invitation
You can post an obituary for a memorial service in a local newspaper, a website of your preferred funeral home or social media sites to invite friends and family to the event. Other ways of inviting guests include emails, phone calls and online invitations.
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About Me
Funerals can bring forth such a range of emotions: melancholy, grief, regret, relief and nostalgia. As an assistant at a funeral parlour, I am privileged to help people with organising their loved one’s final journey. I have learnt that a good funeral parlour can make the occasion truly commemorative. When I attend funerals for friends, I am saddened to see that so many ceremonies are traditional and joyless. I later find out that the family members simply weren’t aware of options such as a graveside memorial service. I love the fact that one of my tasks involves showing family members various venues and demonstrating what can be done. In this humble little blog, I hope to make it my mission to share some of the ideas – big and small – from the best funerals I have seen. Perhaps it will give you some inspiration at a difficult time. Bless.