What is a Memorial Service?
Unlike a traditional funeral, a memorial service is a gathering where a casket is not present (although the urn with the cremated remains may be on display). A memorial service can be held weeks or even months after the death.
A memorial service can be held in a church, the funeral home or a community hall, or somewhere of importance to the deceased and family. There is usually music, selected readings, and a eulogy. Memorial services can be further personalized as a celebration-of-life.
Planning a Memorial Service
We have significant experience helping families plan a meaningful and unique memorial service, that truly honours their loved one. Please do not hesitate to contact us to learn the details of our memorial service planning process.
Rather than opting to do things "the same old way", many families today want to celebrate the life of a loved one. Many funeral service professionals see this change as one of the many contributions to social change made by 'Baby Boomers'. The National Funeral Directors Association
notes, "As baby boomers age and find themselves having to plan funerals for loved ones and themselves, they are making funeral choices based on values that are different than previous generations. Baby boomers see funerals as a valuable part of the grieving process and are seeking ways to make them meaningful." If you too desire to make the funeral for a loved one more engaging and personally meaningful, a celebration-of-life may be the perfect concept to build on.
How to Plan a Memorial Service
For families looking for a stunning and creative way to say goodbye to a loved one, planning a unique memorial service is an excellent way to achieve this. A memorial service differs from a more traditional funeral in that you personalize details of the service to pay tribute to your loved one and the way they lived their life. This allows you to create a service that is one of a kind and truly unique as no two people are the same.
Use of a Civil Celebrant
Often memorial services are led by celebrants. A celebrant is a person who has been trained to conduct formal ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. They are not clergy; instead they are experienced masters-of-ceremony and story-tellers. A celebrant works closely with surviving family to create a ceremony which reflects the beliefs, cultural background, values and aspirations of your deceased loved one, and your family. If you think you would be best served by a celebrant, please speak with your funeral director.
Unique Memorial Service Ideas
Before you can begin planning the memorial service, you should start by first meeting with a member of our staff to better understand what you want to focus the service around. Your memorial service should focus on what your loved one was passionate about, and this initial meeting can help us understand your vision and offer ideas.
Below we have compiled a selection of creative memorial service ideas to help you plan a memorial service.
Consider the Place
You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to a location especially since the body will not be present. We have had families hold memorial services at beaches, community centers, parks, restaurants, banquet halls, and at family homes. For some that want some religious facets it is probably best choose a place of worship. Keep mind that you want a space/location that can hold a large group of people and that has the amenities for any of the features you have planned. For example, if you want a photo slideshow, choosing the beach as your location would not be ideal.
A Themed Service
One of the most beautiful places in the world to visit, Italy, could be the theme of your service. Every aspect of this service will make you feel like have taken a trip abroad. The décor, food, music and every other aspect will pay homage to Italy and its heritage. Whether your loved one had immigrated here or had a love for Florence or Rome, this unique memorial theme will take you on a trip back to the old country.
Serve Their Favourite Food
Instead of serving traditional foods like coffee & tea and sandwiches, incorporate their favourite dish. We are willing to work with you and a caterer to offer their favourite dish or appetizer. One thing to remember is that it can be very simple dishes, and we can help you with this process.
Taking Flight
The release of doves or balloons is quite common at many funerals. This theme builds off this idea by using the symbolism of taking flight. We recommend incorporating images of doves into the stationary for the service, quotes about taking flight spread our around the service, and origami birds set out as well. With this theme, guests can come together to celebrate the soul of the deceased taking flight and moving on to the afterlife with this elegant and beautiful tribute.
The Time Capsule
If you really want to get creative, consider creating a time capsule of memories to honour your loved one. Encourage your guests to bring small mementos, photos, or memories written on a card. During the service, guests can take turns adding their items to the time capsule and sharing the story behind their item. After the service, your family can lock the time capsule and put it away for a later date. On the first anniversary of your loved one’s passing (or birthday, anniversary, etc.) open the time capsule and revisit all of the memories guests shared.
A Memorial Station
If you want to personalize a service to reflect your loved one and everything they enjoyed in life, create a memorial station. The memorial station can be a table display where you showcase old photos or some of your loved one’s prized possessions. You can even encourage guests to bring a photo of themselves with your loved one to add to the display. If they want to take things a step further, ask them to write a little blurb on the back of the photo to provide more details about the memory.
We're Here to Help You
These are just a few of the different ways that you can commemorate your loved one and celebrate their journey through life. A unique memorial service like the ones we have mentioned will allow you to feel a stronger connection to your loved one and create a positive experience your guests will love.
To learn more about unique memorial services or to begin planning one, please contact us
today to speak with a member of our staff.
