How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

Having a memorial service is important as it lets us acknowledge the passing of an individual, helps us remember their life and brings in support during a trying time. However, when it comes to planning a memorial service how do you ensure that the service is meaningful and acts as a proper farewell to the deceased? In today’s blog we will be going over some helpful tips and suggestions on how to plan a meaningful memorial service.

One of the first things you can do to plan a meaningful memorial service is to select an appropriate location. When selecting the location, you will want to consider who you would like to invite, how those individuals will reach the location, what kind of atmosphere you would like to location to supply, whether it has any video or audio equipment available for tributes and what sort of support the location can lend to the proceedings.

Following the selection of a location you should consider publishing an obituary notice to let friends know of the day, time and location of your memorial service. This will ensure that everyone who should be at the service is aware so they can mark the day and time in their schedule.

Speakers are another important element of a memorial service; it is important to know who will be speaking and what they will be saying ahead of time. You will want to select individuals who are good with public speaking and ensure that any readings or speeches they will be giving are appropriate.

Food can also be an important component of a memorial service, taste and smell are tied closely to memory and it can be another way to memorialize the deceased. You could prepare a menu of some of the deceased favorite dishes to trigger those memories or simply hold a potluck memorial service with everyone bringing their own selections to the service.

Music and Slideshows can also be utilized to memorialize the deceased, allowing us to fondly remember the deceased through pivotal and memorable moments in their life. Music is also a very personal thing and selecting appropriate music to pay tribute to the deceased is important.

Lastly, consider utilizing a professional funeral director when planning the service. A professional funeral director will be experienced in procedures and planning and be able to provide information on what elements tend to make for a memorable memorial service.

We hope that this guide has given you some ideas of how to plan a memorable and meaningful memorial service to say goodbye to your loved one.

Arbutus Funeral Service Inc., based in the Walnut Grove part of northwest Langley Township, British Columbia, is a family-owned and operated funeral home providing practical and affordable funeral services. We believe in cultural sensitivity and treat every client and family with respect and compassion. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about funeral services, please call (604) 888-9895.