Most houses of worship have people on staff who can give guidance in this process. Funeral directors will also help, but will charge for their services. For a very large memorial service, consider hiring an event planner to help run the show.
Traditional memorial services are usually more formal and somber in nature, and are frequently held in places of worship or funeral homes. Celebration of life gatherings tend to be less formal, and focus less on grieving and more on celebrating the memory of the deceased. Gatherings of this type can be held almost anywhere. Interment or sprinkling of ashes. If the deceased chose to be cremated, the memorial service is often held in conjunction with the interment or scattering of the ashes. The timing and location for this ceremony will depend on where the ashes will be placed.
Memorial services can also be held at the cemetery or crematorium, even after the interment has taken place. Consider holding a celebration of life service at a favorite place of the deceased. This could include a restaurant, park, or even a bowling alley. An ash sprinkling ceremony will take place outdoors, usually at a favorite place of the deceased. Many people choose to scatter ashes into the ocean or other body of water, or at a location with a beautiful view. [7] X Research source
If the service is to be held outdoors, consider planning for a time when good weather is likely to occur. If the service will be held in a remote location, give people adequate time to make travel arrangements.
You may also need to rent chairs, a podium, sound system, etc. These can all be reserved through a local event rental company.
Personal phone calls are generally considered the most appropriate way to notify family members and close friends. Place a notice in the obituary section of the local newspaper. If an obituary has not yet been published, you can do this at the same time. Emails and social media are also good ways to get the word out about the service, and keep people updated of any changes. Be sure to notify current and former coworkers of the deceased who might wish to attend. Be prepared to provide lodging and transportation suggestions for out-of-town guests.
If the officiant will be writing a eulogy, be sure that he or she has all of the information needed to make it personalized and meaningful, and don’t be shy about asking to see a draft before it is delivered. State very clearly to the officiant what you have in mind for the service, and be firm with any requests to include or leave out certain material, etc. When choosing an emcee, look for a person who is energetic and good at drawing people out. Many mourners get shy at memorial services and have trouble speaking, but a good emcee will be encouraging and able to help people find their voice. If you plan to ask guests to share stories, readings, etc. , let them know ahead of time and give them time to prepare.
Think of friends and loved ones you can specifically invite to deliver readings. Many people who might be too shy to volunteer would be happy to participate if asked. It is a nice touch to include a copy of any prearranged readings in a handout for guests to follow along with, or to display them on a Power Point slide.
Enlist or hire any musicians you might need as soon as you have a date to work with. Consider asking those closest to the deceased to make suggestions for music to play at the service. Remember to arrange for any sound equipment you might need. A portable stereo will work, but depending on the size and nature of the event, this might be the time to go all out and rent some professional speakers or even hire a DJ. Creating and distributing mix-CDs of the music played at the service can be a meaningful memento of the deceased.
Helping to create a memorial slide show or video is a great way for friends and family members feel included.
You can find free templates on-line to create and print your own program at home, or you can have them done up professionally.
If the reception will be an adults-only event, consider helping to arrange childcare for any parents who would like to attend.
