How to Plan Meaningful Memorials
Planning a memorial service can feel like an enormous task. You may feel a pressing desire to organize a meaningful service as well as overwhelming sorrow and a possible loss of energy. Take advantage of the support of family and friends to help you as you make memorial service arrangements. Use the guidance of industry experts who understand your needs. Keep in mind the very act of arranging the service honors your lost loved one.
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Instructions
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List each step you must take as you bring the memorial service together. Include steps, such as make a guest list, contact a minister, select music and book a meeting room or church. Divide the steps into separate lists, asking friends and family to help with tasks, such as making phone calls.
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Contact family members for the date that is best for all most closely involved. Schedule a date and a location. The People's Memorial Association website recommends making date and location decisions first. Choose a location, such as a church, nature park or rented facility. Book the location, if necessary.
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Ask the family what music they would like. Offer music suggestions appropriate to the occasion and to the loss. Suggest, for example, "A Mother's Face," for the loss of a mother. Choose from instrumentals, such as "A New Day," by Angel Voices and "Amazing Grace," to name two possibilities. Select music from a website, such as the Memorial Music Library.
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Contact your minister, priest or other religious leader if you want a religious memorial service. Ask him if he is available on the date you have in mind. If not, let the reverend or rabbi advise you on scheduling the service. Request an outline of the order of the memorial service to help prepare for other speakers. Discuss fees at the first meeting.
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Write down the order of the memorial service, if not presided by a minister. The People's Memorial Association offers a schedule example. Play opening music as attendees arrive and take their seats. Begin with opening statements by a selected speaker. Follow with readings, personal reflections and closing words. Play music as mourners depart.
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Ask family or friends to speak at the service. Invite mourners to share, if you like. You may select a speaker to say something that celebrates the deceased's life, reading a fitting poem and/or leading the service in prayer.
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Order flowers for the service or decorate with flowers from your garden. Choose from a memorial wreath, a spray or a floral arrangement for a memorial in a church.
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Tips & Warnings
You can hold a memorial service as long as several weeks after a loved one has passed.
Attendees may elect to send sympathy tributes in the form of comfort baskets or garden plants for a memorial held in a home.
Give mourners a single flower with a printed program.
References
Resources
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