How to Plan a Memorial Tribute

You can opt to hold the event at a local church.

A memorial tribute is a way to pay homage to a beloved family member or friend who has died. You can do memorial tributes at any time to commemorate and pay tribute to someone. If you have to arrange a memorial tribute, learning some tips and steps to preparing it can make this difficult time a little bit easier.

Instructions

1. Enlist the help of three or four close friends or family members. A memorial tribute can be a tough time and having the assistance of others can help ease some of the stress of planning, as well as welcome ideas for the event.

2. Set a date for the service, along with a time. You can do a significant date in the deceased person's life such as a birthday. If possible, make sure guests have at least two weeks notice to RSVP and prepare for the event.

3. Write a guest list for the service. This will help you determine other factors in planning including location and catering if there will be food. Include only people who you feel comfortable with and who you know would want to pay homage to the person being honored.

4. Reserve a location based on the number of guests on your list. You can hold the tribute in a church, reception hall, outdoors like a local park or at your home. Select a location that has some sort of significance to the person being honored if you can and make any reservations accordingly.

5. Send out invitations with the date and location of the event, along with any special requests. For example, if you want attendees to bring photos or keepsakes or if there is a certain dress code for the event.

6. Arrange food options for the event. You can hire a caterer, prepare food yourself or assign people on your committee to bring food like a potluck.

7. Reserve any special equipment you'll need for the event. This can include things like a projector for a slide show, musicians if you plan to have live music, sound equipment, flowers and chairs and tables. Many party stores offer packages for things such as this, so shop around to find deals.

8. Write down a timeline for how you want the memorial to run. Include things like an introduction, any special readings or speakers, time for food, or if you have a video you would like to show.

9. Have pamphlets made for the events. Include those who orchestrated the events, a photo of the person being honored, inspirational passages and the timeline for your event. If there are any other special notes, such as a foundation honoring the person or additional pictures include those.

10. Arrive at the location of the memorial three hours before the guests are to arrive to give yourself ample time to prepare. Have your helpers come as well. Set up any décor, tables, chairs, television or stage areas. Also plan to have any caterers or performers arrive at least an hour before the event start time, so that they can set up and ready when guests arrive.

References

• Recover-From-Grief: Plan A Memorial Service