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4 Memorial Service Ideas That Can Help Start The Healing Process

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Planning a memorial service is one of the ways that modern families are choosing to say goodbye to their deceased loved ones. In contrast to the traditional funeral, a memorial service is more personalized and open-ended death care option. Much a kin to  its name sake, a memorial service is meant to celebrate, share and preserve the memory of those who have passed away. In recent years, cremation has surpassed burial as the most popular death care option in North America. So it is only safe to say that the increased popularity of memorial services and celebration of life ceremonies is directly associated with these changing trends.

In this post we are going to discuss some memorial service ideas that can help start the healing process for families that have experienced loss and struggle with bereavement.  One of the ways in which memorial services have become appealing is the flexibility and freedom of choice for families who want to do something extremely unique. Of course, the following are simply suggestions and we encourage every family to consider, above all else, the life that they want to commemorate.

1. Location. Location. Location

memorial service location ideas beach imageIt is absolutely crucial that we start by discussing location. Every family has special places. Whether they are extraordinary or run of the mill, there is certain to be somewhere that is heavily tied to the deceased. It can be the place where the family gathered, like a home or cottage. It can be the deceased’s favorite green space. Wherever you choose to hold a memorial service will be special, just put thought into the decision.

2. Attendees

choosing memorial service attendees candles photoWhile the traditional funeral is a slightly less intimate occasion, memorial services can take any shape or size. Depending on what you want,  you can fill an entire venue or invite only a handful of people. No matter what you do, ensure that everyone in attendance was either a close friend, spouse or family member. This is not for the purpose of being exclusive. Rather, simply placing an emphasis on those who were most dear to the deceased.

3. Music

memorial service music choice photoThis one is perhaps the most notable idea on this list. More so than other forms of media, music has the power to conjure the strongest emotional memories. This can go one of two ways, you can send off your deceased loved one with their favorite song or you can put together a playlist of music that each person in attendance associates with a fond memory of the deceased.

 

4. Multimedia Presentation

memorial slideshow ideasIn this day and age we have the distinct privilege of having decades of video footage, pictures and sound clips available at our disposal. One of the best ways to preserve the memory of your deceased loved one is to curate some of the best moments that have been captured by various forms of multimedia over the years. You can roughly put it together or you can spend ample time editing. Either way, preparing a snapshot of those we have lost is an excellent way to preserve someone’s memory.

 

We hope that you have enjoyed this post and that it has, at the very least, contributed to some creative thinking. Planning a memorial service can be a complicated and frustrating endeavour. We invite you to get more ideas about Memorial Services, before you make any decisions or commitments. That being said, it has great healing power and can set you on the direction of accepting loss and replacing grief with only the fondest and most loving of memories.