Memorial Service ChecklistOver the centuries, human beings have discovered something very important: when a community loses someone special, it's extremely beneficial for everyone to come together to acknowledge the loss and find mutual support.
Traditionally, funerals were the occasions when this would occur; now (with the rising number of cremation arrangements) it's memorial services. Take a few minutes to explore how we can assist your family in creating affordable memorial services in Manhattan for a loved one which pays tribute to the life of the deceased while also serving the needs of all those in attendance.
While we are an area leader in affordable cremation; we are also recognized funeral professionals who really understand the significance of a communal gathering after a death. Not just any gathering will do; we know a well-planned, personally meaningful affordable memorial service can make all the difference for those left behind to grieve. It redefines and reinforces the social and the emotional connections between them. Not only that, memorial services in Manhattan provide everyone there with a special time to share fond memories, along with tears and laughter; all the while receiving compassionate support in one another's presence.
Memorial Service ChecklistWhen your family comes to us for a loved one's cremation, we'll sit down with you to discuss all your cremation services options. We'll also explore the many ways we could work together to host uniquely designed affordable memorial services worthy of their memory. It's really a process of asking–and answering–questions. Sit down with other family members, at least once, but maybe even more than once. Some of the things which will be discussed include:
1. Who will be invited? The number of guests define the where, when, and how of your memorial service. Write down the names of everyone you think would want to be there and then set it aside. You can add new names to the list as you go along.
2. Where, and when, should the event take place? Here's where your imagination is tempered by any scheduling or travel-related issues facing those who will be invited. Be sure to check in with out-of-town relatives and friends about their situation before settling on these critical details.
3. Who will orchestrate or conduct the memorial service? If your loved one was religious, you may opt to have their pastor or church minister perform these tasks. However, many families today hire a non-denominational celebrant to oversee the memorial service.
4. Who wishes to speak at the event? Many times family members or friends will be very direct about their desire to make a short presentation at the memorial service; other times you need to come out and ask folks if they would be willing to publicly share their thoughts and feelings. Either way, you'll want to select those people who have shared a close relationship with the deceased and have something meaningful to contribute.
5. What group activities would be appropriate? We've heard some exciting memorial service ideas over the years. This question involves thinking about what your loved one liked most about their life and gives everyone a remarkable space to share memories, laugh, and even cry together.
6. What food or beverages should be served? What you serve may depend on the theme of your memorial service, or may be based on your loved one's favorite dishes. It's entirely up to you; we've even seen "pot luck" memorial services where guests actually sign up to bring select foods and beverages.
7. What readings and music should you include? Music is an integral part of life for many people, and a memorial service is the perfect event in which to showcase the meaningful music of your loved one's life. But, if your loved one didn't appreciate music (and many don’t), it may be more appropriate to read chosen spiritual selections, or excerpts from literature.
8. What details of your loved one's life do you want to share with guests? Not every biographical detail needs to be highlighted; rather you're trying to capture their essence by telling revealing anecdotes or stories. Sometimes you can reveal their character by detailing one short moment in their life experience.
9. What decorations will you have? Many families create a tribute video and use it as the centerpiece of the event. Others choose to use a memory table of photographs and other memorabilia instead.
A memorial service or cremation ceremony simply sets aside time to celebrate the personality and accomplishments of someone you loved. And, it gives comfort and support to those left behind. It can take place prior to the cremation, or afterwards. It can also be part of a scattering ceremony. Use our list of memorial service ideas for cremation to help start your planning process.
Here are some popular places for memorial services:
The memorial service ideas you create should be full of experiences: sights, sounds, word, music; good food, and good friends. You could incorporate:
We've found memorial services give families and friends a dedicated time to acknowledge a loved one's life; a special, very memorable time to collectively remember and grieve. And with us, planning affordable memorial services in Manhattan in tribute to a loved one isn't difficult. Instead, we like to tell the families we serve it's a labor of love which can bring your family peace-of-mind and quiet pleasure. If you would like assistance in planning–and hosting–a memorial service for a deceased family member, call us today at 212-473-2220.