A memorial service is a time for friends and family to come together after the death of a loved one. This type of event is different from a funeral in that the body of the deceased is not present at the ceremony, but rather their urn or casket. While many people choose to hold a memorial service at the funeral home or church, other venues are also available. Some families like to hold a stand-alone memorial service at the home of their loved one, in a location that was meaningful to them or at a date that held special significance for the deceased.
Regardless of the type of service that you plan, it is important to have a good understanding of the etiquette of memorial services so that you are prepared for what is expected of you. It is common for guests to speak during a memorial service, so be sure to invite family members and close friends who are comfortable speaking in front of others. You may also wish to consider hiring a celebrant, as they are often experienced in planning these types of events and can help you craft a meaningful tribute.
It is often a good idea to have a theme for the memorial service, as this can help guide your planning and create an overall tone for the event. This can be anything from a music theme to an outdoor theme, and there are many resources online that can provide inspiration. Another common practice is to use photos at the memorial service, whether this be a slideshow or simply an array of framed images throughout the venue. Flowers are also frequently used at memorial services, and you can choose from a wide range of flower arrangements in various colors, sizes and designs.
Many people like to include a donation station at their memorial service, where they can encourage their guests to donate money to charities and organizations that were meaningful to the deceased. You can also ask for donations in lieu of flowers, and this information can be included on your invitations as well.
In addition to speeches, you may also wish to have music at your memorial service, as this can be a comforting and moving experience for everyone in attendance. Be sure to check with your local music licensing agencies to ensure that you have permission to play any music that you want to use at the service. You should also ensure that your venue can accommodate the number of guests that you are expecting.