• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Urn Garden Home
  • About

Life in the Garden

Matters of Life and Death

  • Blog Home
  • Confessions
  • Featured Products
  • Memorial Service Ideas
  • Pets
You are here: Home / Confessions / How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

January 6, 2016 urngarden.com

memorial planning tips

Components of a Memorial Service

By taking time to plan a memorial service, you cannot only make it unique but a lasting tribute to your loved one. Your funeral professional is trained to help families create a meaningful moment and you can help by clearly communicating your vision. Ideas to help you plan a service include:

•    Choosing a special location: Memorial services do not need to be set in a church or other traditional setting like the funeral home.  More and more families are moving the ceremony off site. Other settings include a park, sports field, beach, art gallery, golf course or another place that was special to your loved one.

scattering ashes at sea

•    Selecting a time and date: A memorial service can be held any time after your loved one dies. Expect some  guests to come in from out of town, so make sure to choose your date accordingly. If you expect several guests to be traveling, it might be a good idea to reserve a block of rooms. Sometimes discounts are available, and the hotel might even have a meeting room that you could use for your gathering with snacks and beverages available.

•    Choosing a theme: The personalized theme allows family and friends to focus on their loved one and remember the important things about his life. For instance, if he or she were in the military, you can showcase photos, uniforms, medals and commendations. Ask friends and family to bring mementos, photos, or memories that can be shared.

flag case for veteran

Sharing personal readings and music: Make the ceremony memorable by choosing songs and readings that your loved one enjoyed such as Biblical scripture, poetry, classical music or even jazz. Have attendees read meaningful passages, sing or play songs, or say a few words to eulogize the deceased.

•    Displaying photographs: While this may be one of the most common memorial service ideas, it can also be one of the most unique and moving. Displaying pictures on poster boards are a good idea as is a video montage set to music. Often the funeral home can help with this task and make copies for friends and families. Although it can be an emotional and time consuming experience to sift through the photographs to find the perfect ones to use for the service, it can also be healing and good for the spirit.

Flowers, candles, and comfort foods are added elements that can add a personal touch.

Filed Under: Confessions, Memorial Service Ideas Tagged With: how to plan a memorial service, how to plan celebration of life ceremony

About urngarden.com

Urngarden.com has been active in the funeral industry since 2004 and strives to educate and comfort family and friends that are grieving the loss of a loved one. We provide beautiful cremation urns and memorials.

Primary Sidebar

Urn Garden Cremation Urns for Ashes

Recent Posts

  • O Death, Where is Your Sting? Cremation Urns for Adults, Dogs, & Babies
  • What the Catholic Church Says About Cremation, Burial, and Funeral
  • Is Amazon Really A Good Place to Buy a Cremation Urn for Ashes?
  • Types of Cremation Urns that Families Buy Pt. 2
  • Types of Urns That Families Buy for Cremation

Pages

  • About Us

Death in the Digital Age

  • Beyond Indigo Grief Forum
  • Find A Grave
  • Seven Ponds
  • Show Me Urns (Our Sister Site)
  • Talking to Children About Death
  • The Daily Undertaker

Copyright © 2025 Urn Garden · Log in