What is a Memorial Service?
Unlike a traditional funeral, a memorial service is a gathering where a casket is not present (although the urn with the cremated remains may be on display). A memorial service can be held weeks or even months after the death.
A memorial service can be held in a church, the funeral home or a community hall, or somewhere of importance to the deceased and family. There is usually music, selected readings, and a eulogy. Memorial services can be further personalized as a celebration-of-life.
Why Choose a Memorial Service?
Rather than opting to do things "the same old way", many families today want to celebrate the life of a loved one. Many funeral service professionals see this change as one of the many contributions to social change made by 'Baby Boomers'. The
National Funeral Directors Association notes, "As baby boomers age and find themselves having to plan funerals for loved ones and themselves, they are making funeral choices based on values that are different than previous generations. Baby boomers see funerals as a valuable part of the grieving process and are seeking ways to make them meaningful." If you too desire to make the funeral for a loved one more engaging and personally meaningful, a celebration-of-life may be the perfect concept to build on.
How Does a Memorial Service Differ from a Traditional Funeral?
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A Visitation
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The Funeral Service
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A Committal Service
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The Funeral Reception
A traditional funeral then is a series of events; it's a ritualized process where the deceased, and the attendees, pass from one social status to another; a process where the torn fabric of a family and community is repaired. According to the online article "Six Characteristics of Helpful Ceremonies", by William Hoy, Director of Grief Connect, this is done by including:
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Symbols of shared significance intended to communicate beyond words
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Ritual actions shared by a group of individuals
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Gathered people providing comfort to one another
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Connection to heritage through recognized readings
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Increased physical contact between attendees provide comfort
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Witnessing the transition of the body through burial or cremation
Memorial Service Ideas
Our experience has shown us that many of today's families want more than a traditional funeral. This can be done by bringing more of the personality and lifestyle of the deceased into the arrangements. By displaying photographs or staging the event around a favorite pastime, a memorial service can become more personal and meaningful.
If a personalized service suits the needs of your family, we suggest you consider the following memorial service ideas:
Music
Music is a staple at any event and a memorial service is no different. Many families like to play the favorite songs of their loved ones. You could also consider playing a specific genre of music that is more somber or upbeat depending on what type of atmosphere you are trying to create fir the service.
Food & Drink
You can personalize a memorial service by serving some of your loved one’s favorite dishes and beverages. Perhaps they have a famous recipe?
A Photo Collection or Display
With the advancement in technonology, it is common to have photo slideshows or even a video tribute. However, it's still common to do an old-fashioned photo collages and they are just as meaningful.
We're Here to Advise, Assist, and Guide You
Using the above memorial service ideas, we will spend the time to help create a fitting memorial service for your loved one. Please call us at 435-586-3456 to learn the details of our memorial service planning process.
