8 Ways to Make a Memorial Service Meaningful

When a loved one passes, the natural inclination after cremation services in Loudonville, NY, is to honor them. A memorial service is one way to do that. It’s an event where those who knew and loved the departed come together to share memories and bid goodbye.

Here are some tips on making your loved one’s memorial service memorable and meaningful for everyone who contributes to it.

1. Choose a theme

It’s helpful to select a theme for your service that gives people an idea of what to expect and what kind of tone you want it to have. Some common themes include:

• Celebrating a person’s life
• Remembering someone by recreating and sharing things they enjoyed, such as their favorite foods or songs
• Remembering someone with pictures and videos
• Remembering someone by telling stories about them.

2. Plan the order of events

If you have activities planned for your memorial, it can be helpful to sketch out in advance what each one will take and in which order. This way, everyone involved knows what is expected of them, what to prepare, and when they should come up.

Nevertheless, remember to leave room for personal expression. Memorials are a time for people to express themselves and their feelings about the deceased. Everyone who wants to share something should be allowed to, to a reasonable extent.

3. Personalize the elements

A memorial service is a time for people to share in the memories of the person who has died, so it’s helpful to include personal touches in all aspects of the service. For example, you can pick:

• What attendees wear (such as a special outfit or accessory)
• What colors, flowers, and other decorations you want at the service
• What music is played during the service (such as a favorite song or hymn)
• What is read during the service (such as a favorite scripture verse or poem)
• Where you want to hold the service (in your home, at a funeral home, or outdoors)

4. Invite people who loved the deceased

Let people know about your loved one’s memorial service, especially those who shared a connection with the deceased. This will make it easier to relate at the event and with one another in grief.

If you have a large group of friends and family, consider making provisions that allow them to participate in the activities of the day to make it more meaningful.

5. Consider when to hold the service

Some people hold their memorial service shortly after their loved one has died. In contrast, others prefer to wait several months or even years before having it. You can decide what feels right for you, but keep in mind the type of memorial you want so you can take the time to plan it.

6. Carry along those closest to the deceased

It is important that people who are close to the late person feel included in the memorial service planning. You can ask them to share some memories of the deceased at the service, or you can ask them to contribute items that bring the deceased to mind.

7. Involve children

Children may not understand what happens during a funeral or memorial ceremony, so it’s helpful to keep them involved in their own way.

You can assign tasks they can handle, such as coloring or picking out pictures. Better yet, ask if they would like to say or do something at the memorial.

8. Invest in a lasting monument

Finally, the memorial service, no matter how grand, will pass. If you want to keep your loved one’s memory alive even longer, consider having a permanent memorial in their honor.

Given the options that cremation presents, you are not limited to headstones and plaques alone, although those are classic.

If you have any questions or concerns about hosting a memorial with our Loudonville, NY, cremation service, do not hesitate to call or visit us today.