Memorial Service Tips
My advise to you is to use all the memorial service tips you can get.
I found that planning a memorial service is time consuming, emotionally taxing and requires a great deal of organization. That's why I thought of sharing these memorial service tips that will simplify the process for you.
I found the strength in making mom's service something she would be honored by, and I know this will help you do the same for your loved one.
Memorial service ideas for your memorial service.
1. Where should you have it?
We had my mom's memorial service at her college chapel at University of Portland. It was lovely and there was a reception location we used just steps away. Think of a place that meant something to the deceased. It could be their church, a beautiful park in the area or at someone's house.
2. Design of altar?
My mom and I were big fans of white flowers, so I envisioned my mom's memorial service altar with gorgeous white arrangements and a few pieces of her art on easels. I enlisted my grade school best friends to hit the flower mart and pick up white lilies, casablancas and tuberoses. They also bought simple vases for the alter flowers and a vase for each table at the reception. We used my friends garage and put the arrangements together over a glass of wine. This avenue helped keep the price down, and the experience was bonding and healing, and I needed as much support that I could ask for. Ask for support! You will find that friends and family want to help...they just have a hard time knowing how to help. They need your guidance to tell them what to do.
Another idea is to decorate the alter with the flowers that are sent for the memorial service by friends, family and loved ones.
3. Set up a scholarship in lieu of flowers.
Art was one of my mom's passions, so we set up an art scholarship at the University of Portland in her name. As of today, there is over $7,500 in the scholarship fund! It is nice to give to someone who needs the help and this gift will surely have an effect on someone's life forever. How great is that?! Flowers tend to only last a few days. A scholarship is the gift that keeps on giving. Just keep in mind, whatever you think would work best for your family is the right decision. There is never a wrong decision in honoring someone's life.
4. Speakers at the service?
Selecting a family member of the deceased or one or two of their inner circle of friends is always a good choice. This will add a different and unique perspective of the deceased. It is also good to note people enjoy hearing stories of the deceased. Of course, some people are not comfortable speaking, so have them people read an excerpt from the bible or a poem. This is a way for them to stay in their comfort zone. If someone you ask turns you down, don't be upset. Everyone does the best they can under the circumstances.
Exit memorial service ideas and check out
Writing a eulogy
for some tips and an example.
5. Handouts
We used a few pictures of my mom and her art. We had everything printed at Kinkos, and they did a nice job. Make sure the pictures you use are high quality. Low image quality makes the pictures print blurry. Add a paragraph or two about the deceased, the date of their passing, who the speakers are and where they can donate for the scholarship. You can truly customize the handout to your liking. You can add a poem or bible reading if you choose to.
6. Gift
We decided to make up "Lance Armstrong" type of bracelets to hand out at the service. We printed her motto "Be honest, be kind, and learn forgiveness" and made them in my mother's favorite color. This was a hit and everyone was wearing the bracelet. My dad, brother and I wear these to this day. P.S. These also were included in the thank you cards we sent to the folks who could not attend the memorial service, but did go out of their way and make a donation.
7. Thank you notes
Just remember to send thank you cards to everyone who reached out to you through cards or flowers.
8. Memorial video
We enlisted the help of a professional who edited and placed all the pictures we provided in a beautiful montage of my mother's life. Memorial videos are very affective in reflecting on their life.
Visit
funeral thank you notes
for examples of what to write.
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