A memorial service is usually held after a funeral or sometimes in place of it. They are also done for a death anniversary. Whatever the reason may be, a memorial service can help the deceased person’s loved ones immensely in the way in which they cope and handle their grieving process as well as serve as a celebration of their life. Read on to check out some basic steps you need to consider when organizing a memorial service.
Check The Deceased Person’s Will or Any Instructions Given by Them
Before you begin the planning process, it is important to check the will of the deceased or talk to someone who has access and knows what needs to be done if you don’t have permission yourself. There may be instructions to do the service in a specific way or they may have even requested to not have a memorial at all. So ensure that you know the proper details before you get started.
Determine the Type of Service
Once you have an idea of the will of the deceased or how the memorial needs to be conducted as per the family wishes, you can choose the type of service you want. Memorial services are never the same, much like the people who have died. It is created to reflect the diverse personalities and characteristics of the deceased and their loved ones in a very personalized manner. Memorials are often held after the funeral, at any day the family wishes to or they are held to emphasize the remembrance in any other aspect of the deceased. Some even have a memorial service instead of having the funeral and assigning it to the funeral directors of a funeral provider. Regardless, the body is not present at such a memorial service and the purpose is to remember them and allow loved one to grieve.
Delegating Tasks
Losing someone and coping with grief is difficult enough and if you are left with the added responsibility of planning a memorial service, it can get a little overwhelming. However, it is crucial to not leave the responsibility of planning to just one person, like organizing any other service, event or occasion. Assign responsibilities for various tasks such as booking a venue or sending out invitations to different people to name a few. This will help things get done faster and more efficiently as well as give each person to process any emotions they are going through.
Setting the Date, Time and Location
A memorial service must be planned so that it takes in to consideration of any family friends or close friends who may be living far or travelled away from the country. Contact visiting family and friends to get convenient dates making sure it is close enough to the funeral or anniversary. This will ensure that everyone close to the deceased is allowed to grieve and share their memories with each other. Moreover, consider the size and location of the venue to make sure it is large enough to accommodate everyone you invite and is convenient to travel to.