Planning a Memorial Service

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Lifesong Funerals under cremation
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Most of the time after Monticello, FL cremations, a memorial service will be held to remember the deceased. Memorial services can be held anywhere, including in funeral homes, churches, community halls, private homes, or in some place – like the ocean or at the site of an event – that had special significance to the deceased. Since memorial services are often held weeks or months after the death of a loved one, those who are planning to attend have time to make plans for travel and lodging.

Monticello, FL cremations

Part of planning a memorial service is to make sure it captures what the family wants most remembered about their loved one. There are some questions that can help gather just the right information. What were the key attributes of a loved one that made them unique and lovable? How were they shaped by the events of their lives, their culture, their education, their profession, and their achievements? What role did family play in their lives?

Answering these questions can create the tenor and the content of the memorial service and how that should be presented or should unfold as part of the service.

Then it’s time to get down to the details of the memorial service. The first order of business is whether the memorial service is going to be public (open to everyone) or private (by invitation only). If the memorial service is going to be private, then who will be invited to attend (RSVPs should be included with invitations if food and drinks are going to be served so that there is enough on hand to take care of all the guests)?

The next planning element of a memorial service is deciding where it will be held and when it will be held. If the memorial service is private, this decision may be based on the consensus of where and when is most convenient for everyone who is invited, in terms of coordinating schedules, travel, and lodging. If the memorial service is public, then the family will chose the place and time that works best for them.

Just like with a funeral service, a person needs to be designated to oversee the memorial service to make sure that it’s put together well and it goes along smoothly from beginning to end. Funeral directors can do this or friends and family members can do it. Sometimes, clergy may be involved, but, unlike funeral services, they don’t often take a lead role.

Next comes the format of a memorial service. Memorial services are often less formal and strictly structured the way funeral services can be. They tend to include more storytelling, visual presentations, and music, with the opportunity for anyone who may want to speak to honor or pay tribute to the loved one being allowed to.

However, even though the format tends to be less structured, there still needs to be an order in which the memorial service unfolds.

Once the format of the memorial service is decided, then the music, readings, and designated speakers should be chosen.

Last, if food and beverages are going to be served, first decided what is going to be served (snacks, lunch fare like sandwiches, salads, and chips, or entrees and what kind of drinks for each type) and then how it’s going to be served. Many times, a potluck where everybody brings a dish based on a theme is how food is served at memorial services. But this part can also be catered, which means a caterer will need to be booked for the service.

For information about planning memorial services after Monticello, FL cremations, our caring and knowledgeable staff at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations is here to assist you. You can visit our funeral home at 20 S. Duval St., Quincy, FL 32351, or you can call us today at (850) 627-1111.

Lifesong Funerals

We have nearly twenty years serving families of all backgrounds. These families turn to us in their time of need because they are aware that we are leaders in our vocation, have the highest level of integrity and are committed to providing quality service.

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