Planning a memorial service for your loved one following cremation? Holding a memorial after cremation is becoming more common, but it can be a challenging task if you’ve never planned one before.
Here are some things to consider as you commemorate the life of your loved one after cremation.
Plan around the final disposition
If you or your loved one has selected cremation as the final disposition, you need to consider where you’ll place the cremated remains. You have many options to choose from, like scattering the ashes, storing them in an urn, burying them and much more.
Determine the final disposition for the remains, and plan a memorial gathering around it. For example, if you’ve decided to scatter the ashes, gather with friends and family at your loved one’s preferred location for a memorial event.
Keep in mind that the cremated remains are usually present at most memorial services. The urn is usually the visual focal point of the occasion, so work with a reputable monument company to create a custom urn that reflects the unique personality or spirit of your loved one. You should also consider purchasing keepsake urns for family members if desired.
Ask for help
Losing a loved one is difficult—you need to rely on your support system to get you through the grieving process. When it comes to planning a memorial service to honor your loved one, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or input from family and friends.
Encourage everyone to get involved, whether it’s something as simple as gathering family photos, writing down special stories to share at the memorial or anything else. You should also consider designating a person to deliver a eulogy if you want to include one in the service.
Determine the specifics of the service
If you’ve set a time, place and date for your service, as well as determined the final disposition of your loved one’s remains, you should start planning some of the specific details of the event. You can select the music, prayers, readings and other key aspects of the service. Decide exactly what guests will do and experience at the service. There are unlimited possibilities, including:
- Play video tributes with family pictures
- Make remarks about the life of the loved one
- Dedicate time for sharing memories by guests
- Hold a dove, butterfly or balloon release
- Host a potluck or catered meal
- Hold a candle-lighting ceremony
- Distribute favors for guests, like packets of seeds, ribbons and other keepsakes
Contact guests in advance
It’s always a good idea to contact guests well before you plan to hold the memorial service. If guests are traveling or need to request time away from work, give extra notice, if possible.
Need help planning a memorial service for your loved one after cremation? Steedley Monument Works is here to help. We offer a full range of custom cremation products that allow you to honor the wishes of your deceased loved one, so you can always keep a part of them with you.