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While learning to plan a memorial service at home can seem like a daunting task, with these tips, it will be easier than you think. Before getting started, there are a few things you need to consider such as:
- Where should the services take place?
- What kind of music is appropriate for this type of event?
- Do I have enough room in my living room or backyard for all my guests?
- Are there enough seats and food to accommodate everyone?
These questions may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, it is 100% achievable. Here are 12 things to consider when you plan a Memorial Service at home!
1. Consider The Size Of Your Home
The first thing you want to consider before you plan a memorial service at home is how many guests will be attending.
This will help you determine how large of a space you’ll need to accommodate everyone.
Although smaller gatherings can be very sentimental, you still want your guests to feel as comfortable as possible without feeling too cramped.
If your home is small, you may want to consider rearranging or storing smaller furniture in a way that creates an open layout.
2. Make Sure There Is Enough Seating For Everyone
Consider using folding chairs if you simply don’t have enough seating room for all your guests.
If you don’t have space for folding chairs the floor is a great place to sit that is often overlooked.
Just set down a quilted blanket and a few pillows and your guests should be comfortable.
3. Choose a Date That Is Convenient For Everyone
Choosing a date and time that is convenient for everyone to attend can be nearly impossible if you have a large family. You have to keep this in mind when you plan a memorial date.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to attend. This does not imply that they don’t care or that they didn’t try, for example, to get a day off from work.
Weekends are a great option to plan a memorial service at home because a lot of people don’t attend school or work on these days.
Because you are not relying on a hall or church, you can also choose a date and time that usually wouldn’t be provided by these establishments.
4. Select Appropriate Literature
Selecting appropriate literature when you plan a memorial service at home can be a nice addition to bringing family together.
You can look for passages, songs, and poems that correspond to the personality of the deceased. If you are religious you could also include some scriptures.
If you believe in prayer you can also have one prepared and printed out for everyone to read together. This will give your service a personal touch and make it more meaningful to guests.
5. Plan the Order of Events
Planning the order of events is very important when you plan a memorial service at home. Some things you may want to consider are:
- How will you open and close the service?
- Will there be storytelling?
- Will there be a eulogy?
- What kind of music will you play?
- If religious will there be prayers?
Deciding how the service will open and how it will close is a good starting point. Once you know what you want to start and end with the other events will start falling into place.
6. Writing a Eulogy
A Eulogy is a formal speech given in honor of the dead. This is a great opportunity for friends and family members to share intimate stories or memories about the person who has passed away.
You don’t have to be a professional writer in order to write a great Eulogy. I highly recommend the book Instant Eulogy which contains over 20 sample eulogy speeches and over 100 quotations to help you develop the perfect Eulogy.
7. Choose Music That Will Make Guests Feel at Ease
When you plan a memorial service at home music is a wonderful way to set the tone for the service as well as create a sentimental atmosphere.
If there were songs that the deceased enjoyed in life, such as their favorite artist or genre of music, be sure to play these songs during the memorial.
Songs with lyrics are beautiful because they can be very touching and evoke many memories that guests may have shared with the person who passed.
However, if you feel that some of the lyrics may be too personal or difficult to listen to, consider playing instrumental versions of these songs instead.
8. Send RSVP Invitations
Although it’s not necessary to send formal invitations when you plan a memorial service at home, many people find great sentimental value in doing so.
You can either handwrite or print out invitations to send to the guests you want to invite.
You can also create your own cards that include information about the memorial service and a photo that honors the departed.
This would be a nice keepsake for guests to keep in remembrance of the day.
9. Create an Altar or Shrine
Creating an altar with photos, candles, flowers, and other items that are special to the person being remembered is a beautiful way to honor their memory.
If you’re not sure how to go about creating an altar or shrine, our guide can help you with instructions on how to create a special altar for a loved one who has passed.
10. Choosing an Urn
Choosing the perfect urn for your loved one is important when you plan a memorial service at home.
There are many different types of urns to choose from such as wood urns, metal urns Ceramic urns, Glass urns, and Stone urns.
Because urns come in all shapes and sizes you should have no problem finding the perfect one to honor and remember your loved one.
11. Prepare a Memory Book
A Memory Book is a wonderful way to capture all the memories that guests shared with the person who has passed away.
Weeks prior to the memorial service you could ask guests to tell you their favorite memory of the deceased and to also send any images they may have of the person who has passed.
Incorporating all these memories and images into a memory book will make a wonderful keepsake to share at the memorial and for years to come when friends and family come to visit.
12. Food Preparation
Preparing food beforehand is a great way to make your guests feel welcome. It’s also very practical because you won’t have to worry about cooking while guests are arriving.
Many people even bring food to contribute and share with other guests at the memorial service.
This could be something as simple as chips and salsa or sandwiches for lunch and brownies and cookies for dessert.
Key Points
In conclusion planning, a memorial service at home can be a very personal and meaningful experience for friends and family members of the deceased.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your memorial service is memorable and special for all who attend.
F.A.Q
What should you do if someone has died far away?
If the person who has passed away lives far away, many people choose to hold these services anyway through video communication with friends and family or by paying for travel expenses.
If the person who has died is cremated, can you still have a service?
Services for those who have been cremated are becoming more and more popular. Yes, you can still have a service in your home or choose to hold the service at a cemetery or other public place such as a park.
