Steps in Planning a Memorial Service

The memorial service is an important step toward healing hearts after someone dies. During the arrangement conference, your funeral director will guide you throughout the planning process, provide you with clear answers to all your questions, and share his or her insights and experience with you.

The following is an overview of the many aspects of planning that you will discuss during the arrangement conference. If you have any questions about this information, don’t hesitate to call us.
 

Where Should it be Held?

Now is the time to think about how you would like the memorial to look and feel. It is an overall experience for everyone there; a testament to the life of someone you loved and the depth of your caring relationship.

In today’s world, you can choose to hold the memorial almost anywhere that is meaningful to you. Perhaps, there is a special place that your loved one requested. It could be at the beach, in a favorite park, or even on the 18th hole of a golf course! Really, the choices are limited only by your imagination.

What Day of the Week and Time of the Day are Best?

This depends on the location you’ve selected and the schedules of those you wish to attend. It can be in the morning, afternoon or evening, inside or outdoors. If you have concerns about the weather, an indoor service is probably a good choice and the day/time issue may resolve itself when the facility schedule is known.

Other Decisions To Make

These are the decisions to shape and personalize the memorial. For example, you will need to decide:

• Will the memorial be open-ended or will guests be told it ends at a specific time?
• Which flowers and in what colors would you like to see surrounding the urn?
• What, if any, type of music should be played?
• Will you designate a time for people to share memories of your loved one?

Letting Everyone Know

Preparing a list of who should be notified of the passing of your loved one will be really helpful to your funeral director. We have a number of ways to notify them of the death and the details of the memorial arrangements and can assist you in this important (and often emotionally-draining) task. When you meet with your funeral director, he or she will be pleased to discuss these options.

If you’d like to learn more about any of the details involved in planning a memorial service for a loved one, call or email us.