Nothing can prepare a family for the death of a loved one. Losing a family member is one of the hardest crosses to bear. Whether you prepared well or not, death still leaves your family grief-stricken after the passing.
You can help ease these pains by planning a meaningful memorial service for your loved one. Of course, this is easier said than done. The logistics of finding a church, arranging for flowers, timings, invoking the Spirit of God, and more overwhelm families.
So what do you need to know about planning a home memorial service? Keep reading to find out!
Decide What Kind of the Memorial Service You Want
Planning a meaningful memorial service from the comfort of your home can seem daunting. But it is still possible to develop a plan that honors and celebrates the life of the deceased.
The first step in this process is to decide what kind of memorial service you want. This could be anything from a traditional funeral service to something completely different. Decide on your preferred format, and create a service that truly represents the deceased and the significance of the occasion.
When deciding, take into account whether you’ll be needing the services of a cremation funeral home or not. Considering things like this will aid you in how you will conduct the funeral service.
Choose the Florist and the Flowers Carefully
When selecting the florist, pick one who takes the time to understand the personality of your lost loved one. You need to pick a florist that communicates effectively with you and understands your vision and request.
You should also select flowers that evoke your loved ones life, such as a flower of their birth month or a flower they enjoyed. After all, you made all decisions, it will be important to ensure the flowers are delivered on time for the memorial service.
Rearrange Your Living Area
One way to plan a meaningful memorial service from the comfort of your home is to rearrange your living area. Consider moving the furniture around to open up more space in the center of your living room or den. Create an empty area that you can devote to remembering the person who has passed away.
Invite Friends and Family
Select the date and the time that works for everyone. Or you can also consider setting up a special video chat to make the process easier for friends and family who live far away.
You can also provide a very special tribute by asking friends and family to write memories and stories about your honored beloved. Everyone can take the time to read and discuss the memories shared as part of the celebration.
Lastly, consider doing some sort of memorial activity. This can be as simple as releasing a balloon or planting a tree as a collective group as part of the service. Doing this will allow the group to share something tangible to remember their loved one.
Personalize the Memorial
Planning a meaningful memorial service from the comfort of your home can be the time to personalize the funeral arrangements. Below are just some of the examples of ways that you can do this:
Prepare a Home Altar
A home altar space can be created anywhere in the home, including a bedroom, living room, or other designated space. What is important is choosing items that are meaningful and personal to the person or event you are honoring. This includes photos, mementos, flowers, and other special items.
Once you have chosen the items for your altar, arrange them in a way that is pleasing to the eye and meaningful to you. You can do it in an organized or whimsical design, whatever your personal preference may be. You can also light candles or burn incense to create an atmosphere that is peaceful and reflective.
Craft a Memory-Filled Video
Creating a personalized memorial from your own home can be a great time to craft a memory-filled video. To get started, gather photos and videos of the deceased that will capture special moments of their life. Consider collecting stories or clips from people who shared a special connection to the deceased.
Then, create a narrative, complete with a memorable soundtrack, to bring your story to life. Choose a video-editing program that will help you craft a meaningful memorial. With this program, you’ll be able to arrange each element in the desired order and create the perfect memorial video.
Honor the Deceased With Music
To honor the deceased with music and personalize the memorial from home, create a playlist of their favorite songs. Gather music from their lifetime. Include songs that will bring you all back to your shared experience and make it feel like the deceased is still there.
Select calming music, spiritual tunes, and favorite classics that bring comfort and joy. You can also include anecdotes about your personal experiences and connections with the deceased as the songs play.
Make a Lasting Keepsake
Personalizing a memorial from your own home can be a great way to create a lasting keepsake. To start, look for items that emotionally connect to the deceased such as photos, drawings, quotes, mementos, and more. Create a meaningful collage or scrapbook with the pieces.
If you’re doing a collage, frame the finished piece. If you’re doing a helpful scrapbook, be sure to use clear book covers to ensure the photos stay in place and look nice. Its important to use waterproof adhesive to protect these personalized pieces from moisture.
To further add a personal touch, you can use texture and pattern can through the introduction of fabric. Choose a fabric that was meaningful to the deceased or colors that reflect the individual. Lastly, be sure to display the memorial in a special area that reinforces the importance of the piece.
Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service With Our Guide
The ability to create a meaningful memorial service from the comfort of your home is a great way of honoring a loved one. So if you’re looking to plan a meaningful ceremony, remember to focus on their life. Take your time and personalize the event to best reflect who they were.
What are you waiting for? Start planning today and create a truly beautiful gathering in your loved one’s honor.