FAQ: Memorial Services

A memorial service is one where the body of the deceased is typically not present. However, just like a service where the body is present, a memorial service has purpose and structure; is intended to bring family and friends together in support and remembrance; honors the life lived; and helps the family with moving forward.

Memorial services can be very informal, and can be as personalized as one can imagine. We have many, many pictures of what others have done, and can share ideas and help narrow the focus on what's most meaningful and important to you.

You can visualize a memorial service as a mid-point on the spectrum of service format possibilities. On one end is the more formally-structured, clergy-led funeral service (often with three component parts: the visitation, funeral and a committal service held at the cemetery). At the other end is the celebration-of-life; an event where the life of the deceased–their passions, intellectual pursuits and personal accomplishments–are the focus of attention. 

A funeral isn't truly celebratory, where a celebration-of-life is all about celebration. A memorial service could be said to be a gentle mix of the two; but in all honesty, each memorial service is unique. Talk with us for further insights.

There's really no way we can tell you which service would be the best in your situation. In fact, we don't believe it's even part of our job to tell you; instead, our work is in showing you the spectrum of possibilities.

Always remember that a gathering should meet the needs of the family, the friends, and the community, including friends of the family that might not even know the deceased. 

We can explain your options, make suggestions; all with the goal of empowering you to arrive at the best possible decision.

We've actually written a number of pages on memorial service planning, and are happy to provide you with the needed checklists and suggestions.

The short answer to this question includes the task of selecting the location, date and time of the service. We can then talk about all the elements of the service, including specific readings, musical selections, videos, memorabilia, the activities you'd like to feature, as well as the people you would like to participate in the service itself.  We can also talk about livestreaming the service and any post-service activities.

Memorial service planning isn't difficult, but it should be done with someone who's experienced. After all, you've got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an event that shows the world how much your loved one meant to you and how they are to be remembered. We invite you to speak with us any time to learn more.

How much would you like to be involved? Certainly, your funeral director will need you to specify certain details: the where and when, for example. Together you'll make important decisions about other specifics, but once those decisions are made, you can "step back" and let us handle everything or have as much input as you please.

Some families initially express the desire to "take care of everything" themselves. While this may sound easy, we have arranged thousands of memorial services and have the expertise to make sure the event is well planned and professionally executed.

For more information, see our "Trusting the Funeral Home with the Memorial Service" brochure.

You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. You may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. Your funeral director will provide you with an exact list of the things he or should would like you to bring along to the arrangement conference.

A celebrant is a person who has been trained to conduct formal ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. They are not clergy; instead they are experienced masters-of-ceremony and story-tellers. A celebrant works closely with surviving family to create a ceremony which reflects the beliefs, cultural background, values and aspirations of your deceased loved one, and your family. If you think you would be best served by a celebrant, please speak with your funeral director.

We will provide you with checklists and templates to help you in writing the obituary or you can provide us with obituary information. We will compose a "draft" of the obituary for you to proof, and once final corrections have been made we will post the obituary on our web site and submit it to the requested newspapers.

If you, or another family member or friend, wish to write the obituary, we can help to guide you through the process.