Planning a Cremation Memorial

A memorial service is a great way to honor and remember a person’s life. Most people are familiar with traditional funeral services. However, some may not understand all of the many options available when choosing cremation or the important aspects to consider when planning a cremation funeral. A cremation funeral service can include many of the same elements as a traditional funeral, which includes flowers, music, readings, even a viewing.

If you have an immediate need to plan a cremation for a loved one, please contact us today. We can answer all of your questions about cremation and cremation memorials, as well as to help you design a one-of-a-kind service for your loved one. It is smart to plan ahead with your cremation services and our staff can make sure you honor your loved one completely.

Of course, there is never a “right” time for a memorial service. It is tough to lose someone you love. However, a cremation funeral or celebration of life can be held before or after the cremation itself. It is a personal choice on when to hold it.

When a funeral is held prior to the cremation, the service can include a viewing, as with a traditional funeral. By having a viewing, you let friends and family say a final goodbye. Holding a viewing before the cremation will likely require embalming and the purchase or rental of a casket, which will raise the cost of arrangements.

When a funeral is held after cremation, it is common to have the ashes present at the service in a cremation urn or other container. The family will often surround the urn with cherished photos and important keepsakes of the person being honored to create a focal point that helps guests reflect and celebrate on a life well lived.

At the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you when to hold the cremation memorial service. You can do what you believe is best for you and your friends and family. There are lots of elements you can choose from in order to make the memorial unique and memorable.

A cremation memorial can include all of the same elements as a traditional funeral or a celebration of life. Here are four common elements of a cremation memorial.

1. Select a Theme: A cremation funeral can be many things, but what is important is that the service uniquely reflects the person’s life. So you want to theme it to match who they were as a person. Oftentimes, a funeral theme draws on a hobby or signature style.
2. Event details: A cremation funeral can include readings of eulogies, a poem, passages from literature, religious verses, and more. It can also include a group sing-along, a conga line or an activity like hiking a favorite trail. And for food, really any option is possible, so think about what they liked and shape it around their memory. Again, you want to make this a unique experience to honor your loved one.
3. Location: The funeral home is a convenient choice for a myriad of reasons as most funeral homes have space for catered receptions. A cremation funeral could also be held at the family’s home, a church, or someplace outdoors. Depending on what you are planning to do for food, these options are at your disposal.
4. Keepsakes: Many families want to give funeral attendees a token that represents the person being remembered. This is a fun way to personalize the event. Bookmarks, recipe cards, key chains, or even a person’s favorite candy are great ways to memorialize the person being remembered. Give those who attend the celebration a little something by which to remember their friend or family member.

Today’s cremation funerals can be religious ceremonies or lively celebrations with themed decor, favorite foods and live music. However you decide to plan it, the memorial should reflect the personality and passions of the loved one being remembered. Here are a few ideas to help with the planning.

For the traditionalist: Plan a visitation and funeral service for friends and family at the funeral home prior to cremation. Then, follow up a few days later with a smaller committal service at the mausoleum where your loved one’s ashes will be memorialized. For the cause advocate: Organize a memorial fundraiser after cremation to honor the legacy of your loved one and raise money and awareness for a cause that was near and to their heart. Some common options include a walk-a-thon, auction or baked goods sale.

For the fan of simplicity: Even someone who liked to keep things simple can be honored with a moment of reverent reflection. If you choose simple cremation for yourself or your loved one, we can arrange a quiet time for a few family members to gather together to pick up a loved one’s ashes.

For the outdoors lover: Host a post-cremation party outside somewhere. Ask guests to dress casually and comfortable depending on the weather. During the outdoors memorial, guests can share stories of shared adventures in a fitting setting.

At the end of the day, there are no right or wrong ways to celebrate someone’s life. Even simple details and personal touches make for a deeply meaningful memorial service that all will remember.