Planning a memorial service is hard because you are contending with a myriad of emotions, and despite this, you want to honor the person you lost in a way that feels right. To do this, you will need to think about their passions, quirks, and the things that made them unique and use those things to build a really personal and memorable service. Here are six ideas to get you started.
1. Show Off Their Hobbies
Showing off hobbies is an excellent way to honor your loved one. Maybe they loved gardening, painting, or playing guitar. Include that in the service. You could display their artwork, set up a small garden, or have someone play their favorite songs.
And if your grandpa was a woodworker, you should display some of his handcrafted pieces. Guests can admire his skill and remember how much he loved his craft.
2. Share Their Favorite Things
Consider some of their favorite things. This can include their favorite color or a special dish they loved to cook. Incorporate these things into the service to make it personal. You can do this by encouraging guests to wear the deceased one’s favorite color and serve their favorite dish at the gathering.
3. Create a Memory Table
Set up a table with photos, mementos, and other items that show your loved one’s life and personality. This helps people remember them and connect with their memories.
For instance, you can consider a memory table filled with your friend’s travel souvenirs, their favorite books, and photos of them with their friends. It tells the story of their life and invites guests to share their own memories.
4. Play Their Favorite Music
Music can bring back emotions and memories. Make a playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs or have a musician play them live. This can create a beautiful and personal atmosphere.
If your loved one loved classical music, you could have a string quartet play some of their favorite pieces. This can create a sense of peace and reflection during the service.
5. Encourage Storytelling
Ask friends and family to share stories and memories of your loved one. This is a great way to celebrate their life and keep their memory alive.
6. Incorporate Their Style
Celebrate your loved one’s unique style. Maybe they always wore bright colors, loved vintage clothes, or had a signature hairstyle. Include these things in the service to make it feel more like them.
If your loved one were known for their quirky sense of humor, you could encourage guests to wear silly hats or bring a funny object that reminds them of your loved one. This can add a lighthearted touch to the service and celebrate their unique spirit.
A memorial service is a chance to celebrate a life and share memories. By adding personal touches that show your loved one’s personality, you can create a truly special and meaningful event. Keep in mind that there is no one way to do it. The most important thing is to honor their memory in a way that feels real and true to who they were.