When we lose a loved one it can often feel like our whole world is unraveling. It can often be difficult to focus on the planning stages of a memorial service as we try to navigate through our grief. Coming up with memorial service ideas to honor a loved one can feel daunting, which is why we have prepared this article to help you plan the perfect memorial service.
Table of Contents:
Memorial Service VS Funeral Service
How To Structure A Memorial Service
20 Unique Memorial Service Ideas
Things To Consider When Choosing A Memorial Service Location
15 Locations to Host a Memorial Service
The Main Difference Between a Memorial Service VS a Funeral Service
The terms “memorial” and “funeral” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and serve different purposes in honoring a loved one.
A funeral is a structured ceremony with the body present and is often more formal, solemn, and aligned with traditional practices, while a memorial service offers greater flexibility, typically has no body present, and focuses on honoring and celebrating the person’s life.
In both cases the services provide comfort, honor the deceased, and help families and friends navigate the grieving process, but each can be customized based on personal, cultural, or religious needs.
However, memorial services can happen weeks, months or even years after a funeral. There is normally a much greater emphasis on personal touches, sharing memories and creating a reflective atmosphere.
Structure Of A Memorial Service
It is a personal choice how you want to structure a memorial service for your loved one. Curating a memorial service that reflects the personality, beliefs, passions and preferences of the person being honored is a great way to make a memorial service feel personal.
However, if you would like a specific structure on how the memorial should be set up, here is how many memorial services function:
1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Who: Typically led by a family member, close friend, or officiant.
- Purpose: The opening remarks set the tone and purpose of the memorial, welcoming guests and explaining what they can expect. This part also acknowledges the presence of family and friends, thanking them for coming together to remember the loved one.
- Content: Often includes a brief introduction to the ceremony, expressing appreciation to attendees and providing a sense of comfort or encouragement.
2. Opening Prayer or Reflection (Optional)
- Who: Can be led by a religious leader, family member, or friend.
- Purpose: For those who want to incorporate a religious or spiritual element, an opening prayer or reflection offers a moment of peace and connection.
- Content: The prayer or reflection can be religious, spiritual, or secular, chosen to reflect the beliefs and values of the deceased and their family.
3. Reading or Recitation
- Who: Usually done by family members, friends, or officiants.
- Purpose: Readings offer words of comfort, insight, and remembrance. They provide an opportunity to reflect on life, love, and memory.
- Content: Selected poems, scripture passages, quotes, or meaningful texts that resonate with the deceased’s life or personality. This part can include multiple readings from different people, adding diverse voices to the ceremony.
4. Eulogies and Personal Tributes
- Who: Typically given by close family members, friends, or a selected spokesperson.
- Purpose: Eulogies are at the heart of a memorial service, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of the deceased. They allow family and friends to share memories, stories, and reflections.
- Content: Eulogies may include anecdotes, achievements, life values, or memories that showcase the loved one’s character. Personal tributes may also involve music, poetry, or even multimedia presentations with photos and videos. This section may have one main eulogy or several short tributes.
5. Music or Song Selections
- Who: Musicians, soloists, or pre-recorded music.
- Purpose: Music brings an emotional layer to the memorial, helping guests connect and reflect. It can be comforting, joyful, or even a favorite piece that resonates with the loved one’s life.
- Content: Choices range from live performances to selected songs played at different points in the service. Music may include classical pieces, religious hymns, favorite songs, or even recordings of the deceased’s own voice or musical contributions.
6. Reflection or Silent Moment
- Who: This is a shared experience for all attendees.
- Purpose: A moment of silence offers a communal time for quiet reflection, allowing each person to connect with their thoughts, memories, and feelings.
- Content: Some memorial services also include candle lighting, where each guest can light a candle as a symbolic gesture, or simply pause to reflect in silence.
7. Video or Photo Slideshow Tribute (Optional)
- Who: Often prepared by the family or friends, shown to the entire gathering.
- Purpose: Slideshows and video montages visually celebrate the life of the loved one. They highlight memorable moments, relationships, and personal milestones.
- Content: This can include photos, home videos, or other media that capture the essence of the deceased’s personality, achievements, and loved ones. Music or voiceovers may accompany the slideshow for added emotional depth.
8. Guest Sharing and Open Floor (Optional)
- Who: Attendees who wish to share memories or thoughts.
- Purpose: An open floor allows attendees to contribute to the service in a more spontaneous way, sharing brief memories, messages, or reflections.
- Content: This part of the service can be informal, where friends, colleagues, or family members are invited to stand up and share a memory or thought. It is a communal way to honor the loved one’s impact.
9. Closing Remarks
- Who: Led by the officiant, family member, or close friend.
- Purpose: The closing remarks signal the end of the memorial service, offering final words of comfort and thanks to the attendees.
- Content: The remarks may include a brief summary of the day, expressions of gratitude, and wishes of peace or healing for everyone in attendance. It may also include an invitation to join in any post-service gatherings or receptions.
10. Reception or Gathering (Optional)
- Who: Open to all attendees, organized by the family or close friends.
- Purpose: A reception allows family and friends to continue gathering, providing a supportive environment where they can share stories, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the loved one’s life.
- Content: Receptions may include refreshments, photo displays, memory tables, or memory books where guests can write personal messages. They are often more informal, giving everyone time to connect and reminisce.
20 Perfect Memorial Service Ideas
Memorial services often celebrate the life of a person. There are many elements you can include in a memorial service and the ideas below can be mixed and matched. Merging a few of these ideas together can be a great way to make the day feel really special.
We’ve created a list of 20 perfect memorial service ideas to help keep the memory of your loved one celebrated.
1. Planting a Memory Tree
Planting a memory tree is a great idea for a memorial service as it can serve as a beautiful focal point for a memorial service. Memory trees are symbolic of the life and legacy of the deceased. Once it is planted, attendees can attach hand written memories, wishes, or messages to the branches of the tree.
If you provide note cards, tags, pens and ribbons this will allow everyone attending the memorial service to write personal reflections that honor the deceased.
Memorial trees are also perfect when the body of your loved one has been cremated as they can act as a headstone or focal point for your family. Unlike a burial, after a person has been cremated, you do not have a place you can go to speak to them. Spreading some of your loved one’s ashes in the hole for the memorial tree will help you create a space that you can visit and connect with your loved one.
2. Using Memory Stones At a Memorial Service
Memory stones provide a simple, hands-on way to commemorate a loved one. You could arrange a selection of smooth stones for the memorial service and invite guests to write messages or short memories on the stones. These stones can then be placed around a memorial site, scattered in a favorite location, or kept by the family as mementos.
When guests write on the stones, it serves as both a personal moment for each guest and a visual representation of the impact the departed had on others.
The physical, lasting nature of the stones makes this a unique and touching way to honor a loved one’s memory. These stones can be collected and displayed in a bowl, vase, or garden, becoming a treasured keepsake for years to come.
3. Memorial Service Ideas For Hosting A Candle Lighting Ceremony
A candle lighting ceremony is a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. During the memorial service you can place individual candles on a table and invite guests to light them during the service.
For an added personal touch, consider personalizing each candle with your loved one’s name, a favorite quote, or a special color that represents their personality.
As each candle is lit people can share a message or memory they have of your loved one which can create a serene and reflective atmosphere. You can recreate something similar to the image below with tealights or pillar candles or find specialists online, such as Angel & Dove, who will help make your memorial service special.
4. Memory Jar Ideas For Memorial Services
A memory jar is a jar where friends and family of the deceased can write notes and put them in a jar, normally placed on a table at the memorial service with images of the deceased. Memory jars allow friends and family to contribute personal messages, share their favorite memories, or thoughts to honor the deceased. By providing a beautiful jar, along with slips of paper and pens, at the entrance or on a designated memory table guests can take a moment during the service to write down their favourite memory of the deceased.
After the service, the family can read these memories at their own pace, or save them for future moments when they want to feel close to their loved one.
Below is an example of what memory jars could look like. You can make your own at home or find beautiful memory jars online.
5. Personalized Music Playlist
Music evokes powerful memories and emotions at a memorial service. Making a personalized music playlist is an ideal way to honor someone’s life. Curating a playlist of songs that the person loved and playing them throughout the memorial is the perfect way to honor the memory of the deceased. These playlists can include songs that were meaningful at certain times in their life, or music that represents their tastes and personality. For family and friends, the playlist can be shared digitally after the service, allowing everyone to revisit memories and celebrate privately.
Another great idea for a memorial service is if your loved one was a musician. Playing videos or recordings of your loved one playing music will act as a powerful tribute during the memorial service.
If you are looking for ideas on what songs to include in a memorial playlist check out our latest posts
6. Tribute Video Ideas For Memorial Service
A tribute video or slideshow is a great memorial service idea as it can be an impactful visual experience that captures the highlights, milestones, and personal moments of a loved one’s life. By collecting photos, video clips, and favorite songs to create a touching video that can be shown during the service is a beautiful way to remember a loved one. By including moments from various stages of their life to reflect their journey and relationships with others you can create a beautiful and sentimental memorial video.
After the service, this video can be shared with family and friends as a keepsake, allowing everyone to look back and reflect on the memories.
7. Memorial Service Ideas For Hosting A Lantern or Balloon Release
A lantern or balloon release offers a symbolic gesture of farewell. By gathering everyone outside to release lanterns or biodegradable balloons this can act as a powerful tribute to the deceased.
Each guest can write a message on their balloon or lantern, then release it together with the group. This act creates a sense of collective peace and comfort and can help with grief.
8. Collaborative Artwork
Creating collaborative artwork at a memorial service allows guests to actively participate in creating a lasting tribute. This could involve a large canvas or a mural where guests can paint or write messages, or a quilt where each person can add a patch. The completed artwork can be displayed in the family’s home or kept as a shared tribute to the loved one.
9. Memory Table Display
A memory table display can be set up with meaningful items that reflect the loved one’s life and interests. Displaying photographs, favorite books, memorabilia, and other objects that held personal significance can help people remember all the great things about the deceased.
This memorial table can serve as a gathering spot for attendees to share stories, remember good times, and see a physical representation of the person’s life.
This memorial table from Angel & Dove is an example of how you could set up a memory table for your loved ones memorial.
10. Memorial Garden
Creating a memorial garden is a lasting tribute to a loved one which will allow for ongoing remembrance. By choosing plants, flowers, or trees that were meaningful to the person, or select blooms that symbolize themes of love, peace, and remembrance you can create a beautiful and sentimental memorial garden. A dedicated garden could be a private family space or a community area where everyone can gather to reflect on happy memories.
11. Charity Event in Their Name
A charity event or fundraiser in memory of your loved one is a way to continue their legacy by giving back to the community. Options could include a benefit walk, charity auction or organising a volunteer day in support of a cause that was important to the deceased. Not only does this bring together loved ones for a common purpose, but it also turns grief into positive action by helping others in the departed’s name.
RSVPify is a great place to organize events for family and friends online so that everyone can access the details easily.
12. Memorial Bookmarks
Memorial bookmarks offer guests a small, practical memento to remember the service by. Bookmarks can be particularly sentimental, especially if the deceased loved to read. They are often designed with the deceased’s favorite quote, photo, painting or memory and also include details such as the name of the deceased and the date they passed. Bookmarks are easy to personalize, and their practical nature ensures they’ll be kept for years, serving as a reminder of the loved one’s life.
Zazzle has a wide selection of memorial bookmarks that you can customize with an image of your loved one and personal message.
13. Digital Memorial Page
An online digital memorial page is a valuable resource for families with friends and relatives unable to attend in person. Using a website or social media platform, such as Everloved, allows you to create an online space where people can share memories, photos, and messages. A digital page keeps everyone connected and allows people to contribute in their own time, forming a lasting, shareable tribute.
14. Memorial Service Ideas for Creating a Wild-Flower Garden
Creating a wildflower patch in your garden can be a beautiful way to remember your loved one. By growing wildflowers in the garden you will attract bees, butterflies and birds, all of which have symbolic meanings when it comes to death and grief. Wildflowers are not only beautiful to look at but will create a serene and peaceful place in your garden, becoming the perfect place to sit and remember your loved one.
For the memorial service you could provide each guest with a small packet of wildflower seeds to throw in to a flower bed patch. In years to come, you can host memorial services around the wildflower patch in memory of the deceased.
15. Personal Keepsake Boxes
Keepsake boxes, like the one seen below from Angel & Dove, are a deeply personal way for family and friends to hold on to memories. Provide small, decorative boxes at the memorial service and encourage guests to fill them with mementos, messages, or small items that remind them of the loved one. This activity allows for a personal, tangible connection that family members can hold onto and revisit.
The immediate family of the deceased can then sit around and read each message together or individually when the time feels right.
16. Virtual Memorial Service
A virtual memorial service allows loved ones from all around the world to attend the service. Use live-streaming platforms to host the service, enabling guests to join in, share stories, and express condolences online. Virtual services are an accessible option for families separated by distance, allowing everyone to participate from their own homes.
RSVPify can help you organize a virtual memorial service by helping you create an online by helping you send invites, create guest lists and organize the event all from your laptop or mobile!
17. Customized Memorial Candle
A custom memorial candle serves as a comforting reminder of a loved one’s presence. Personalize candles with the loved one’s name, photo, or a meaningful phrase. These candles can be given to attendees as a takeaway or lit during the service to create a warm, comforting atmosphere.
18. A Memorial Service Idea For Memorial Jewelry
Memorial jewelry offers family members a way to keep a part of their loved one close. Options include engraved bracelets, pendants, or rings, which can be personalized with initials, birthstones, or symbols. Some may even choose jewelry that contains a small amount of ashes, allowing for an even more personal connection.
Memorial jewellery can come in a range of shapes and sizes. Most memorial jewellery comes in the form of a “3D” necklace or ring where the ashes are stored inside a small container on a chain. However, there are jewellers out there who will also place your loved ones ashes in resin or mix it in with the melted silver or gold.
Love Lox offers a wide selection of memorial jewellery in different types of styles and material. These high quality pieces allow you to create the perfect piece of jewellery to store your loved ones photo or ashes.
19. Photo Memory Wall
A photo memory wall can be an impactful and visual tribute to a loved one. Create a display of photographs that span various points in the loved one’s life, inviting guests to add their own photos or mementos. The wall can remain on display for the family as a meaningful reminder of the person’s life.
20. Reflection Space
A reflection space allows guests to connect inwardly during the memorial. Set aside an area for quiet reflection, decorated with candles, photos, or flowers. This space provides an opportunity for guests to sit quietly, write down thoughts, or simply be present with their emotions.
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Memorial Service Location
There are many locations you can hold a memorial service. You do not have to choose a residence or a holy institution for your loved ones memorial. There are many location options for a memorial service. However, there are a few things that should be considered before picking a location which we will cover below.
- How many people will be attending – This will affect the size of the venue you need.
- Seating – do you need seating at the venue? This may be needed if there are a lot of older people in attendance. If so, opting for an indoor venue that can provide seating would be better than an outdoor venue. That way the venue can provide seating for your family & friends.
- Your loved one’s passions, hobbies & values. Memorial services do not have to be held in a home or church. It is possible to host a memorial service in parks, beaches and even sporting grounds.
- Catering – do you need to provide food at the memorial service? If so, is the location you choose set up to cater or will it provide room for buffet tables?
If you are hosting a memorial, guests will need an invite that includes the time, location, directions and if relevant the schedule for the day. You may also have to consider a section for menu options and food allergies if you are organizing food for the event. You can either send physical invites for the memorial or organise everything online using a system such as RSVPify.
Memorial Service Location Ideas
Below we have included a list of memorial service location ideas for you to host your loved ones memorial.
1. Home or Private Residence
Hosting a memorial at home creates an intimate, comforting atmosphere. It allows family and close friends to feel connected in a familiar space filled with memories, offering privacy and freedom to design the service in any way that feels appropriate. Home services can also include meaningful settings like a garden or favorite room, making the service even more personal.
2. Community Center
Community centers are accessible, affordable, and often have large event spaces that can accommodate large numbers of guests. They are suitable for families seeking a straightforward venue with flexibility to set up displays, sound systems, and seating arrangements. Many community centers also have kitchen facilities, making it easier to serve refreshments.
3. Outdoor Parks or Gardens
Outdoor parks or gardens bring a natural beauty to a memorial service. This option is especially meaningful if the person loved the outdoors. Parks offer open spaces, greenery, and flowers, which provide a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance. Outdoor settings also work well for nature-themed or environmentally conscious services, and they can accommodate a large group.
Depending on the size of the memorial and the requirements you may have, such as catering or seating, you may need to get permission from your local authority. If a small group of people are meeting in the park for a picnic then you should not need to get permission.
4. Memorial Service Idea For Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens provide a stunning, tranquil setting filled with flowers, trees, and manicured landscapes. They offer a serene backdrop that encourages reflection and peace. Many botanical gardens have designated event areas for memorials, and the setting can reflect the beauty and growth that loved ones may want to celebrate in remembrance.
5. Beach or Lakeside
Beaches and lakesides provide a calming atmosphere with the sounds of waves and natural scenery. These venues are particularly meaningful for someone who had a connection to the water. A beach or lakeside setting also allows for elements like lantern or flower petal releases, enhancing the symbolism of the service.
Many beaches will have restaurants or cafes close by where you may be able to host the memorial. However, if you want a memorial on the beach then you may need to seek permission from local authorities in the case where you want to cater food or cordon off a section of the beach.
6. Church or Place of Worship
A church or place of worship can be a natural choice for families who want a spiritually grounded service. These venues are designed for reverence and reflection, and they often come with experienced staff who can help arrange the service. A familiar spiritual setting can also bring comfort to family and friends, and many places of worship offer adjoining reception areas.
7. Funeral Home or Memorial Chapel
Funeral homes and memorial chapels specialize in hosting memorial services. They offer experienced staff to guide families through the planning process and provide facilities that are thoughtfully designed for remembrance. These spaces often come with audiovisual equipment for tribute videos and allow for various religious and cultural rituals.
8. Banquet Hall or Event Venue
Banquet halls and event venues are ideal for large gatherings, offering ample space and amenities like seating, sound systems, and kitchen facilities. These venues allow families the flexibility to create a unique and personalized service, and they’re often customizable in decor and layout. They work well for memorial services that may include dining or entertainment aspects.
9. Museum or Art Gallery
Museums or art galleries provide a unique and sophisticated setting, especially if the loved one was passionate about art, history, or culture. These venues bring a creative ambiance and allow families to celebrate a person’s legacy in a space that reflects their interests. Some museums even have designated spaces for private events, ensuring an elegant and respectful experience.
10. Country Club or Vineyard
For a loved one who enjoyed golf, nature, or wine, a country club or vineyard offers a refined and scenic setting. Countryside venues are often surrounded by beautiful landscapes and provide a peaceful environment. Country clubs typically offer event planning services and catering, making it easy for families to host a seamless, beautiful memorial service.
11. Hotel Conference Room
Hotels with conference rooms offer a convenient and professional venue for a memorial service. They are well-equipped with event staff, audiovisual equipment, and catering services meaning you do not have to worry about organizing any of these extra bits. Hotels are also accessible for out-of-town guests who may be staying overnight, and they provide a practical solution for families looking for a formal setting.
12. Library or Cultural Center
For someone who loved reading or cultural activities, a library or cultural center offers an intellectual, thoughtful atmosphere. These venues can accommodate smaller, quieter gatherings, and often have intimate spaces ideal for sharing stories or displaying memory boards. As an example, libraries, book shops, museums, art gallires or other cultural centers can be especially meaningful for a service that includes readings, storytelling, or poetry.
13. Historic Building or Landmark
Hosting a memorial in a historic building or landmark offers a unique ambiance that reflects timelessness and legacy. These venues often carry their own charm and history, enhancing the significance of the event. If your loved one loved historic settings then holding a memorial in a historic place would be especially fitting for someone with an appreciation for heritage, culture, or architecture.
Historic buildings and landmarks are also a great way to commemorate anybody who was a war hero or had a personal connection to the landmark in question.
14. Sports Stadium or Venue
For a sports enthusiast, a stadium or sports venue can be a meaningful choice. Some venues offer private event spaces with views of the field, creating a special tribute for someone who was passionate about a particular team or sport. You can rent hospitality boxes at many sports stadiums and this will allow guests to celebrate a loved one’s life in a place that truly reflects their interests. This will make a memorial service for a loved one feel unique and personal.
15. Backyard Memorial Tent
Setting up a memorial tent or a gazebo in a backyard offers a familiar, welcoming space for family and friends to gather. Gazebos and garden tents provide shade and weather protection, making it comfortable for attendees, while the backyard setting keeps the atmosphere intimate. Fairy lights and candles will make the space feel extra special and could also include a memorial table with photos of your loved one. Hosting a memorial in the garden is a cost-effective option that allows for a completely personalized setup, with the flexibility to include elements like a memory table or photo wall.
Conclusion
Memorial services are personal to you and your loved ones. There are many different ways you can set up and organize a memorial service. Whether you feel it is best to stay traditional within a church or funeral home or you want to embrace the outdoors and host your loved one’s memorial service on a beach, the option is completely yours.
The most important factor to consider when coming up with memorial service ideas is whether the memorial service will represent your loved one in a way that they wanted.
