Planning a Memorial Service
Help planning memorial services is one of the cremation services offered in Syracuse, NY, but there are many decisions that will be left in the hands of the immediate family. Having a checklist can help make these decisions easier.
The first item on the checklist is to assemble a small group of friends and family members to help plan the service and attend to details. Once assembled, the group should begin by listing those to be invited as well as things that were important to the loved one that can be included in the memorial service, such as particular songs, Bible verses, poems, passages, or hobbies.
With these in place, the next step is to decide on a theme for the memorial service. Usually the theme can be decided based upon the readings and music that the group has already identified. Establishing a theme will also provide an overall purpose for the memorial service, one that will reflect and celebrate the loved one you want to remember.
Once you have a theme, you will want to choose an appropriate location. Depending upon the number of people attending, and whether you wish to hold a reception there following the service, this location could be the funeral home, a place of worship, or any number of public venues. The group will want to consider a location that is also convenient for those attending; however, keep in mind that you can have more than one memorial service. For example, you might consider having a service for just immediate family and a separate service for family and friends.
Next, you will need to select a date for the service, keeping in mind the availability of the location and the ease with which those invited can attend. There is no need to have the service immediately, and it can be scheduled to accommodate any travel or work restrictions.
The next item on the checklist is to write the obituary. Again, the funeral home can guide you through this step and help you make decisions regarding its publication. The obituary may also be a good place to designate the preferred memorial gifts, such as flowers or donations to a specific fund or charity. Once the obituary is written, you can notify those who will be invited to the service, with suggestions ready for where the out-of-town guests can stay.
After this, you will want to designate someone who can lead the service, whether it’s a clergyperson, friend, family member, or a combination of people. From there you can decide upon the order of the service and invite those who might wish to take an active part in each section.
Once these decisions have been made, the remainder of the planning consists of choosing the specific elements you will include. For example, you may want to assemble a slideshow or video of meaningful moments from your loved one’s life, or exhibit certain memorabilia. This is also when you will want to narrow down your choice of music and readings in a way that will be healing as well as inclusive, and that will best reflect your loved one’s life and personality.
If you’d like to know more about cremation services in Syracuse, NY, our compassionate and experienced team at Bagozzi Twins Funeral Home, Inc. is here to help. You can visit us at our funeral home at 2601 Milton Ave., Solvay, NY 13209, or you can call us today at (315) 468-2431.
