Home > Themes & Occasions > Theme Parties > Planning a Memorial

Planning a Memorial

More Party Ideas

Many bereaved family members and friends choose to host a memorial service for their loved one after he or she passes. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased without all of the depressing imagery and somber tone of the funeral service and burial. A memorial focuses on the vibrant life led by the deceased, rather than the sadness that remains after their passing.

The best memorial service is tailored to the personality of the individual it honors and to the wishes of those closest to him or her. If it is your responsiblity to plan a memorial service, make sure to consult the surviving family members, especially parents, siblings, children, and the significant other, as well as very close family friends or lifelong best friends, before you make any significant decisions. You will be doing a great favor to those who are in the most pain if you take on the grunt-work of organizing and planning the details of the service, while allowing the bereaved full creative control over the event.

Tip

Notifying Loved Ones

One of the most difficult parts of organizing a memorial service is having to notify the family and friends of your loved one. These basic tips will help make this feat easy on both yourself and those that you are reaching out to. Read More

Tip

Choosing a Memorial Location

One of the most important parts of planning a memorial is choosing a location. Keeping in mind that the memorial service is to celebrate your loved one while recounting stories and memories you shared, be sure to choose a location that represents your loved one's personality. Read More

Decoration

Decorating for the Memorial

The decorations for the memorial service ought to conjure the memory of the deceased in the mind of every guest. You can certainly do this with scattered arrangements of framed photos, or poster collages of photos and memorabilia, like newspaper clippings, magazine articles, or college/high school diplomas. But try to incorporate the person of honor into all of the decor, by using his or her favorite colors and themes when you decorate the space. Read More

Craft

Mementos for the Attendees

When hosting a memorial, make it special by tailoring the event to the person of honor. Pay homage to his or her favorite things, including, but not limited to, drinks, food, colors, themes and hobbies. Read More

Tip

Memorial Food & Drink

Food and drink won't be the main focus of the event, but it's important to keep guests satiated and satisfied. If possible, it's touching to offer the deceased's favorite foods, or have the event catered by his or her favorite restaurant. If you're hosting it in a private home, have guests contribute dishes potluck-style to keep the event intimate and personal. If it's at a restaurant, choose the deceased's favorite dishes and ingredients. Read More

Tip

Ideas for a Memorial Service

The best way to commemorate the person of honor at a memorial service is to personalize it. Here are a few great ideas on how to provide a structure to the event that helps all the guests to remember the good times they shared with the person of honor. From a creative eulogy to slideshows, videos, and collages, these ideas will make sure the memory is honored. Read More

Tip

Give Food to a Grieving Family

Consoling a grieving friend or family member who has just lost a loved one is one of the hardest tasks of being an adult. And while Hallmark has a section just for these types of occasions, it's hard to know what will really help your loved one get by during trying times. It's not much, but food can go a long way. Read More

Find more party planning inspirations for Theme Parties.

Pin It

Report abuse