After my father passed away suddenly, my mother, siblings and I all struggled with planning his funeral. We were already in a state of shock and sorrow, and then we were overwhelmed with the options and decisions we had to make in regards to the funeral. Luckily for us, we worked with an amazing funeral home and funeral director who helped guide us through the process. I know how hard it is to plan a funeral and how many decisions need to be made. This website was created in order to give families preparing to lay a loved one to rest a guide of sorts that will help them determine what decisions will need to be made and information about those decisions. I extend my sympathies to you if you are in this position and hope my website helps to make things a little bit easier for you.
If one of your elderly relatives recently passed away and you are responsible for preparing an intimate memorial service for family and friends to attend, the following ideas can be used to commemorate the life of your loved one during the event. Each of the suggestions will help you and the guests honor the individual who has passed and help everyone remember some of the special moments in their life.
Laminated Bookmarks
Locate a template online for a bookmark. Fill in the blank sections of the template with one of your relative's favorite sayings or a description of a meaningful moment in their life. Copy and paste a photograph of your loved one in another portion of the bookmark that depicts them celebrating a special occasion. Print several copies of the bookmark on pieces of card stock.
Place each piece of card stock that has print on it in between two laminating sheets that have their sticky sides facing towards each other. Press the edges of the sheets firmly together. Once the lamination is applied, you can use scissors to cut out the bookmarks. Arrange the bookmarks in a basket or tray near the entryway to the room where the memorial service is going to take place so that guests can pick one up when they arrive.
Board Of Memories
Another option is to purchase a large cork board and set it up on a table inside of the funeral home. Request that guests bring a photograph of the guest of honor or a handwritten note pertaining to them. Provide plenty of thumbtacks so that each attendee can secure the item that they brought with them wherever they would like to on the board. Once the board is filled and everyone has arrived, allow each person to share with others the item that they attached and what it signifies.
Group Planting Session
Bring a large planter, potting soil, seeds, and a watering can with you to the cemetery. Set the planter down next to the area where your loved one will be buried. Place a layer of dirt in the bottom of the planter and add a few seeds to it. Then you can ask each guest if they would like to plant some of the seeds in the planter, as well. As each attendee takes a turn, allow them to describe a special memory of your relative or recite a prayer or words of encouragement.
Water the seeds once everyone has taken their turn. Continue to water the seeds several times each week. Soon, beautiful flowers or plants will be on display next to your loved one's headstone or memorial plaque.
Once the memorial service has ended, you and each of the individuals who attended can reflect on the time that was shared together and the information that was passed on about your loved one.
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Share10 May 2016
