Since you cannot hold a viewing unless the cremation occurs after the funeral, many families have memorial services or life celebrations instead. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, it's predicted that fewer than 20% of Americans will have a traditional burial by 2040. Instead, over 80% will choose cremation services. Additionally, many families who were denied funeral services during the pandemic now wish to hold a dignified memorial for their departed loved ones. Here are some tips for planning memorial or cremation services.

Decide on the Type of Service

Typically, the next of kin and close family members plan and host the service unless the recently deceased has a planned funeral. If so, the funeral home adapts the deceased's wishes. For example, with cremation services, there's often no need for multiple pallbearers. Nevertheless, the family may still want a procession from the church or funeral parlor to the gravesite. Some processions may require hiring pipers or a jazz funeral band, for example, and a limo or carriage with an empty coffin.

Notify Friends and Family

Notifying family and friends can take a toll, so divide that task among several family members or close friends if the next of kin becomes too distraught. Make sure you consider all family members, even ex-spouses or distant family. Instead, if still living, contact them and include their names in the notice.

Decide on the Tone of the Service

Decide whether the memorial will be public or private, where to hold it, and how many people expect to attend. Delegate the eulogy to an adult child or close friend and provide talking points about favorite memories of the deceased. Celebrations of life sometimes include humorous tales, so let people know if laughter is encouraged. Some funerals discourage laughter as undignified, but it can release tension.

Use Portraits and Videos

A nice way to honor the deceased is by providing a large portrait of them at the church altar or beside the cemetery podium. Have additional photos and videos from the dearly departed's life playing as a slideshow behind the large portrait. It'll be nice to include as many friends and family in them as possible. Frequently, with cremation services, a videographer creates a permanent, digitized memorial for guests from the photos and videos shown at the service.

With the right team of professionals, your cremation service will go well and pay a wonderful tribute to your loved one. Call us today at Community Mortuary to ask about how we can help you say goodbye.