How to Conduct a Memorial Service

A memorial service is a way to reflect on the life of a loved one who is no longer around. There are different ways to conduct a memorial service. One of the main things to remember is to try to carry out what the deceased would want.

• Find out the wishes of the deceased. Ask loved ones close to the deceased if they have any special requests. One of the most important steps to conduct a memorial service is to honor wishes of the deceased and loved ones.

• Select a date, time and location for the memorial service.  Communicate with immediate family members and come to an agreement.

• Announce the memorial service. Place an advertisement in the newspaper if the memorial service is public, and send out invitations if it is private.

• Decide how the deceased will be seen at the memorial service. Some choose an open casket whereas other people prefer closed casket. The body can also be displayed in alternate methods such as an urn.

• Decorate the location for the memorial service with flowers. Include sentimental pictures of the deceased with immediate family members. Place the pictures in the area where attendees will view the deceased.

• Choose music for the memorial service. Select songs with a positive message and include appropriate favorite songs of the deceased.

• Develop a program for the memorial service. Find poems or scriptures that describe the deceased to include in the memorial service. Create a bulletin with a picture and story about the life of the deceased. Ask a few close family members and friends to speak memories of the deceased at the memorial service. Assign someone to be the main speaker of the memorial service to summarize the life of the deceased.

• Officiate the memorial service, and oversee the ceremony from beginning to end. Some people announce each segment of the memorial service including the family entrance, songs, and memory speeches, whereas others may choose to follow a church liturgy. In either case, confirm each of the participants know their part in the service, and be available for questions prior to the service.