Neil Bardal Funeral Centre | Phone: 204-949-2200 | 3030 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg MB R3H 1B9 info@nbardal.mb.ca 
MacKenzie Funeral Chapel | Phone: 204-467-2525 | 433 Main Street | Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 | info@mackenziefh.com
Neil Bardal Funeral Centre | Phone: 204-642-7124 | 82 5th Street, PO. Box 1889 | Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 | info@nbardal.mb.ca
How to Plan a Memorial Service

Organizing a Memorial Service

A memorial service differs from a traditional funeral in that a casket is not present and it is often held after the remains have been cared for. Today, more and more families are no longer interested in having a traditional funeral that is filled with sadness and grief. Instead, a memorial service aims to celebrate the life of a loved one and is personalized around what made them unique.
memorial service ideas
If you are looking to plan a cremation memorial service, our experienced and caring staff are here to assist you. The great thing about a memorial service is that there is no need to rush. Rather than adding to the stress of losing a loved one, your family can take the time necessary to grieve and mourn before you begin planning how you will honour your loved one. It is not uncommon for families to wait for weeks or even months after the loss of a loved one before they plan a memorial service. The result is a more meaningful ceremony that is tailored to reflect the life of deceased and what made them unique.

Before you begin planning a memorial service, we recommend taking some time to gather with friends and loved ones and discuss what made your loved one so special and how you would like to honor them. From there you can begin to plan the actual details of the service and create something that is truly meaningful.

Memorial Service Ideas & Checklist

It's really a process of asking–and answering–questions. Sit down with other family members, at least once, but maybe even more than once; to explore the memorial service ideas which arise from answering these questions:
  • 1. Who will be invited?

    The number of guests define the where, when, and how of your memorial service. Write down the names of everyone you think would want to be there and then set it aside. You can add new names to the list as you go along.

  • 2. Where, and when, should the event take place?

    Here's where your imagination is tempered by any scheduling or travel-related issues facing those who will be invited. Be sure to check in with out-of-town relatives and friends about their situation before settling on these critical details.

  • 3. Who will orchestrate or conduct the event?

    If your loved one was religious, you may opt to have their pastor or church minister perform these tasks. However, many families today hire a non-denominational celebrant to oversee the memorial service.

  • 4. Who wishes to speak at the event?

    Many times family members or friends will be very direct about their desire to make a short presentation at the memorial service; other times you need to come out and ask folks if they would be willing to publicly share their thoughts and feelings. Either way, you'll want to select those people who have shared a close relationship with the deceased and have something meaningful to contribute.

  • 5. What group activities would be appropriate?

    We've heard some exciting memorial service ideas over the years. This question involves thinking about what your loved one liked most about their life and gives everyone a remarkable space to share memories, laugh, and even cry together.

  • 6. What food or beverages should be served?

    What you serve may depend on the theme of your memorial service, or may be based on your loved one's favorite dishes. It's entirely up to you; we've even seen "pot luck" memorial services where guests actually sign up to bring select foods and beverages.

  • 7. What readings and music should you include?

    Music is an integral part of life for many people, and a memorial service is the perfect event in which to showcase the meaningful music of your loved one's life. But, if your loved one didn't appreciate music (and lots of folks don’t), it may be more appropriate to read chosen spiritual selections, or excerpts from literature.

  • 8. What details of your loved one's life do you want to share with guests?

    Not every biographical detail needs to be highlighted; rather you're trying to capture their essence by telling revealing anecdotes or stories. Sometimes you can reveal their character by detailing one short moment in their life experience.

  • 9. What decorations will you have?

    Many families create a tribute video and use it as the centerpiece of the event. Others choose to use a memory table of photographs and other memorabilia instead.

Let Us Help You Plan a Memorial Service

We know that's a lot to think about. But we urge you to take your time; be thoughtful, and don't hesitate to explore all the memorial service ideas which arise as part of this experience.

As we've said, we've got the experience which could make planning a memorial service easier for you and your family. Don't hesitate to pick up the phone; call us at 204-949-2200. Let's talk about your loved one's life; share some stories with us. We're confident that, together, we can come up with the perfect memorial service event to suit your needs and expectations.
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