Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a memorial service can be daunting. However, with the pandemic just passed, many families are still opting for virtual or online memorial services to honour their loved ones. 

In this post, we will guide you through planning a virtual or online memorial service so that you can honour your loved one in the most meaningful way.

Determine the Purpose of the Service

Before trying to plan memorial services, it’s important to determine the purpose of the service. 

Is it to celebrate the life of your loved one, or is it to provide closure for family and friends who could not attend a traditional service? 

Knowing the purpose of the service will help you make decisions about the format, guest list, and content of the service.

Choose a Platform for memorial service

There are many platforms available for hosting virtual or online memorial services. Some popular options include zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Consider factors such as ease of use, security, and the number of attendees when choosing a platform.

Create an Agenda for the service

Once you have chosen a platform, it’s time to create an agenda for the service. For example, a typical virtual or online memorial service might include an opening statement, slideshow of photos, music, and eulogies. 

Be sure to include time for virtual attendees to share their memories and condolences.

Invite Guests for the event

Once you have created an agenda, it’s time to invite guests. You can invite guests via email, social media, or phone for a virtual service. 

Be sure to provide clear instructions for joining the service, including the date and time and the link to the platform.

Prepare Materials for the memorial

You will need to prepare materials such as photographs, music, and eulogies for the service. 

You can create a slideshow of photographs to display during the service and choose music that is meaningful to your loved one. 

If eulogies are to be given, be sure to provide speakers with guidelines and a time limit.

Make sure to Test the Technology

Before the service, be sure to test the technology to ensure that everything is working properly. It includes:

Checking the audio and visual quality.

Making sure that guests can join the service without any technical difficulties.

Host the Service

Once everything is set up, it’s time to host the service. Remind guests to mute their microphones when not speaking, and encourage virtual attendees to share their memories and condolences in the chat function.

Hosting a virtual or online memorial service is a great way to honour your loved one and provide closure for family and friends. 

By following these steps, you can plan a meaningful and memorable service that celebrates the life of your loved one. 

Remember to take your time and patience with the process, as planning a service can be emotionally challenging. And remember that you can always ask for help from friends and family, online platforms, or funeral homes.