Following the loss of a loved one, it is common for friends and family members to gather together to honor his or her life. This is a long-standing tradition that humans have been participating in for thousands of years, with variances influenced by culture, religion and family circumstances. The services typically follow a somewhat common order and often have similar content, but they are also completely unique to the person being memorialized. A meaningful funeral memorial service can be either large or small, loud or quiet, public or private, depending on the wishes of the person who passed, as well as their surviving family members. Planning a memorial service can feel overwhelming, even when you know and honor the wishes of your loved one. Read on to learn more about memorial services, the order they typically follow and inclusions you may want to consider. ¿Qué es un servicio conmemorativo? A memorial service is like a funeral service, but it is generally less formal and may take place after a loved ones remains have been cared for and interred. A memorial service may allow for more flexibility in timing, as the body of the deceased is not usually present. Instead, a portrait of the loved one may be on display. A memorial service may follow a traditional funeral program format with chosen speakers, or it may be more free form, with an open mic session giving guests the opportunity to get up and talk about the deceased. Should You Choose a Memorial Service or a Funeral? Deciding whether to choose a memorial service or a funeral service depends on a variety of factors, including personal preference, budget and family needs. In general, a funeral tends to be a more expensive option. The cost of a funeral may include a viewing at the funeral home, transportation for the casket and family to the cemetery and a formal service. On the other hand, a memorial service can be more budget friendly because families may find their own location and dont have to pay for facilities, transportation or other amenities. A funeral is a good option for those who want to put a lot of the planning and logistics into the hands of a funeral director. While others may prefer to take on those tasks as part of their grieving process and to find closure. What To Include in a Memorial Service Those who decide to go with a memorial service for their loved one may not know exactly what to include or what they usually entail. Review the following guide to help with your planning process, including what to do, who to invite and how to ensure that the service truly honors the life of the person being celebrated. Location One of the benefits of choosing a memorial service is the flexibility of location options. Because the body is not usually present, the location of the service can be anywhere that has special meaning to friends and family. Some people still utilize a funeral home or church for the memorial, but it can also take place in a park, at a home or even at a restaurant. When deciding on the location for the service, its important to take into consideration how many guests will be attending, as well as their mobility. Older guests may not be comfortable in outdoor settings that dont have sidewalks or seating options. In addition, if there will be a slide show or photo displays, there should be power hookups or space for display tables. Timing The date and time of a memorial service will depend on many factors, including when attendees will be able to make it as well as the weather, time of year and flexibility of guests. Many people choose weekends for memorial services, as that is when most people are not working and can make time to attend. If guests have to travel, it may make sense to put off the service for a few weeks so that everyone who wants to can make arrangements to come. Guests Its important to think about who will attend a memorial service, as this can impact the location and timing of the event. Making a list of those you think will want to come, as well as those who may have been specifically requested by the deceased, can help determine the size of the memorial. Some people dont mind opening up the service to whomever would like to attend, while others prefer a small, intimate service with only very close family members and friends. Order The order of a memorial service can be completely customized to the family, but it usually follows a loose schedule, starting with a welcome of some kind, speakers or eulogies, sharing of memories and a closing. Those who would like their memorial to be more religious may choose to open and close with prayers and may include scripture readings throughout. Others may choose to include favorite songs throughout the program or poetry readings. The order can be completely unique and should provide meaning and closure for those who attend. Participants Those who are chosen to participate in a memorial service are usually close friends or family members. In some cases, the deceased may have indicated before passing who they would like to speak, sing or participate in their memorial service. Reception Some families choose to have a luncheon or reception following the memorial service. This allows guests to visit with one another and for the family to thank those who were able to attend. A reception is not required, and while it does bring an additional cost, for some attendees it is a very special time that they are able to spend together. Additional Touches and Decor Because a memorial service can be completely personalized, there are plenty of opportunities for additional touches. Some people create and show slideshows of their loved ones life. They may also want to display photos or memorabilia from their life. There is no requirement for dcor at memorial services, but some families bring floral arrangements or special mementos to decorate the space. Memorial Planning Resources Planning a memorial service can be a special time where family members come together to create an event that honors and celebrates the life of a loved one. If you would like help and guidance through this process, you can request a free planning guide from Southern Cremations Funerals.