The Benefits of a Memorial Service

Covid 19 has prevented us from being able to celebrate the lives of our loved one’s in the way we might have wanted when they passed away. With services so restricted many decided on a simple cremation or burial service knowing that there would be an opportunity to have a memorial service at a later date.

As restrictions are lifting it should soon be possible for wider family and friends to attend a service where their loved one's wishes can be carried out in full. Where their life can be celebrated; an important part of the grieving journey.

A memorial service can take place at any time following the loss of a loved one. This could be on a specific day, such as their birthday, anniversary or any other date you wish. A memorial service, like a funeral service, is there to celebrate the life of your loved one and this can take place in a venue of your choice. Many Churches are once again allowing services albeit with Covid Restrictions. Of course the Barsby Chapel here at G. Seller is available to use with inbuilt facilities such as a music system, piano, television screen for pictorial tributes and full live streaming capabilities, with the ability to have refreshments in the adjourning catering suite.

• The process of mourning is an essential part of coming to terms with losing a loved one and many might feel they have been robbed of the chance to grieve with a funeral service that was not what they might have wanted. A memorial service can offer closure to families. This allows them the chance to celebrate their loved one’s life in a way that they might have previously wanted.
• There are no time restrictions to a memorial service, meaning you can craft the perfect service for your loved one.  
• With families often spread far and wide and Covid restrictions meaning people from overseas have to quarantine when entering the country. A memorial service allows time for everyone to arrive and abide by any current self isolation rules. 
• Our dedicated team are happy to discuss your options
• A floral tribute can make an excellent focal point

In much the same way as organising a funeral service, your dedicated funeral director will guide you through every step when organising a memorial service. Important considerations will be:

• Location, date and time. Your dedicated funeral director would liaise with the service venue and organise a date and time that’s convenient with you and your family.
• Your dedicated funeral director would discuss the type of service you’d like. If your loved one was a member of a Church, the current incumbent could take the service. Perhaps they would have preferred a non-religious service, if so we can contact a celebrant. If family members wish to take the service and not have a minister at all then your dedicated funeral director can offer advice and assist with this.
• A dedicated memorial page can be set up on our own website allowing people to leave a personalised message and/or a candle for reflection. You may wish to have donations collected, and these can be sent via this page.  
• In the absence of a coffin, we recommend creating a different ‘focal point’ at the front of the venue. This may be a casket with the cremated remains, a floral tribute, a table of favourite items or simply a picture of your loved one.
• Consider the people you’d like to attend the service. Some venues such as our Barsby Service Chapel will be able to stream the service live to people who may not be able to attend.
• There are many ways to personalise a memorial service, and your dedicated funeral director would guide you through them all. So if you’d like orders of service / memorial cards / specific music to be played / doves released; we can organise them all for you.

If you would like further advice and help organising a memorial service please contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss the options with you.