Sometimes, saying goodbye doesn’t require a coffin to be present.
A memorial service provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share stories, celebrate memories, and honour everything about your loved one. Whether that be formal or informally.
A memorial service can be held anywhere; such as in our chapel at Sylvan Funerals, at home, amongst the gardens, or in a place that held special meaning, a memorial service allows families the freedom to create a farewell that is personal, relaxed, and unique.
From celebrants and flowers to music, photo tributes, and slideshow presentations, we can help arrange and coordinate every detail, creating a service that brings people together.
Some options for locations for a memorial service are:
- At home
- At the local sports club or footy club
- Golf Club (function rooms or grounds)
- Local hall or community centre
- Civic or Cultural Centre
You can also have ashes present as part of a Memorial Service, whether they be in an urn or ready to scatter as part of the ceremony.
For inspiration on how to plan a memorial service for yourself or a loved one, below are some prompts that may help in those decisions:
Casual Storytelling or Sharing of Memories
- Family and friends sharing memories and stories.
- A celebrant-led reflection on the person’s life.
- Open microphone opportunities for guests to speak.
- Reading favourite poems, letters, or passages.
- Playing voice recordings or videos of the person.
Music and Audio
- Playing favourite songs or meaningful pieces of music.
- Live performances by family, friends, or local musicians.
- Singing together as a group.
- Creating a memorial playlist for guests to enjoy.
Photo & Video Tributes
- A slideshow of photographs spanning their life.
- Video messages from family and friends unable to attend.
- Memory boards displaying photographs and keepsakes.
- A display of awards, hobbies, sporting memorabilia, or treasured possessions.
Symbols
- Lighting candles in memory of a loved one.
- Releasing butterflies or bubbles
- Planting a tree, rose bush, or memorial garden.
- Writing messages on cards and placing them in a memory box.
- Guests placing flowers or tokens of remembrance in a special location.
What Are Their Passions
- Holding the service at a sporting club, beach, garden, farm, or favourite venue.
- Encouraging guests to wear their favourite colours, team jerseys, or themed attire.
- Serving favourite foods, drinks, or family recipes.
- Displaying collections, artwork, gardening achievements, fishing gear, or other items that tell their story.
Remembering to Remember
- A memory book where guests can leave messages and stories.
- Recording video tributes from attendees.
- Creating a commemorative photo display for the family to keep.
- Sharing copies of favourite recipes, poems, or sayings.
- Making a donation to a charity that was important to them.
A Celebration of Life Gathering
- A relaxed afternoon tea, barbecue, picnic, or social gathering after the service.
- Sharing stories over refreshments.
- Playing their favourite music while family and friends reconnect.
- Encouraging laughter and storytelling