Hosting a memorial service for your cremated loved one will be a little different than hosting a funeral where the body is present throughout the ceremony. But just because your loved one's body won't be present at their memorial doesn't mean you can't create a personalized experience that helps make every guest feel like they are in the presence of your loved one. Here are a few personalization ideas to consider:

Include Lots of Pictures

One way to personalize your loved one's memorial and make it feel like they're there with you and your guests is to display lots of personal photos of them where the service will be held. The photos will allow guests to actually see your loved one while they honor their memory and make the experience a more bonding one for everyone involved.

Consider asking your guests to provide one photo of your loved one and themselves so it can be displayed during the memorial. Guests can bring their photos when they show up, display them where they see fit, then take the photos home again after the memorial. This will minimize your workload so you can focus on other aspects of planning your loved one's memorial.

Request Written Speeches

Another way to incorporate your loved one's spirit into their own memorial is to ask your guests if they'd be willing to write and share short speeches about your loved one. Anyone who wants to participate can write their speeches and give them to you before the memorial so you can go through them and make sure they fit within the scope of the topics and time you are working with.

Once each speech is cleared, your guests can prepare to read those speeches at the memorial. During the memorial, you can ask your guests to go up to the podium to read their short speeches one at a time. Give your guests as much notice as possible so they have time to prepare and practice their speeches for a few days before the memorial takes place.

Personalize the Food and Decor

Another effective way to bring your loved one's spirit to life at their memorial is to personalize the food and decor that will be featured during the service. Utilize your loved one's jewelry, clothing, and other personal items to create custom decor for the service. For instance, you can create a collage of their favorite pieces of jewelry and then frame the collage before hanging it on the wall. Or you can drape some of their scarves on the backs of the guests' chairs. You can hang their favorite hats from the podium too.

When it comes to feeding the memorial guests, prepare and serve your loved one's favorite foods. You can ask your guests each to bring a dish that most reminds them of your loved one as well.

Reach out to businesses like Romero Family Funeral Home and Cremations to learn more.

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