With COVID, many people turned to videoconferencing for funerals and memorial services. While this option helped keep people safe during a worldwide pandemic, there were other benefits to this type of remote service. Mourners from across the country can connect with loved ones without having to book a last-minute flight or take extra time away from work, and a remote funeral or memorial service also makes it easier for more people to pay their respects. With the right setup, you and your family can host a wonderful tribute to your loved one's life and include all those who want to be a part of the services. Here are some helpful ideas to keep in mind as you plan your remote funeral service. 

Funeral Home Setting

For close relatives, being in the actual funeral home can provide closure. You can be present with the casket before, during, and after the video services, which can be a comfort to some. The relatives joining the video meeting may also have a better experience by being able to view the room they would otherwise be in for an in-person funeral. Work with your funeral home director to set up space in the facility next to the casket, but consider positioning your camera away from it if other family members request for it to not be in full view for the entire service. You can always have the funeral director pan the camera to the casket area to do a remote viewing before the funeral begins. 

Schedule Speakers

One issue that might sometimes arise is having too many speakers during a video memorial service. For example, multiple people trying to speak at once can interfere with the audio feed and derail the schedule or structure. Work with a religious leader to be present on the call; they can bookend the services with a prayer and farewell message. You can also talk to loved ones to see who would like to say a few words about your loved one during the service. If you would like to open the meeting up to everyone so friends and colleagues can share a memory, ask your funeral director to field incoming chat messages during the services. He or she can serve as a moderator to let each person take a turn at sharing favorite moments with the dearly departed. 

Host a Tutorial

If there are people in your family who are not familiar with videoconferencing websites and apps, consider hosting a tutorial the day before the memorial service. This tutorial can walk them through the basics of signing in to the meeting, setting up their camera, and muting their audio to help ensure everything goes smoothly. Of course, you don't have to bear the burden of this task. Ask a family member who is particularly tech-savvy to call individuals to walk them through the motions or to host a live chat on social media. Another option is to find a video online to share with loved ones before the services are set to start. 

For more insight, contact local funeral memorial services. 

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