What is the Purpose of Planning a Memorial Service, Funeral Service or Remembrance Ceremony?

These are ceremonies for our private or public expressions to:

Say Goodbye ~ Honor or Pay Tribute ~ Release or Bury ~ Assist Mourning & Healing Grief

The form for each ceremony usually occurs as a memorial service, funeral service, scattering ashes or burial at sea, celebration of life, or other public or private remembrance event. All styles of each service, ceremony, event or ritual exists to help you accept the death and to assist you in emotionally releasing your loved one from this physical life.
Every type of service or ceremony exists as an opportunity for expressing your feelings and healing grief.
Each service or ceremony can be created and structured in many different ways.

~ It can be a small or large event or experience~
~ It can be formal or casual ~
~ It can happen within a family gathering or in a more public setting ~
~ It can be accomplished alone ~

The most important feature in any ceremony or service is that somewhere within it there is a place of meaningful importance to you. Creating a meaningful ceremony can assist greatly in accepting your loss after the death of your loved one. It can serve as a positive beginning to your bereavement period by creating a place of mourning with others who are grieving the same loss. A meaningful service or ceremony is a healthy start to your grief process . . . the emotional healing that is needed after the death of your loved one.



What is the Music for your Ceremony?

Music selections for memorial or funeral services can come from any number of sources.
The music choices can be from one single style or a mixture of several styles.

The sources from where most music is chosen:
religious organizations, spiritual texts or teachings, popular artists, broadway productions, recordings of loved ones and original music.



Creating the "content" for your Memorial Service ~ Funeral Service ~ Remembrance Ceremony

~ Choose which elements to use in the event and determine their order ~
Add other unique ideas that will make the ceremony more personal!



Opening and Closing Words

Welcoming Words by Host or Officiate
Closing Words by Host or Officiate


Spoken Word from Text

Readings
Prayers
Blessings
Poems
Letters
Writings


Silence



Music

Vocals & Instrumentals can be performed live or played in recorded format.
Group / Congregational songs and chants are an option.
Here are the many places where music can be used:

For Prelude or Gathering
For Creating a Sacred Space or Ambiance
For Processing and Gathering
For the Opening Vocal or Instrumental Piece
For the Opening Group Song or Chant
For Reflection
Between Speakers or Rituals
As a Featured Song or Instrumental Piece
As a Featured Group Song or Chant
To Underscore Photo/Video Screen Tributes
To Underscore Rituals or Symbolic Actions
For Military Processions
For Other Processions
For the Closing Vocal or Instrumental Piece
For the Closing Group Song or Chant
For the Postlude
For Transition from Indoors/Outdoors
For White Dove Release, Butterfly Release, Balloon Release
Ashes Release / Burial at Sea / Scattering Ashes

Recommended Instrumentals: Steve Hall Piano Orchestrations
www.stevehall.com


Sharing of Memories or Tributes

In-person or on-screen

Eulogies
Life Review
Personal Stories and Memories
Tribute
Photo/Video Slideshow or Screen Tribute


Rituals or Symbolic Actions

For Indoors:

Lighting of Candles
Procession of Family
Procession of Casket or Urn
Procession of Flowers
Procession of Children
Presentation of Flags
Sacred Rituals
Circle of Love

For Outdoors:

White Dove Release
Butterfly Release
Balloon Release
Tree Planting
Garden Planting
Scattering Ashes
Any Type of Dedication
Presentation of Flags
Collective Mural Painting







Ventura, CA



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