A commemoration is usually held after a funeral. It can also be used to remember and honor the memory of the deceased on a specific occasion, such as the anniversary of an event that led to the death of the deceased. Memorials should be planned at appropriate dates and times and with the deceased's friends and family in mind, but they should also celebrate the life of the person who is no longer around. The following steps will help you plan a commemoration.
Steps
Step 1. Set the time and date
The commemorations should be planned considering all family members who have traveled far to be present. Set a date close enough to the funeral or an anniversary that friends and family can attend. Doing so will allow everyone to share the memories.
Step 2. Choose a place
Organize the commemoration in a place that is large enough to hold all the people you have invited. Know how many chairs you will need, tables for food, decorations and a lectern to keep the guest's signature book. You should also consider whether the deceased would have wanted a commemoration in a religious place or not.
Step 3. Compile a guest list and send out invitations
When planning a memorial, plan to make a list of friends and relatives of the deceased so that invitations can be sent. This will ensure that you will have sent invitations to everyone you think wants to come and will avoid making the mistake of forgetting someone important.
Step 4. Customize decorations and music
Make the commemoration reflect the person you are honoring by choosing decorations and music that the deceased would appreciate. Create floral decorations with the deceased's favorite flowers and colors and compile a list of their favorite songs or types of music to play during the commemoration. Consider adding any other memories that reflect that person's life.
Step 5. Get advice from people close to the deceased
Ask friends and family of the deceased for advice about special touches that can help remember the deceased. Those who knew the deceased the most will be able to give you ideas about songs, colors, decorations and other memories and will help you choose photos and objects that remind you of the person who is no longer there.
Step 6. Write down guests who will give a speech
A key component of any commemoration is to have a series of speakers who provide their thoughts on the deceased person and what they left behind. Contact the people you would like to speak at the commemoration well in advance so that you can verify that they are willing to speak and give them time to sort out their thoughts. Also, ask them if they need any special items to help them speak, such as a microphone, screen, etc.
You might also consider choosing readings that reflect the personality of the deceased and have the speakers read them
Step 7. Get help if needed
You may find yourself dealing with a lot of pain and personal emotions about the death of the person you have decided to commemorate, so don't be afraid to ask for help in planning and organizing the commemoration. Ask friends and family to add their suggestions to the commemoration if you feel overwhelmed or don't have enough time to manage your emotions.
