Instructions

• Step 1: Think about what's appropriate Give careful thought to what kind of memorial service would be most appropriate for the deceased's personality and what they would have wanted.
• Step 2: Make guest list Make a guest list. Ask friends and family for suggestions. You don't want to leave anyone out.
• TIP: The number of guests will determine the size of the location and the quantity of food.
• Step 3: Choose location and time Choose an appropriate venue for the memorial service using online or local directories. Determine the date and time for the event.
• TIP: The date should be far enough in advance to allow plans to be made for the event, including guests' travel.
• Step 4: Select speakers, readings, and music Select people to perform readings and choose the music for the event.
• Step 5: Choose the food and flowers Choose the type of refreshments that will be available and the type and quantity of flowers and decorations for the memorial area.
• Step 6: Plan memorial display Plan a memorial of photos and other items of personal significance that will be displayed at the event for attendees to view.
• Step 7: Create and print programs Create and print programs that provide a timeline for events in the memorial service. Print enough for each attendee and for possible additional guests.
• Step 8: Place obituary and notify guests Place an obituary in the local newspaper and notify the guests of the upcoming event.
• FACT: Did you know? The Alfred Lord Tennyson poem, "In Memoriam" which contains the famous line, "Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all." was written for his friend Arthur Henry Hallam.

You Will Need

• Consideration
• Friends and family of the deceased
• A venue
• date
• and time
• A computer with internet access
• People to speak
• Music
• Refreshments
• Flowers
• Memorial items
• Programs
• Obituary