Despite COVID-19 and social distancing, grief can’t wait. In a time when gathering for a memorial is not something we can do, many are turning towards holding virtual memorials to celebrate our loved ones. While virtual memorials might not be the ideal situation for everyone, it is an appropriate, safe, and sometimes the only, option for loved ones to gather and grieve together.
Tips for Holding a Virtual Memorial
You can use a video call platform to host your funeral. Zoom has been used by schools and businesses, and now it’s being used for funerals. Many people can join the call, creating a sense of community as you can all see and hear each other. Other options include Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Google Teams (formerly hangouts). Their features range from platform to platform (Facebook and YouTube live will show the service on your profile page and allow your guests to comment) but they all allow for video sharing and a semblance of the community via virtual gathering.
Planning a Virtual Funeral
Planning a virtual funeral is a lot like planning a traditional funeral. Here are some pointers to help you cover all the necessary steps:
- To begin, research funeral homes if you don’t have one already. They need to be equipped with the tech tools needed to participate in the virtual funeral. Ask if they have done them before and if they are able to provide any video or recording equipment needed for the service. And be sure to ask if they have their own Zoom account; some do and can provide additional features that aren’t available to everyone.
- Choose a location for your funeral. Make sure there is a strong Wi-Fi connection, good lighting, and the necessary tech hookups such as outlets and extension cords. If your church will allow it and has the abilities that we just mentioned, you can host it from there. Or you can do it from your home or the home of the loved one that has passed.
- Plan your service. Make a program for the service and make sure everyone knows what it is. An example could be Words of Welcome, a prayer, musical selections, eulogies, speeches, etc. It might help to have one person be the officiant to keep the program on schedule.
- Once the service has been scheduled, some platforms will give you a link to connect everyone to the service and, if necessary, a password. You will need to send that link to everyone invited; the best way to do this is via email, or you can use a service such as Evite (Evite also offers video chat integration with their invitation service).
- One of the best benefits of a virtual funeral on Zoom is the ability to use visuals and extras that make the experience more engaging for guests. You can play songs or share a slideshow of images that everyone can see.
- Consider recording the service for those who cannot attend.
- Send handwritten thank-you notes to everyone who attended. You can include a printed picture and information about your loved one as a memento.
