Below are some explained ideas of how you and your guests can do to make a virtual funeral or memorial more personal:
- Send all of the guests your loved one’s favorite recipe and ask them to join you in preparing it to enjoy together following the service while still together virtually.
- Ask attendees to do something in memory of your loved one and have them announce what it will be at the funeral. Ideas could range from planting a tree, creating a garden, or singing their favorite song.
- Ask everyone to dress accordingly – either in standard funeral wear or perhaps in your loved one’s favorite color or something that reflects their personality or interests.
- Everyone can participate in an activity at the same time, such as coming with ideas for a memorial garden or deciding on charity work that can be done now individually or later as a group in honor of your loved one.
- There are other resources out there to bring people together. We found one called GatheringUs where you can create a memorial page and even hold a virtual memorial through them.
Addressing Your Grief in the Time of Virtual Memorials and Funerals
Taking care of your grief is even more important right now. Here are a few ways to help you personally in this tough time without the family gathering:
- Create your own (physical or virtual) memory book or webpage to remember your loved one. You can ask family and friends to submit their own memories to add.
- Reach out to loved ones individually, stay connected with them and share stories.
- Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations or friends.
- Use grief counseling services or support groups that can be offered over the phone or online; talking to someone outside of your family group might be helpful.
- Read books about grief and loss.
- Take part in an activity that is significant to the loved one you lost, plant their favorite flowers, make their favorite meal, volunteer for their favorite charity if possible, or plant a tree in their memory.
- Write a letter to the loved one you lost and save it to read next year.
