When a loved one wants to be cremated, it is common for the funeral service to forgo the viewing portion of the arrangements. It makes sense to explore other ways you can memorialize and remember a loved one.
1. Display a Slide Show of the Deceased's Life
One touching way to remember the deceased is to display a slideshow that incorporates memories and important events from the deceased's life. To create the show, gather all of the pictures and put them in a shared folder or on a single device. Hook the electronic up to a projector screen to broadcast the images for everyone to see.
To put an extra touch on the slide show, consider playing some music that is meaningful to your loved one, such as a favorite band or some music played at the deceased's wedding. If you have the available technology, you could also incorporate video clips of your loved one into the slide show. Reach out to funeral homes like Danks-Hinski Funeral Home to ensure they have the proper video equipment on hand before pursuing this idea.
2. Invite Those at the Funeral to Share Their Personal Memories
Another simple way to remember your loved one's time here on Earth is to hold an open floor at the funeral service. At a certain portion of the service, invite those in attendance to share their memories or experiences with the deceased.
Not only does this open the door to reminiscing about some fond memories, but it may even let your learn some new stuff about your loved one. Some also find it therapeutic to recall fond memories with those who they have lost.
You can ask questions to get the sharing started if those in attendance are feeling shy. For example, you may invite people to share a funny memory or to explain how the deceased had an impact on their lives.
3. Create a Memento Board
A memento board lets you display everything that was meaningful to the deceased. It provides a snapshot to the deceased's hobbies, interests, occupation, likes, and dislikes. Some of the items you may include on a memento board are:
- Pictures
- Ticket stubs or programs from important events
- A small poster or sticker of your loved one's favorite sports teams
- Awards or certificates
Create the memento board using a cork board and push pins. Some prefer to laminate the pieces so that they do not get dirty while they are on display.
If you are concerned about keeping the items as undamaged possible, you can opt for a magnetic board that lets you use magnets to display various items on the board.
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