About Memorials
Death is always an uncomfortable subject but one that we are all bound to eventually discuss. Losing a loved one is not something we ever want to do but when it happens, we owe the ones we've lost a worthy send-off.
A memorial service is held as a commemorative event to honor the memory of those we've lost. It's become increasingly common for people to hold such services without having the body of the deceased present. It could be because a cremation has been scheduled instead of a traditional funeral. Others choose to have the service in addition to the burial. Held a few weeks or months following the death, a memorial service focuses on celebrating the life of the ones we've lost.
It's a thoughtful gesture to host the function at a befitting memorial space that not only respects the memory of the deceased but also comforts those coming to terms with the loss.
The Best Memorial Venues
Whether you are planning a memorial service instead of a funeral or having one alongside the burial, it's important to choose a location that equally respects the deceased person's interests. That means that the memorial venue can either be a religious establishment or another location that aligns with their interests and beliefs.
- Chapels and Churches
Chapels and churches are popular memorial spaces for religious folks. In most cases, a service at one of these institutions precedes the burial at a gravesite. Sometimes the service is held at the gravesite before interning the deceased. An alternative is hosting the memorial service at a religious garden attached to a church.
- Cafes and Restaurants
Food is an important aspect of daily living, and it's equally part of a memorial service. Cafes and restaurants serve as ideal memorial spaces when an informal get-together is hosted for friends and family. Naturally, it's more sentimental when the chosen location was the deceased's favorite dining establishment.
- Lounge Bars and Cocktail Bars
It's common tradition for folks to toast the deceased by hosting a gathering at a lounge bar or cocktail bar. The send-off is ideal for someone who enjoyed a good bottle of wine or fine brew, or simply for someone who enjoyed letting their hair down and celebrating whenever they could.
- Lofts and Industrial Complexes
Lofts and industrial complexes provide flexible spaces to honor someone's life in a unique way. They favor memorial services that involve showcasing the deceased's artistic creations, favorite movies, or even hosting their favorite band.
What To Look For In Memorial Spaces
It's tough putting together a commemorative event in the midst of grieving. The emotional process can get in the way of making sound decisions but with a few aspects in mind, you are assured of settling for a memorial space that truly honors your loved one.
- Reservations
It helps to make advance reservations if you have scheduled the memorial service for a later date. This is especially important in the case of hosting the function at the deceased's favorite establishment or booking a band to perform during the occasion.
- Planning
Even the most casual affair requires a given level of planning. It helps to have someone handle the finer details, and in most cases, memorial venues offer these services. They can also source permits related to activities like releasing animals or fireworks during the function.
- Restrictions
Most establishments have restrictions and they might prevent you from fully honoring your loved one according to their wishes. For instance, some memorial spaces won't allow you to have an animal-release session or host an entire funeral service. It's always best to have everything in writing when locking down the venue.
- Audio/Visual Equipment
Most memorial services involve commemorating the deceased's life in a visual way. Slideshows capturing the key moments in their life or home videos can be played during the occasion. If that's the case, it's best to settle for a memorial venue that offers audio/visual equipment.
- Catering
It's customary to serve food as part of a wake, funeral reception, or memorial service. Having a catered memorial service makes things easier for everyone, and it's even better if the chosen venue offers these services.
Memorial Space Inspiration
A memorial service should serve as an event held to celebrate and commemorate the life of a loved one. These ideas should give you some inspiration on how to transform your chosen memorial location into a special venue to offer your loved one their final rights.
- A Collectibles Showcase at a Loft Space
If your loved one accumulated a decent amount of books, art, and other collectibles, you could showcase these items during the memorial. Loft spaces provide the room and flexibility to showcase these items in creative formats or as centerpieces during the memorial service.
- Live Music Event at a Lounge Bar
Perhaps your loved one loved a particular band or part of a musical group; you could host a live music-themed memorial service in their honor. A lounge bar serves as an ideal memorial venue in this case. Choose a playlist for the occasion that includes your loved one's favorite songs.
- A Food Tasting at a Restaurant
A food-themed event is a perfect sendoff for a loved one who enjoyed indulging in culinary delights. Their favorite restaurant served as the perfect backdrop for this occasion, and such an event can follow a memorial service hosted at a different venue or both functions can be hosted at the same location.
- Memorial Slideshow at a Gallery
If your loved one was a professional photographer or you simply wanted to highlight their life uniquely; you could host a screening event at a gallery. Come up with slideshows showcasing their pictures or the crucial moments in their life. A memorial space with a projector would also suit such an occasion.
- Dove Release at a Park or Garden
Most people choose to include an animal-release ceremony as part of the memorial service. Dove release ceremonies are common but you can also choose butterflies or balloons. A beautiful park or garden is the perfect location for this activity.
