How to Quickly Make Cremation and Memorial Arrangements
When a loved one has passed away, you and your family may be faced with scheduling demands when it comes to making cremation and memorial service arrangements. In some cases, the rush to cremate an individual may partly be due to religious customs and preferences, while in other cases, out-of-town friends and family members who plan on attending the memorial service may need to adhere to strict work and traveling requirements. No matter what the scenario, there are times you may face pressure with organizing an end-of-life celebration quickly and on a deadline.
Here are tips you can follow to quickly organize a cremation and quality, respectful memorial service.
Choose a date and let everyone know
As soon as you and your family members have chosen and set a date for the cremation and memorial service, spread the word immediately to everyone you plan on inviting to the ceremony. Give as much advance notice as possible so attendees from out of town can make arrangements to take time off work and travel. Notify people of the ceremony using the most convenient communication method; whether it be via telephone, email, text, or social media.
Order flowers
In some cases, flowers for the memorial service may be included with your cremation package on behalf of your cremation provider. But if flowers are not included, you will need to order them ahead of time so they are ready on the day of the memorial service. Your cremation provider may be able to refer you to a local florist that can have flowers ready on time. Or, you can take the time to look online for local florists that can meet deadline and deliver your floral arrangements just before the ceremony.
Print memorial service programs or mementos
Just as with flowers, memorial service programs and paper mementos might already be included with your cremation and memorial service package. In the event that these items are not included, you can work with a local print shop to create service programs, bookmarks, or prayer cards that feature a photo of your loved one along with their favorite quotes or scripture. These types of items often serve as mementos that friends and family like to keep or place in a scrapbook to memorialize their loved one and remember the ceremony.
Make food and beverage arrangements
Contact a caterer or restaurant as soon as you know the ceremony date so you can place an order for food to serve during or following the memorial service. You can also ask friends and family members to help out with cooking or grocery shopping for the reception. In most cases, families tend to serve finger foods and sandwiches at receptions following memorial services. You can even ask someone to organize a potluck where everyone brings a dish, or make reservations at a restaurant for all attendees following the service.
Lastly, keep in mind that your closest friends and family members will often be more than willing to step in and help you with making cremation and memorial service arrangements if you feel stressed or are unable to take on all the planning. Asking for help may end up being one of the best time-saving strategies for you during this time period.
At Heartland Cremation, we are devoted to providing you with a simple and dignified way to remember and honor your loved one. Heartland Cremation offers a comfortable and uncomplicated experience when it comes to arranging cremation and funeral services. With four generations of experience in the cremation business, we currently serve the greater Kansas City region and surrounding areas.
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