How to Plan a Memorial Service After Cremation
Planning a memorial for a loved one whose chosen whole-body donation is a deeply meaningful experience that helps amplify their legacy. While the donor’s remains may not return to the family for six to eight weeks, it’s understandable that family members may want to celebrate life sooner.
At United Tissue Network (UTN), we’ve discovered from our donors’ loved ones that when it comes to how to plan a memorial service, there are many different approaches; from traditional to irreverent, there’s likely an option that honors the memory of friends and family in just the right way.
Here are some resources for starting the memorial planning process in different regions that UTN serves:
Memorial Planning in Florida – Coming Soon
Additional Tips For How to Plan a Memorial After Cremation
- Honor the Donor’s Wishes: Many people have specific requests for how they want to be honored. If they left a will or instructions, be sure to honor their wishes.
- Determine a Budget: While whole-body donation provides financial relief with free cremation services, it’s still crucial to keep a budget in mind for other parts of memorial planning.
- Select an Appropriate Venue: Was the donor traditional and religious? Then it’s likely a house of worship is an appropriate place to celebrate their life. Were they irreverent or outdoorsy? Did they have a favorite place? Then that site may be the right place for an ash scattering and final farewell.
- Select a Funeral Director or Planner: This is an optional step, but funeral and memorial directors can help you coordinate certain logistics, paperwork and services as well as navigate legal, practical and emotional aspects.
- Create an Obituary or Memorial Announcement: The obituary should include details about the donor’s life, family, and achievements in addition to service information should the family want to open it up to the public. Once the obituary is written, share with local newspapers and on social media.
- Arrange Transportation for the Deceased: When someone donates their body to science through United Tissue Network, UTN takes care of transportation from the place of passing to a trusted partner organization. Once the remains are cremated, UTN also handles transportation of the ashes.
- Coordinate with Religious or Cultural Leaders (if applicable): Arrange for any religious or spiritual rites that are important for the service.
- Plan the Service Details: Choose speakers, music, readings, and personal touches (e.g., photos, memorabilia, or video montages). You can also design a program for the attendees.
- Prepare for Guests and Family Support: Consider transportation and lodging for out-of-town guests and plan a reception for after the memorial.
- Consider a Virtual Memorial Option: For distant friends and family, set up a live stream or virtual memorial option so they can participate remotely.