Planning a Meaningful Memorial

Q: Is there a right length for a memorial?

There is no strict rule. Many services last 30–60 minutes. Choose a pace that feels respectful and not rushed for your family and community.

Q: Do we need a newspaper obituary?

No. In most places, a newspaper obituary is optional. Many families choose an online memorial link instead, which lasts longer and is easier to access.

Q: What if we want something small now and a larger gathering later?

That works well. Hold a small service now and use the online memorial to coordinate a celebration of life when more people can attend.

(That Truly Reflects Their Life)

Reading time: ~6 minutes

Why a Meaningful Memorial Matters

A memorial doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. What matters is that it feels like them—their voice, their quirks, their favorite places and people. When the service reflects the person, it comforts the living and preserves a story future generations can return to.

Traditional or Modern — Finding the Right Tone

There’s no single “correct” way. Some families choose a traditional service in a place of worship. Others prefer a casual gathering, a celebration of life at a park, or a simple online memorial. Consider your loved one’s wishes, beliefs, and personality—and what feels right for the people attending.

Personal Touches That Tell Their Story

Symbols & colors: Use favorite colors, flowers, or mementos (hats, tools, jerseys).
Meaningful readings: Poems, letters, scripture, or quotes they loved.
Memory table: A small display with items from milestones, travel, or hobbies.
Guest stories: Invite short remarks; collect written memories for the memorial page.

How to Include Family and Friends

Assign roles that match comfort levels—one person can coordinate photos, another can handle music, someone else can greet guests and gather written stories. If distance or timing is hard, an online memorial makes participation easy: people can add stories, photos, and condolences from anywhere.

Music, Photos & Slideshows — Setting the Mood

Music can lift or quiet a room. Choose songs they loved or that speak to shared memories. Pair with a modest photo slideshow (10–30 images is plenty). Keep pacing calm and intentional—allow a few moments of silence, too.

Digital Memorials That Last Beyond the Day

An online memorial becomes the home for everything: a bio, eulogy, photos, video links, condolences, and service details. Unlike a program or a newspaper clipping, it doesn’t disappear—and it keeps growing as friends and family contribute over time.

Start when you’re ready: compare plan options, read our Helpful Tips for first-steps, or see why online memorials are the future. Funeral homes can visit Partners.

Checklist: What to Prepare Before the Service

Service tone & location (traditional, casual, outdoor, home, etc.)
Speakers & readings (and time estimates)
Music list (entrance, slideshow, reflection, closing)
Photos & slideshow (10–30 images)
Memory table items (small, meaningful objects)
Program or card (optional)
Online memorial link or QR (for details and condolences)

For immediate logistics (first 72 hours, funeral home meeting, clothing, obituary options), see our Helpful Tips.

FAQ: Common Questions About Memorial Planning

Is there a “right” length for a memorial?
Not really. Many services last 30–60 minutes. Choose a pace that feels respectful and not rushed.

Do we need a newspaper obituary?
No—it’s optional in most places. Many families share an online memorial link instead, which lasts longer and is easier to access.

What if we want something small now and a larger gathering later?
That works. Hold a small service now and use the online memorial to coordinate a celebration of life when everyone can attend.

How do we involve distant relatives?
Invite them to share stories, photos, or short videos on the memorial page. You can also livestream or record parts of the service.

We’re here if you need help creating a memorial space or planning the details—contact us anytime.