Sometimes, saying goodbye doesn’t require a coffin to be present. A memorial service provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share stories and memories, celebrate and honour everything about your loved one.

A memorial service allows families the freedom to create a farewell that is personal, relaxed, and unique. Our funeral arrangers can help coordinate every detail, from celebrants and flowers to music, printed booklets, slideshow presentations, creating a service that brings people together.

Some options for locations for a memorial service are:

  • At home
  • Funeral Home or Crematorium Chapels
  • At the local sports club or footy club
  • Golf Club (function rooms or grounds)
  • Local hall or community centre
  • Civic or Cultural Centre
  • Local parks and gardens

You can also have ashes present as part of a Memorial Service, whether they be in an urn or ready to scatter as part of the ceremony.

For inspiration on how to plan a memorial service for yourself or a loved one, below are some prompts that may help in those decisions:

  • Family and friends sharing memories and stories.
  • A celebrant-led reflection on the person’s life.
  • Open microphone opportunities for guests to speak.
  • Reading favourite poems, letters, or passages.
  • Playing voice recordings or videos of the person.

  • Playing favourite songs or meaningful pieces of music.
  • Live performances by family, friends, or local musicians.
  • Singing together as a group.
  • Creating a memorial playlist for guests to enjoy.

  • A slideshow of photographs spanning their life.
  • Video messages from family and friends unable to attend.
  • Memory boards displaying photographs and keepsakes.
  • A display of awards, hobbies, sporting memorabilia, or treasured possessions.

  • Lighting candles in memory of a loved one.
  • Releasing butterflies or bubbles
  • Planting a tree, rose bush, or memorial garden.
  • Writing messages on cards and placing them in a memory box.
  • Guests placing flowers or tokens of remembrance in a special location.

  • Holding the service at a sporting club, beach, garden, farm, or favourite venue.
  • Encouraging guests to wear their favourite colours, team jerseys, or themed attire.
  • Serving favourite foods, drinks, or family recipes.
  • Displaying collections, artwork, gardening achievements, fishing gear, or other items that tell their story.

  • A memory book where guests can leave messages and stories.
  • Recording video tributes from attendees.
  • Creating a commemorative photo display for the family to keep.
  • Sharing copies of favourite recipes, poems, or sayings.
  • Making a donation to a charity that was important to them.

  • A relaxed afternoon tea, barbecue, picnic, or social gathering after the service.
  • Sharing stories over refreshments.
  • Playing their favourite music while family and friends reconnect.
  • Encouraging laughter and storytelling

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Please feel free to call us and speak with one of our funeral arrangers for further information on any of our services or to request a free no obligation package or quote