Plan a Memorial Service in Queens

Unlike a traditional funeral, a memorial service is a gathering where a casket is not present (although the urn with the cremated remains may be on display). A memorial service can be held weeks or even months after the death.

A memorial service can be held in a church, the funeral home or a community hall, or somewhere of importance to the deceased and family. There is usually music, selected readings, and a eulogy. Memorial services can be further personalized as a celebration of life.

Why Have a Memorial Service in Queens?

Rather than opting to do things "the same old way", many families today want to celebrate the life of a loved one. Many funeral service professionals see this change as one of the many contributions to social change made by 'Baby Boomers'. The National Funeral Directors Association notes, "As baby boomers age and find themselves having to plan funerals for loved ones and themselves, they are making funeral choices based on values that are different than previous generations. Baby boomers see funerals as a valuable part of the grieving process and are seeking ways to make them meaningful." If you too desire to make the funeral for a loved one more engaging and personally meaningful, an affordable memorial service may be the perfect concept to build on.

How Does a Memorial Service in Queens Differ from a Traditional Funeral?

As mentioned in the page Traditional Funeral Services, there are four basic components which make up the conventional approach to funerals:

1.  A Visitation
2. The Funeral Service
3. A Committal Service
4. The Funeral Reception

A traditional funeral then is a series of events; it's a ritualized process where the deceased, and the attendees, pass from one social status to another; a process where the torn fabric of a family and community is repaired. According to the online article "Six Characteristics of Helpful Ceremonies", by William Hoy, Director of Grief Connect, this is done by including:

1. Symbols of shared significance intended to communicate beyond words
2. Ritual actions shared by a group of individuals
3. Gathered people providing comfort to one another
4. Connection to heritage through recognized readings
5. Increased physical contact between attendees provide comfort
6. Witnessing the transition of the body through burial or cremation

In knowing these characteristics, you can design an affordable memorial service in Queens as unique as the life of your loved. Contact us if you would like help to create a fitting memorial service for your loved one. Please call us at 718-845-5151 to learn the details of our memorial service planning process.

What is a Memorial Service

Take time to learn about this new ceremonial format, the celebration of life. Intended to showcase the unique life of your loved one, you'll also appreciate our suggestions on planning a meaningful and personalized celebration of life.

How to Plan a Memorial Service - Checklist

Because it's an opportunity to showcase someone's unique life story and achievements, today's memorial services are a deeply personal event. If you think such an event is the right choice for your situation, here's what should know about planning memorial services.

Frequently Asked Questions on Memorial Services

If you are curious about memorial services, our list of the most frequently-asked questions will satisfy. Learn what makes a memorial service a special event.