Honoring loved ones after they have passed is as old as humanity itself. Every culture and time period has its own ways of celebrating the lives of the deceased, and today is no different. So what are some of the modern ways people are holding funerals? Rather than a formal service, most people are choosing to hold themed gatherings and even interactive memorials.
Virtual Memorials and Livestreaming
It was only a matter of time before modern technology made its way into the funeral parlor. However, virtual funerals and livestreaming, while uncommon, are becoming more popular. In fact, many funeral directors are all too happy to accommodate the idea as it can help bring more people to the memorial. For example, a relative in another country who can’t make it can easily tune into the stream and pay their respects from anywhere in the world. How about that?
A Themed Gathering for the Deceased
One of the most popular ways to remember a loved one is to hold a themed service based on something they loved to do. For example, you can ask people to dress in their favorite sports team’s jersey. This kind of funeral can stay traditional, but without the associated morbidity of formal black dress. However, you can even take things further with a movie they love, dressing up as their favorite characters, and even hosting some relevant live entertainment.
Honoring Loved Ones in a Casual Way
The way in which we remember the dead, and how they wish to be remembered, is changing. In fact, recent surveys found that only 1 in 10 people wish to be honored with a traditional and formal funeral service. There are more thoughtful ways to remember a loved one than you might think, and most people are choosing these today. For example, you can hold the service at the deceased’s favorite place with a party-like gathering instead of the traditional funeral home.
Interactive Memorial Suggestions
There are some traditions that friends and relatives of the deceased can begin or carry on as part of their beliefs or lifestyle. For example, it isn’t uncommon for funeral services in California to have some interactivity, such as painting rocks or holding services at the beach. Other interactive ideas include a memory jar that people can add to with written memories. It is also becoming more popular for attendees to actually sign the coffin as a final goodbye guestbook.
How About a Culinary Tribute?
What better way to honor someone than with a final meal of their beloved dishes or at their favorite restaurant? There are tons of creative funeral reception ideas, including food you can try for your loved one’s guests. However, there’s something intimate and bonding about serving the signature dishes that they enjoyed when they were with you. This could include the dish they always ordered, or the first ones you enjoyed together as a couple when you fell in love!
Summary
Virtual memorial services and livestreaming the event are becoming popular ways of honoring loved ones in the modern age. It is also becoming more popular to hold more casual funeral services, and a final favorite meal together in remembrance can be an honorable goodbye.
