Here are 63 creative ideas we have curated for memorial planning or funeral arrangements:
These ideas can be adapted and combined to create a meaningful and personalized memorial or funeral service to honor the life and legacy of your loved one. You can do some if not most of them yourself or you can hire any of our incredible vendors (or us) to help you implement them so you can work on yourself, your family and your grief. Sending warmth to you in this journey.
- Release balloons in their favorite color or with messages attached.
- Arrange for a dove release ceremony.
- Write and share personal letters or notes in a memory jar.
- Set up a memory wall with notes and letters from friends and family.
- Hold a candle lighting ceremony where attendees each light a candle in memory.
- Create a scrapbook with memories and stories from friends and family.
- Organize a memorial walk or run for a cause in their honor.
- Arrange for a sand ceremony where participants pour sand (maybe from different locations?) into a vessel to symbolize unity.
- Conduct a memorial service at a meaningful location, such as a park or beach.
- Arrange for a fireworks display in their favorite colors or at a special location.
- Create a memorial video game or board game based on their interests.
- Have a themed memorial where attendees dress in the person's favorite colors or attire.
- Host a cooking or baking event with their favorite recipes.
- Create a time capsule filled with memories, letters, and items to be opened in the future.
- Arrange for a skywriting tribute with a message in their honor.
- Organize a group activity or game they enjoyed, such as a sports tournament or trivia night.
- Display their artwork or creative projects in an exhibition.
- Create a charitable foundation or scholarship in their name.
- Commission a piece of sculpture in their memory.
- Create a digital memorial website or blog where people can share memories and stories.
- Hold a memorial poetry reading or storytelling event.
- Create a personalized memorial bench at a favorite spot.
- Host a movie night featuring their favorite films or documentaries.
- Organize a book drive or library donation in their honor.
- Arrange for a hot air balloon ride in their memory.
- Create a memorial puzzle with a favorite photo or image.
- Organize a picnic or outdoor gathering in their favorite park.
- Host a themed dinner party with their favorite foods and drinks.
- Set up a memorial art installation or sculpture in a public space.
- Hold a remembrance ceremony at sunrise or sunset.
- Hold an ash scattering ceremony in their favorite park/beach.
- Organize a talent show or open mic night showcasing the deceased talents and interests.
- Arrange for a sky lantern release at dusk.
- Host a beach or lakefront memorial with a floating candle ceremony.
- Create a personalized memory bracelet or jewelry for attendees.
- Organize a community service project or volunteer day in their memory.
- Host a charity auction or fundraiser to support causes they cared about.
- Arrange for a star-naming ceremony in their honor.
- Hold a meditation or mindfulness session in their memory.
- Organize a memorial bike ride or hike at a scenic location.
- Arrange for a mural painting or street art project dedicated to their memory.
- Host a scavenger hunt featuring locations or items related to their life.
- Create a podcast series featuring stories and memories shared by friends and family.
- Arrange for a musical tribute concert with performers playing their favorite songs
- Arrange for a butterfly release ceremony.
- Create a memorial recipe book featuring their favorite dishes and family recipes.
- Organize a community cleanup or beautification project in their honor.
- Host a grief writing workshop.
- Arrange for a memorial fishing trip or boat ride.
- Host a sports tournament in their honor with their favorite games or activities.
- Arrange for a star-gazing event or visit to an observatory.
- Hold a storytelling circle where people share their favorite memories.
- Organize a themed photo booth with props related to their interests.
- Arrange for a special performance by a choir or musical group.
- Host a craft-making event where attendees create items in memory of the person.
- Host a memorial bonfire where attendees share stories and memories.
- Create a custom-designed memorial flag or banner.
- Host a poetry slam event with poems inspired by their life.
- Host a film screening of movies that held special meaning to them.
- Arrange for a personalized bench swing at a favorite spot.
- Host a nature walk or wildlife tour in their memory.
- Host a karaoke night featuring their favorite songs and music.
- Arrange for a custom-made memorial sculpture or statue.