Yes. Choosing cremation does not mean giving up a service. Families can hold a funeral with the body present before cremation, or a memorial service afterward, with or without the urn present. A memorial after cremation has one big advantage: there is no rush.
Timing
Because cremated remains do not need to be buried or placed on a deadline, you can schedule a memorial when relatives can travel, on a meaningful date, or after the first shock has passed. Some families hold a small private gathering soon after the death and a larger memorial weeks later.
Where to hold it
- A funeral home chapel or gathering room
- A church or other house of worship
- A park, beach pavilion or community center (check reservation rules)
- A private home, club or restaurant
- At a cemetery or columbarium, as part of placing the urn
- At sea, combined with scattering (see scattering rules)
What to include
- The urn, a photo or both
- An officiant, clergy member or family member to lead
- Readings, music and a few speakers
- A slideshow or photo table
- A guest book for names and memories
- Military honors, if the person was a veteran (these can be arranged for a memorial service)
- A meal or reception
Costs
A memorial you organize yourself can cost little beyond the venue and food. If a funeral home hosts or coordinates it, its General Price List will show charges for facility and staff for a memorial service. Estimate with the cost planner.
Items for a memorial service
- Funeral guest booksA book for visitors to sign at a visitation or memorial.
- Funeral program paperPrintable program templates and paper for home printing.
- Photo display boards and easelsEasels and boards for a memorial photo table.
- Photo albumsAlbums for collecting photos shared by family and friends.
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Related: Types of funeral services · Direct cremation · Grief support