Planning a memorial service is a deeply personal and significant task. Here are some unique ideas for memorial services along with suggestions on where to purchase the necessary items.
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1. Customized Memorial Service Programs
Create personalized programs that include photos, poems, and memories.
- Where to Buy:
- [Etsy] https://www.etsy.com for custom designs.
- Local print shops for high-quality prints.
2. Memory Tables
Set up a table with photos, keepsakes, and mementos from the deceased's life.
- Where to Buy:
- [Michael's](https://www.michaels.com) or other craft stores for display items.
- [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com) for picture frames and decorations.
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3. Memory Stones
Provide guests with small stones to write messages on and place them in a memory jar or garden.
- Where to Buy:
- [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com) for personalized stones.
- [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com) for smooth river rocks.
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4. Virtual Memorials
Host a virtual service for those who cannot attend in person, complete with slideshows and live streaming.
- Where to Buy:
- [Zoom](https://www.zoom.us) or [Google Meet](https://meet.google.com) for video conferencing.
- [Canva](https://www.canva.com) for creating digital slideshows.
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5. Memorial Trees
Plant a tree in memory of the deceased, which can also serve as a living tribute.
- Where to Buy:
- [The Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.arborday.org) for tree planting.
- Local nurseries for specific tree species.
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6. Custom Candle Lighting Ceremony
Create personalized candles with the deceased's name and photo for a lighting ceremony.
- Where to Buy:
- [Yankee Candle](https://www.yankeecandle.com) for custom photo candles.
- [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com) for handmade memorial candles.
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7. Memorial Slideshow
Compile a slideshow of photos and videos celebrating the deceased's life.
- Where to Buy:
- [Animoto](https://www.animoto.com) for video creation tools.
- www.casimere.com
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8. Memory Balloons
Have guests write messages on biodegradable balloons and release them in memory of the deceased.
- Where to Buy:
- [Etsy] https://www.etsy.com for custom printed balloons.
- [Party City](https://www.partycity.com) for biodegradable balloons.
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9. Memorial Jewelry
Create custom jewelry pieces containing the ashes of the deceased or their fingerprint.
- Where to Buy:
- [Eterneva]https://www.eterneva.com for cremation diamonds.
- [Etsy]https://www.etsy.com for fingerprint jewelry.
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10. Personalized Keepsake Boxes
Provide guests with keepsake boxes filled with items that remind them of the deceased.
- Where to Buy:
- [Etsy] https://www.etsy.com for custom keepsake boxes.
- [Wayfair]https://www.wayfair.com for decorative boxes.
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11. Memory Books
Create a memory book where guests can write down their favorite memories and stories.
- Where to Buy:
- [Shutterfly](https://www.shutterfly.com) for custom photo books.
- [Mixbook](https://www.mixbook.com) for personalized memory books.
12. Live Music
Hire a musician or band to play the deceased's favorite songs or meaningful music during the service.
- Where to Buy:
- Local musicians or music schools.
- [GigSalad](https://www.gigsalad.com) for booking musicians.
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13. Memorial Donations
Encourage guests to donate to a charity that was important to the deceased in lieu of flowers.
- Where to Buy:
- [GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com) for setting up a donation page.
- Directly contact the chosen charity.
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14. Personalized Photo Books
Create a photo book filled with images of the deceased and distribute them to close family and friends.
- Where to Buy:
- [Snapfish](https://www.snapfish.com) for photo book creation.
- [Blurb](https://www.blurb.com) for high-quality custom photo books.
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15. Memory Lanterns
Use sky lanterns to light and release in memory of the deceased.
- Where to Buy:
- [Just Artifacts]https://www.justartifacts.net for eco-friendly sky lanterns.
- [Amazon]https://www.amazon.com for biodegradable sky lanterns.
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Each of these ideas can help create a meaningful and personalized memorial service. Depending on the preferences of the family and the personality of the deceased, any combination of these elements can be used to honor their memory in a unique and heartfelt way.
