Virtual memorial services are now common alternatives to traditional gatherings where loved ones can unite over distances and share in the memory of someone they lost. There’s a rather excellent opportunity to present uniqueness and individuality in tributes and to create meaningful moments even in the digital realm. Thus, so much more families and friends are turning to virtual gatherings;
There are five unique ways in which you can personalize online memorial services in honor and celebration of those dear to you. And of course, the memory book can be digital, as well.
A Digital Memory Book
A very powerful way of celebrating one’s life is in the form of gathering memories from friends and family members in a digital memory book. Such a book can contain many written stories, photographs, videos, and even audio recordings. There are many platforms online that make it easy to compile these materials, so everyone is able to contribute and share cherished moments.
Through a virtual memorial service, sections of the memory book can also be distributed on the screen to share with all who attend, reliving the highlights of someone’s life. With the use of platforms such as Google Slides, Canva, or online tools designed to create memorials, it is easy to collect these memories and display them in a touching and heartwarming way.
Live or Pre-Recorded Tribute
Whether it’s a heartfelt speech, a favorite poem read aloud, or some resonant music, live or pre-recorded tributes give virtual memorials a deeply personal touch. You could ask loved ones to record messages ahead of time to be played during the service, or you could have them deliver their tribute live during the event.
It encompasses a mixture of voices and aspects from various facets of the person’s life, be it friends, colleagues, or family members; hence it is possible to paint a fuller picture of who they were. This is an approach bringing about a wide-ranging mixture of perspectives and emotions into the memorial, hence it becomes more intimate and reflective of the life journey of the individual.
Host a Virtual Candlelight Vigil
Candlelight vigils have been used for centuries as a powerful way to demonstrate unity and commemoration, and a virtual version of the ritual can also be hosted, which is no less influential if participants join from both sides of the planet.
One way to create a virtual candlelight vigil is to invite each participant to light up a candle in their home and, for a few words, speak about his or her relationship with the person being remembered. To create a calm and respectful ambiance, you can use special effects such as virtual candles or backgrounds on video conferencing platforms.
Though the act itself can be enacted online, the candle-lit act as a whole brings in the concept of being part of togetherness and shared grief. This is also a point that helps bridge the gap that physical distance would be creating since it tends to work on forming a sense of community, even within cyberspace.
Personalization Of Online Memorial with Custom Themes
Many Online memorials are very customizable, allowing families to take the digital environment created for the person and make it truly personal to the deceased individual, perhaps choosing a theme that reflects the deceased’s favorite color, hobby, or passion.
For instance, if the person enjoyed spending time outside, you could use a nature-based background or fill the virtual space with pictures of his travels or his favorite places. These personal touches are what make the virtual memorial connect to the individual, so the experience is genuine and unique.
Organize a Virtual Group Activity in Memory
Another meaningful way to pay tribute is to plan a group activity that everyone can do together, virtually, which could be anything from a virtual toast to a meditation session shared among participants or an exercise of creativity like painting or crafting inspired by something the person loved.
For example, if he or she cherishes charity work to his or her heart, then organize a virtual function such that the guests donate to a course that is dear to their heart. If he or she likes cooking, have all members of the family prepare one of their favorite recipes and share the results with one another during the service.
Final Words
Virtual memorial services offer a new way to celebrate life and bring people together despite physical separation. Personalizing these events adds a creative touch that makes it feel about as meaningful as the traditional ones. It is possible to create everything from a digital memory book to host activities as a group virtually when working on your special and heartfelt tribute.
At Memori, we also know how imperative it is to create a perfect memorial service by truly capturing the essence of the person being remembered. Our online platform contains tools to help personalize the event such as digital memory books and customizable virtual spaces to ensure the experience is unique, just like the individual. Check out our website to learn more about how we can help you create a meaningful online memorial.
