How to Hold a Virtual Memorial in 2021
After the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, Zoom memorials have become
increasingly popular. It seems that these virtual memorials will be here to
stay even after the pandemic ends to experts. For one thing, it makes attending
memorial services in far-off places much more manageable. All you have to do is
go online--and reach the online memorial service.
What is a
Virtual Memorial?
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This online event can be recorded and shared as a digital heirloom. In
some cases, live memorials can be broadcast for people who are unable to attend
the in-person memorial ceremony, and they can simply connect with a Zoom link
or use another platform, where they join the memorial virtually and
participate.
Whether you want to hire a company to arrange a virtual memorial, or do
a Do-It-Yourself event, here are some tips that can help you celebrate the life
of a departed loved one.
1.
Set up a Memorial Website
You can set up a memorial website, which will serve as a platform for
sharing info about memorial service and a place to collect memories. There are
many websites such as MyKeeper
which can help you set up a virtual memorial. You can have attendees share
memories on the pagecannot as a way of signing an online guestbook.
2.
Theme-based Memorial
A memorial ceremony of a departed one tells a story. As an organizer, you should ensure
that each attendee and speaker share a memory of the lost
loved one that fits into the general theme that the deceased’s family
wants to capture. Find music that the departed loved, post memorable
photographs and videos that tell the story of the dead’s life. You can even
have the attendees pre-record their stories about the loved one. That way, you
can make sure that people come together to tell an expansive accountcannot of
the departed’s legacy. With pre-recording, you avoid technical glitches that
often happen at the last minute.
3.
Celebrate the Deceased’s Life
First and foremost, this virtual memorial is a celebration of the
deceased’s life and their memories. Everyone can also share a virtual meal and
have a candle-lighting ceremony in the memory of the dead. In addition, a virtual memorial provides an
opportunity for the deceased’s family and friends to share photos, videos, and
stories. For example, you can have a virtual music playlist of the loved one
turned on while everyone takes turns eulogizing the departed’s existence.
a virtual memorial
offers you the chance to be creative, spontaneous, and present despite long
distances between family and friends.
4.
Help People Participate
You can help encourage people to participate in the online memorial by
asking them to share a word that comes to mind when they recall the departed
loved one. The shy ones can type in the chatbox while the rest voice what comes
to mind. You can play the loved one’s favorite music in this time while people
write their thoughts down. Another way to get people to participate is to set
up a dress code that aligns with the deceased’s interests or likes—for
instance, bright colors, summer dresses, or sports jerseys.
5.
Preplan Tasks for Online Memorial
It’s essential, to have a clear idea of what type of online memorial
you want before setting out. If you are considering video conferencing, it’s
best to get some help from professional online memorial planners so that you
can sit back and participate in the memorial. Decide on someone responsible for
muting and unmuting attendees, play videos, start photograph slides, and
spotlights whoever is speaking. You can also choose to work with online
memorial planners such as GatheringUs so that you can quickly attend the
memorial and eulogize your loved one.
We agree that a virtual memorial will not be like the real thing.
However, it creates a space for people constrained by distances to share their
grief and connect —forin their loss.
Pros of
Virtual Memorials
Here are the benefits of having a virtual memorial, no matter if it is
an entirely virtual or as part of an in-person event.
1.
Allows Social Distancing
The global COVID-19 pandemic is changing how people gather. Social
distancing is especially tough when family and friends are gathering for a
memorial. Instead of going through the trouble of asking people to wear masks
and stay 6 feet apart, you can shift your memorial platform to an online venue
and minimize the risk of COVID spread. Virtual services are risk-free and make
it possible for family of the loved one to participate with ease. What’s more,
they will be conserving their energies to tell stories at the memorial.
2.
Long-Distance Travel
It is often a challenge to bring people together when someone passes
away suddenly. Some people, owing to prior responsibilities, cannot travel on a
short notice.It is especially hard to travel long distances, without incurring
high expenses. You can make the memorial service less stressful by holding an
online memorial that people can attend remotely, despite being in different
cities or countries.
3.
Budget
Sometimes cremation
services are a financial burden on the family and to hold a memorial
service after cremation might be hard on your wallet. To mitigate the burden of
expenses, holding a virtual memorial is an excellent substitute for an
in-person memorial. Instead of stressing over seating arrangements and
refreshments, you can keep things affordable and simple by hosting a virtual memorial service. Not only do you
save money with online memorial, you get rid of the stress of planning an
in-person memorial service.
Things to
Consider While Hosting a Virtual Memorial:
If you are planning to host a virtual memorial , decide whether you
will be live streaming from a venue or host a fully virtual memorial. If it is
an at home virtual memorial , you can host it yourself through a Zoom account
or any other platform that suits you.
In addition, you can get help from a professional online memorial
service like GatheringUs, in case you are
looking for a more interactive, designed event. They offer a guidance at a
simple price.
Also, make sure you ask for tools to personalize the online experience
to meet your needs. For example, you can create videos, or a photo slideshow.
Virtual
Memorial Etiquettes: Things You Should Know About Attending a Virtual Memorial
What’s the right way to attend
virtual memorial services? Here are some tips for attending virtual memorials.
1.
Arrive On Time
To make it to the virtual event on time, it is best if you plan ahead
and arrive five minutes early. This slot of time gives you time to fix
technical difficulties that you might possibly encounter. As with all events,
online memorials sometimes begin a bit late, so do prepare to be patient.
2.
Avoid Distractions
Your attention must be on the memorial service and not elsewhere. Close
all social media tabs and do not use your phone while attending the online
memorial. This is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the life of the
deceased so ensure that you are mentally present.
3.
Dress Appropriately
There is a possibility that cameras will be turned on, so dress
according to the event. Wear colors appropriate for memorials, and don’t
hesitate to put on makeup as you have to look presentable if you open your
camera during the virtual memorial service.
4.
Background Settings
If you are going to appear on camera, it is crucial that you choose a
clean background as it can be distracting to others. It doesn’t need to look
like the inside of a five-star hotel, it just has to look neat and presentable.
5.
Make Sure You Mute Yourself (When Not Speaking)
If you are speaker at the online memorial, ensure that you are muted
until it is your turn to talk. If you are muted, it prevents distracting sounds
from background from disturbing other speakers. When you talk, speak slowly so
that people with slow internet connections can understand.
Keep in mind that this is a modern way of memorializing a departed
loved one and it is bound to have some technical glitches along the way. It
truly is amazing that we are able to connect with friends and family across the
globe with the click of a button.
Hopefully, these tips will help you host a virtual memorial for your
loved one.
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