5 Reasons to Have a Memorial Service After Cremation

Everyone grieves differently, whether alone, through the comfort of others, or with a professional. Physically witnessing the remains of the person who passed helps us process emotions after death, but when cremation is chosen, we aren’t given the opportunity to say goodbye in the manner we’re used to. It may seem like skipping over a memorial service is the best option, but there are many reasons to still hold a funeral service even if it isn’t possible to physically see the person who passed. 

A few purposes for having a memorial service after cremation are: 

 

To properly honor your loved one

 

Just because your loved one chose cremation doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a memorial service. A service provides the opportunity to share their life story, recognize their impact on the world, and wish them goodbye. 

 

To share memories with family and friends 

 

A memorial service is a fantastic chance for everyone to gather, possibly for the first time in a long time, reminisce about the person who passed, and connect in a difficult moment. During the memorial, the urn can be the centerpiece, especially if you choose an aesthetically pleasing urn like those at Welkin Memorials. There are various ways to include the urn in the memorial, which you can read about here.  

 

To have a time and space to grieve 

 

Since everyone processes death in their own way, encouraging family and friends to gather together provides the time and space to grieve with others. Some might not have begun grieving or suppressed their emotions, and a memorial allows guests to experience those emotions in a safe space. 

 

To have closure 

 

Letting a loved one go can often come with feelings of guilt, and we can get wrapped indefinitely in those emotions if we don’t surround ourselves with others. A funeral service provides the final goodbyes needed for the family or friend to continue their life. 

 

To remain present

 

Death may push us to retreat into our past and allow feelings of missed opportunities to emerge, sending us down a dark, spiraling path of negative thoughts. A memorial service forces us to be present in the moment, face the reality of death, and learn how to continue living without the person we loved. It may also offer the option to communally celebrate their life and serve as a reminder to live in the way their loved one would have wanted. 

 

Hopefully these reasons have encouraged you to set aside time for a memorial service for your loved one that has chosen cremation. If you’re stuck on how to create a memorial service, drop us a line here. And if you haven’t chosen an urn, take a peek at Welkin Memorials beautifully crafted ceramic urns.