At Lighten, we believe that funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life can be about honoring your loved one’s legacy in a way that is completely unique to them. You can create an event that allows friends and family to reminisce about their loved one in an environment that celebrates who they were and the effect their life had on others. And we believe that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do so.
In planning an affordable funeral service, you can feel free to think outside the traditional funeral home and explore a memorial format that commemorates your loved one’s life in a personalized way.
Virtual as an Affordable Funeral Service Option
Opting for a virtual platform can be a great way to host an affordable funeral service. This would spare the expense of a funeral home or other event venue, the cost of serving food at a post-funeral reception, and decor such as floral arrangements and printed photos. But the absence of these traditional elements does not mean the service is any less dignified or a less meaningful way to pay respect to the life being honored. In fact, the benefits of a virtual funeral or memorial can make it a great option whether or not one of your focuses is affordability.
- Attendance and Inclusivity – Going with a virtual format is an affordable funeral service option that also means you can gain the participation of friends and family who may not have otherwise been able to attend an in-person gathering. This could include potential attendees who would have to buy an expensive plane ticket, elderly attendees who are limited in mobility, or attendees who would have a difficult time arranging childcare to attend an in-person memorial. The ability to gain the attendance of those who wish to celebrate the life of your loved one, whether they are near or far away, is just one way of making the memorial service that much more personalized.
- Alleviate Some of the Planning Stress – Holding a virtual service, especially with the help of a planning service like Lighten, can free your mind of some of the stress that comes with the memorial planning process. For some, the idea of stepping into a somber funeral home immediately following the passing of their loved one can be something of an unbearable thought. Additionally, the process of walking in and out of flower shops, stationery stores, etc., to plan an event while in the midst of the grieving process can be overwhelming. Virtual memorials are not only an affordable funeral service option, but the process to plan one can allow you time to focus on yourself and to create a personalized ceremony to honor your loved one.
Hosting an Affordable Funeral Service at Home
Hosting a memorial at home offers many opportunities to create an in-person celebration that is truly unique to the life being honored. As an added benefit, this can save you money in a few different ways.
- Food – Hosting a memorial at home opens the door to serving a potluck meal, full of your loved one’s favorite recipes. You can ask friends and family to bring dishes that either remind them of your loved one or was a favorite of theirs.
- Music – When hosting a memorial at home, you can personalize the event by arranging a playlist of songs that are significant to your loved one’s life. If you choose to sing hymns at the service, either employing the musical talent of a friend or family member or finding accompaniment on the internet could also be a beautiful way to honor your loved one. These options can be more affordable than hiring the services of professional musicians or performers.
- Flowers – Exploring floral arrangements that are deeply personal to your loved one can not only help you find a more cost-conscious alternative to traditional wreaths and bouquets but can also create a very special event. For example, if your loved one grew a specific type of flower in the backyard that they adored, you might cut those flowers to put in vases on the day of the event. Seeing this flower that was so special to your loved one can add a touch of closeness-of-the-heart to a personalized and affordable funeral service.
Creating a Meaningful Event
Affordable funeral services can be meaningful celebrations that reflect the unique spirit and personality of your loved one. We at Lighten believe that personalization – not how much money you spend – is the factor that can help honor your loved one’s personal, cultural, and spiritual identity. If you would like to start planning a virtual memorial service or speak to Lighten about an affordable in-person service, we are here to help.
