7 Meaningful Ways to Commemorate a Loved One

7 Meaningful Ways to Commemorate a Loved One

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to process that the person is no longer with you. You may struggle to know the “right” ways to honour them and keep the memory alive. But remember, knowing how to commemorate a loved one is not one-size-fits-all. There are personalised memorial gifts and unique remembrance gifts to honour the death of a loved one.

Planning a celebration of life after the funeral with a personal event or memorial ceremony is a chance to reflect on and keep the memory alive of your loved one. This way, you choose to commemorate their life rather than home in on their death. Read on if you have questions, such as what a memorial service is or what meaningful rituals help preserve a loved one’s memory.

Whether you need support with funeral planning or what to do if someone dies, Golden Leaves Funeral Plans are here every step of the way.

What is a Memorial?

The definition of a memorial is a ceremony to remember someone who has died. A memorial service is often after the funeral, on the death anniversary, or the deceased’s birthday.

Memorial Service VS Celebration of Life

The terms funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life are often used interchangeably. However, a celebration of life is usually informal, with a more uplifting gathering to remember the deceased. This style of event is opposed to an official gathering, such as a funeral or memorial service, to carry out the wishes of your loved one as you say goodbye or shortly after.

Is the Memorial Before or After the Funeral?

A celebration of life and a memorial service are flexibly scheduled and can be held where you feel most comfortable. This service could be in the comfort of your home, a religious building, outdoors, or a familiar place, like a beloved pub. A memorial service may be held shortly after the funeral or even years later, depending on how you plan the service, who attends and how you feel emotionally.

How Do You Commemorate the Death of a Loved One?

If you need help remembering a loved one, here are a few unusual ways to keep the memory alive and honour them. Every person is unique, appreciates different surroundings, holds specific values dear, and leaves a lasting legacy behind.

With that in mind, here are 7 ideas on how to remember a loved one:

Plant a Tree

Plant a tree as a way to honour and remember your loved one. Is there a place, plant, or tree your loved one appreciated? Are their qualities that shine through and represent the loved one that you have lost that can be seen through the seeds you might sow? Oak trees are popular as they are strong, beautiful, and grow slowly. They are a sturdy reminder and memory of your loved one whenever you connect with nature.

Plant a Memorial Garden

A memorial garden is a sacred, private space that allows you to feel safe and connected to the loved one you have lost. It is a unique place to honour them. Here is where you can plant your loved one’s favourite flowers or select meaningful flowers representing strength, beauty, memory, eternity, purity, or mourning. Memorial gardens are on the rise as they are discreet and private, evoking the senses.

Make a Memory Quilt

The gift of a memory quilt brings comfort and can tie together marked events, history, and pieces of clothing that remind you of the loved one you have lost. If it is hard to part with certain belongings, a memory quilt can be a great way to bring soothing items together, such as dress shirts, bathrobes, t-shirts, blankets, and more. Quilts are said to represent strength and resilience, and they can bring safety and warmth.

Wear Cremation Jewellery

Wearing cremation jewellery honours your loved one for eternity. Even though endings and saying goodbye can feel painful, turning ashes into jewellery allows you to feel connected to the loved one you have lost while preserving their memory.

Make and Share Their Family Recipe

Our senses can transport us anywhere. If you are a dab hand in the kitchen, pulling out the long-passed-down recipe book can help re-ignite the memory of your loved one. Sharing recipes could be an opportunity to gather close family members to share food and stories. What better way to honour them than to serve a comforting dish that reminds you of them and their talents and legacy?

Create a Physical or Digital Memory Box

Store precious keepsakes online or offline to treasure the memory of your loved one and keep the memory alive. You can add photos, trinkets, jewellery, soft teddies, and more to make a memory box. Add a label on top so that anyone accessing it knows what is stored and so that you keep sight of it. With a digital memory box, you can share photos and videos with family and friends so they can have access and reminisce whenever they please.

Make a Charitable Donation

Honour them by donating to a cause dear to their heart. Even though this is a tricky time, contributing to their memory is rewarding. You are making an impact on those who need it the most.

What to Do on a Death Anniversary

A death anniversary is the anniversary of the person’s death. It can be hard to deal with, but it can also be a time to commemorate a loved one.

If you are worried about how to deal with a death anniversary or what to do on this significant date, here are a few pointers on what to do on a death anniversary:

• Hold a gathering or memorial ceremony. Grief affects us all differently. Therefore, choosing the death anniversary to remember your loved one can create unified comfort.
• Re-visit your memorial gift. For instance, open your memory box, find peace in your memorial garden, or hold an item close to you.
• Practice self-care. Take time to journal, meditate, rest, and do things that bring you joy or help you remain present. Sometimes, your usual routine and appointments can help you stay on track when dealing with grief. However, everyone is different.