My colleague, Michael Rizzotto, the manager of a Brooklyn, New York, funeral home, recently shared a story about a family he served. During the arrangement conference, he asked, as he always does, about the deceased’s interests and hobbies. The funeral home aims to personalize each funeral.
“They told us about her passion for the beach,” he said. With that information and the family’s consent, he chose a beach theme for the service. Together with some staff members, he decorated the reposing room to reflect the woman’s love for the beach.
“We set up memory tables with beach-inspired items,” he explained. Rizzotto and his team carefully spread out a blue tarp to resemble ocean water, adding a beach chair, umbrella, and a cooler filled with iced tea and soft drinks.
Rizzotto said that “most of the guests were amazed to see something not usually found at a funeral home. Instead of focusing only on the picture board, they spent more time at the memory table, looking closely at the items on display.”
“It became a real conversation piece,” he added. It also helped mourners learn more about the person being remembered. “’We didn’t know she liked that’ was a common comment,” Rizzotto remarked.
This emphasis on personalization matters because, as Rizzotto noted, those unfamiliar with the deceased often leave with a deeper understanding.
A Well Thought Out Summer Memorial Theme
His story got me thinking about how a beach or summer theme can easily extend to memorial services, also called Celebrations of Life, which are gaining in popularity.
Summer, a season filled with warmth, vibrant colors, and natural beauty, provides an ideal backdrop to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one during a memorial service. Summer or beach themes allow families to create highly personal memorial services.
While a memorial service, unlike a funeral service, does not have a casket present, it often has an urn as its centerpiece. Themed decorations can surround the urn, personalizing the service.
Here are some ideas to create a heartfelt and memorable summer-themed memorial, inspired by the beauty of this season.
Location Ideas
Garden or Park
A local park or botanical garden surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers can provide a serene venue for the service.
Beach or Lakeside
If your loved one enjoyed the water, consider holding the memorial by at a beach or by a lake. The sound of waves and the feel of the fresh breeze can create a peaceful atmosphere. Early morning or late afternoon generally offers more comfortable temperatures, natural beauty, and a quieter, more private setting than midday.
Consider hiring a professional sand sculptor for a truly memorable tribute. They can craft a stunning sculpture that captures your loved one’s unique spirit, reflecting cherished hobbies, interests, or even their likeness.
Make sure to take photos of the finished sculpture as a lasting reminder of the day before it’s washed away. The ephemeral nature of sand sculptures is an apt metaphor for life.
Backyard or Patio
Hosting the service at home allows for a personal touch, surrounded by cherished memories and familiar spaces.
Outdoor Pavilion
Some community centers have pavilions that can be rented for gatherings, providing shelter while allowing for the beauty of the outdoors.
Decorations
Fresh Flowers
Use seasonal flowers like sunflowers, daisies, geraniums, or wildflowers to create cheerful arrangements or simple displays.
Colorful Tablecloths and Accents
Incorporate bright, summery shades in your table settings. Think yellows, oranges, and light blues to reflect the season.
Nature-Inspired Décor
Utilize elements like shells, stones, or dune grass as centerpieces or accents around the area.
Photo Collages
Create a collage showcasing favorite summer activities, beloved beach days, and cherished memories.
Memory Table
A memory table can showcase the deceased’s favorite summer items, such as a towel, flip flops, beach bag, and sunglasses. Decorate the table with a variety of seashells, sand, or beach pebbles and provide a register book and colorful pens in which people can share a memory or write a message.
Give a Keepsake
Seed Packets
Guests can plant flowers or herbs in memory of the deceased.
Potted Plants
Offer mourners a small, bright-colored potted plant, such as pink splash, marigolds, or zinnias.
Scented Candles
Opt for summer scents like coconut, jasmine, or sea salt that evoke pleasant memories associated with the season.
Personalized Keepsakes
Provide seashells painted and decorated with the deceased’s name or initials.
Memorial Cards
Share amemorialcard featuring a summer scene, inscribed with a meaningful quote, prayer, or poem. These cards are also available as bookmarks.
Scattering Cremated Remains
If scattering cremated remains (ashes) is part of the memorial, choosing a summer location can create a meaningful experience. If you decide to scatter, do be mindful of local regulations.
Locations may include:
The Ocean
A gentle scattering along the shore can create a beautiful moment of remembrance. Alternatively, a biodegradable urn that dissolves in water can be used.
A Favorite Hiking Spot
Consider a beautiful overlook or serene valley that your loved one cherished.
The Garden
If the deceased loved gardening, scattering among their favorite plants or flowers can be a fitting tribute.
Luncheon Foods
An outdoor luncheon with light fare – sandwiches, salads, and refreshments – creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Consider including the deceased’s favorite summertime foods.
Fresh Salads
Serve light dishes, like summer pasta salad or a spinach salad with berries.
Grilled Items
Offer a BBQ spread with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled vegetables.
Fruits and Desserts
A fruit platter or refreshing desserts, such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or fruit tarts, add a sweet touch.
Tea Sandwiches
Servedainty sandwiches, easy to eat with one hand, offering varieties such as cucumber, tomato, or egg salad.
Activities
Eulogy or Poetry Reading
Invite guests to share a eulogy, read a poem, or offer personal memories of the deceased.
A Religious or Spiritual Service
Engage the services of a clergy member, officiant, or celebrant.
Music
Incorporate live music. Include songs to accompany readings, eulogies, or as gentle transitions between portions of the program.
Release Butterflies
Invite guests to release butterflies as a visual tribute, symbolizing the transformation of your loved one.
Release Flowers
Have guestsrelease biodegradable flowers or petals into the water or scatter them in a designated area. Similar to placing flowers on the casket of a loved one at the conclusion of a funeral service, this farewell ritual honors the deceased and acknowledges the enduring love that continues beyond loss.
Offer a Toast at Sunset
Be it with champagne, prosecco, or sparkling water.
Be mindful of local regulations and obtain permits if required by the park or beach where you plan to hold the service. Be respectful of the environment and other beachgoers.
Editor’s Note: Images courtesy of Michael Rizzotto.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you been to a summer-themed memorial? If you could choose your own theme, what would it be? Have you made your wishes known?
