Our final arrangements are planned but getting together a nice memorial service has me confused. We can hold one at our church and food would even be provided after the service. But how to put the words together, should we ask some friends to give a short remembrance, that might be a request they would like to evade, only have a couple of songs picked. It's just something I can't seem to plan. I would welcome suggestions.
Usually the pastor or whomever is conducting the service will give a little summary of the deceased's live and then will call others to add to it if they so desire. Since you used the word ...We.... I'm assuming you have family members helping you with this and they should be prepared to give a remembrance.
If you don't have a pastor to conduct the service, a family member should do it. But not you...........
When I met with someone from the church bereavement committee, and then with the priest, they had folders of material that I could choose from in terms of the first and second Bible readings and the Gospel reading...and hymns to choose from. It was pretty much what I had heard at other services...the old stand-bys...familiar and comforting, although I would have had a hard time coming up with what I wanted if they had not provided those "cheat sheets". Perhaps your pastor has something similar.
I believe many funeral homes have access to people who make short videos of the deceased. In fact when my brother passed, his wife provided photos that were put together and shown as a video (about 10 minutes) showing him as a child, in the Air Force, and then with the two of them, and playing music that he liked. It was quite nice. Just a thought.
skates, so sorry for your loss. I know this can be a stressful time. At my husband's memorial service in June, the minister did a few of the usual scripture readings (i.e. to everything there is a season, etc.) and he also spoke generally about loss and the unnatural circumstance of losing someone at the relatively young age of 65. One of my husband's former professional partners spoke about him and his practice, and my son gave a moving personal eulogy. We had a pianist and a soloist who did a couple of chosen selections - I did this because many of the people in attendance were not regular church goers and would have been unfamiliar with hymns, etc. The minister told me that he has sung many a solo at funerals because so few people knew the melody, words, etc. To avoid this awkwardness, I was happy that we chose a soloist. Following the service, I had a catered reception back at the house, but only for family and close friends. It was a lovely day and we were able to sit at tables in the backyard. I was pleased with how the day unfolded and I believe my husband would have been as well. I'm sure you and your family will settle on a fitting tribute.
Thank you all for the suggestions, they WERE helpful and will give me/us options we hadn't even thought of. I always appreciate the kindness and support given on these boards. skates