{"id":2157,"date":"2013-05-14T13:46:37","date_gmt":"2013-05-14T21:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imortuary.com\/blog\/?p=2157"},"modified":"2013-05-07T14:05:56","modified_gmt":"2013-05-07T22:05:56","slug":"planning-an-outdoor-memorial-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imortuary.com\/blog\/planning-an-outdoor-memorial-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning an Outdoor Memorial Service"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Planning<\/a>The majority of funeral and memorial services are held indoors. Although many people opt to include an outdoor gravesite service in addition to a more formal indoor event, the most traditional funeral planning option is to hold a memorial service in a church, funeral home, or private home. This indoor environment means that it’s easy to control the temperature, ensure that any audio-visual equipment is protected from the elements, and know that everyone will be comfortable as they prepare to say their farewells.<\/p>\n

Because death occurs rain or shine, getting outdoors to enjoy a memorial service under the sun might seem like a challenge. However, with the right kind of planning, you can hold a memorial service outside and enjoy a different, more natural kind of funeral.<\/p>\n

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Where to Hold an Outdoor Memorial Service<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parks, family lands, beaches, and gardens are all ideal locations for an outdoor memorial service. In fact, anywhere you might hold an outdoor wedding is also a place where you can hold an outdoor funeral. Summer months are best due to weather concerns, which means you may need to postpone the memorial service until a later date. (This can also be helpful for out-of-town family. By burying or cremating the deceased via direct funeral options, you can handle the details of body interment ahead of time, saving the commemoration for a date when everyone can get together to enjoy the funeral.)<\/p>\n

Hiring an actual wedding venue is also a possibility. Because you may be gathering a large assembly of people, it can help to have a facility equipped to provide seating, sound equipment, and even catering. Expect costs to be similar to those of a wedding.<\/p>\n

Creating a Lasting Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people hold outdoor memorial services because they provide a direct tie with nature. For example, if you are planning on disposing of the cremated remains in a specific location (with the proper authorization), or if you want to plant a memorial garden or tree, holding a service at the site is a fitting sendoff.<\/p>\n

Funeral Planning Must-Haves<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even if you are opting for an eco-friendly outdoor memorial service, it’s a good idea to stick to the funeral traditions. Some of the key components you may want to include:<\/p>\n