Creating a memorial plan provides you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making these decisions in advance, you spare your family the emotional burden of navigating logistics while they live. A thoughtful memorial plan should include your plans for your final resting place, memorial service, and instructions for your loved ones to follow so they don’t have to worry about what you might have wanted. Pre-planning for your memorial gives you the chance to shape your legacy with intention and to give your loved ones a clear path to follow when the time comes.
Pre-planning your memorial isn’t reserved for those nearing the end of life—you can make these plans at any time. By preparing today, you’re safeguarding your wishes and the legacy you leave behind for your loved ones.
What is the Purpose of a Memorial Plan?
A memorial plan ensures your final wishes are clear while easing the burden of making end-of-life decisions. A memorial plan typically includes choosing where your remains will be laid to rest, planning for ceremonies or gatherings, and providing instructions to your loved ones. When you have a thoughtful memorial plan in place, your loved ones can honor your memory without navigating logistics at the same time.
“It’s important to have a plan in place, no matter if you’re healthy or sick, young or old.” – Kelly J., Better Place Forests Point Arena, California
Planning for the future isn’t just for those nearing the end of life—it’s a gift for anyone who values preparation and security.
How do you Plan a Memorial?
Whether you’re pre-planning for yourself or making arrangements after a loved one’s death, there are seven steps you’ll want to follow to ensure that memorial service wishes are carried out correctly. Follow our 6-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Reflect on Your Legacy
First, it’s important to reflect on how you’d like to be remembered. This is your opportunity to create a ceremony that honors your life in whatever way resonates with you. Think about the tone you want—whether it’s a quiet and reflective gathering, a celebration of life filled with laughter and stories, or something in between. Consider the elements that hold special meaning, like music, readings, or specific moments that have shaped your journey. By taking the time to reflect on what you want, you can ensure that your memorial is a true reflection of the life you lived.
As you reflect, envision the setting where your memorial will take place. Whether it’s surrounded by nature, at your local church, or somewhere meaningful to your family, choosing the right location sets the stage for your memorial. Think about the people who matter most and how they will remember you. This time of reflection will allow you to leave your loved ones with a clear plan.
To start thinking about the legacy you’d like to leave, take our quick End-of-Life Planning Quiz.
2. Choose Your Final Resting Place
Choosing your final resting place is a deeply personal choice and should reflect your values while providing peace for your loved ones. Whether you envision a place that connects you to nature or somewhere meaningful to your family, selecting the right final resting place is an important part of your memorial plan. When you’re gone, your final resting place will become a place of remembrance, where your loved ones can feel connected to your memory in a setting that brings them comfort.
There are many options for where you choose to be laid to rest. First, you should decide which type of interment resonates with you—cremation, burial, aquamation, or human composting. Religion or family tradition may come into play here. If you choose cremation, there are countless options for what you can do with the ashes. Some people choose to be scattered in a favorite place, while others have their ashes turned into jewelry, art, or even launched into space. Ashes can be divided up to allow for multiple final resting places.
With Better Place Forests, you can have your cremation ashes spread at the base of a memorial tree in a protected forest. This final resting place option supports conservation and ensures that your memory is tied to the beauty and tranquility of nature. By selecting your memorial tree in advance, your values are honored and your family will be able to visit your memorial for years to come.
3. Plan Memorial Service
Your memorial service can be held at your final resting place or another location, like a favorite restaurant, park, or a loved one’s home. As with all end-of-life planning, you can make your memorial service as unique or traditional as your days on earth. First, ask yourself if you want a private or public memorial. A private memorial is more intimate, while a public memorial allows anyone who wants to pay their respects and offer condolences to attend. You should also ask yourself if you’d like a celebration of life or a more traditional memorial service where people follow customs like wearing black.
Next, you’ll want to think about the program schedule—what would you like to be shared? Eulogy readings, personal stories, or poetry are commonly included in memorial services. Food and drink are another important choice, whether it’s a selection of your favorite treats or a comforting meal that brings people together. Flowers, photos, video, and music are additional considerations that can ensure that your memorial service truly reflects who you are.
Depending on your religious beliefs, you may also want to follow existing traditions and customs. Read our articles about Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Mormonism to learn what customs you may want to include.
4. Create Attendee List
Think about the people who’ve been a part of your life, and create a list of family members, close friends, and colleagues you’d want to attend your memorial. You can also assign special roles—perhaps a loved one to deliver a eulogy, share a reading, or reflect on a cherished memory. By thoughtfully choosing who will be present and what part they’ll play, you can ensure your memorial includes the people who meant the most to you. You can also draft your invitation in advance with the help of these Memorial Service Invitation Templates.
5. Make Financial Arrangements
Pre-paying for your memorial is an act of love for those that you leave behind. Instead of dealing with financial stressors, your loved ones will be able to properly grieve you when the time comes. Plan ahead by paying upfront, or creating payment plans, for your final resting place, service location, and vendors. By paying ahead of time, you can lock in current rates, avoiding the possibility of a price increase in the future.
You can also purchase burial insurance to pay for your memorial. Burial insurance, often called funeral insurance, is a form of life insurance designed to cover the expenses of your funeral or memorial service after you pass away. The benefits are paid directly to your beneficiaries, who can use the funds to cover your cremation, memorial service, or any remaining medical expenses.
Whatever avenue you choose, pre-paying takes stress off your loved ones, giving them the time and space to grieve without added financial decisions.
6. Share Plans With Loved Ones
Open and honest conversations about your end-of-life choices can provide clarity, allowing your family to feel confident that they’re fulfilling your desires. It also eases their emotional burden, knowing they don’t have to guess what you might have wanted. Whether you’re discussing your final resting place, memorial service details, or how you’d like to be remembered, having these conversations now can provide reassurance to both you and your loved ones.
Starting these important conversations now allows everyone time to get comfortable with the inevitability of death. If you’re unsure where to start, read How to Talk to Loved Ones About End-of-Life Plans.
Begin End-of-Life Planning Today
Pre-planning your memorial allows you to create the legacy you want. By following the steps listed above, you can give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind that all details are taken care of and finances are in order.
At Better Place Forests, we want to help you find your ideal final resting place. Begin your journey with Better Place Forests today to leave a meaningful legacy for your loved ones.
