Memorial Service Ideas on a Budget

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, graduation, or service to honor a loved one, it’s important to have a budget. Planning a memorial service on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. Our staff will happily work with you to plan the service your loved one deserves. While there are many costs to a funeral or memorial service, our team can discuss different payment options available.  

In the meantime, here are 5 ideas for planning a memorial service on a budget. 

1. Consider Cremation vs Burial

Cremation and burial each offer their own unique benefits. If you are trying to stick to a budget, cremation is the more affordable choice. With burial, you will need to purchase a casket, vault, cemetery plot, and marker. Meanwhile, a cremation service does not include any of these additional expenses. Instead, most families will only need to pay for an urn. 

2. Consider Different Venues

If you plan a direct cremation or burial service, you can choose to hold a memorial service somewhere special. Some families will choose to have their loved one cremated and scatter the ashes. Prior to scattering, many families will gather in a place that was meaningful or significant to their loved one and hold a private memorial service. 
memorial service potluck

3. Host a Potluck

One way to save on memorial service costs is to avoid hiring a caterer for the reception. Rather than paying a large bill, consider planning a potluck. If possible, try to encourage people to make some of your loved one’s favorite dishes. Not only will this help you save on costs, it can let others feel like they have played a helpful role in the service and honoring your loved one. 

4. Don't Publish the Obituary in the Newspaper

One way to save on costs when planning a memorial service on a budget is to not publish the obituary in the newspaper. Rather than paying this additional cost, you can share the obituary online. Each person we serve has their obituary published on their Book of Memories memorial page. These pages can be easily shared across social media with friends and loved ones. 

5. DIY Memorial Gifts

Some families choose to give guests a keepsake when they leave the service as a way of saying thanks. If you’re planning a memorial service on a budget, a great way to save on costs is to create DIY keepsakes.  

If you’re someone who is crafty, you can likely create a meaningful keepsake for your guests to take home. Here is a link, to create a simple and elegant DIY Photo Pendant for less than $3! 
memorial service crafts

There Are More Ways to Save

These are just a few of the different ways you can save on memorial service costs if you’re sticking to a budget. To learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you celebrate a loved one, please contact us today. 
 
A member of our team would be honored to assist you and discuss how we can help you plan an affordable and meaningful service for yourself or a loved one. 
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