Choices when planning a Remembrance

It can be difficult trying to decide how to properly honour a loved one or friend. Below are the most common choices of remembrance, which can be chosen individually or in any combination, and are often personalized with special memorabilia, videos, photos, music, flowers or various other items that reflect the individual who is being remembered.

Visitation/Informal Gathering

This event is usually hosted by the deceased’s family or friends, and provides an opportunity for people to gather informally and express their condolences. An urn (if cremation has occurred) or a casket (if a cremation will take place later or if it is a casket burial) may or may not be present during the event — this is an individual choice.

Visitations/Informal Gatherings often take place prior to a Memorial Service, Funeral Service, Life Celebration and/or burial — usually for an afternoon and an evening, sometimes for an hour or two immediately before the commemorative event. On occasion, a visitation or informal gathering may be the only commemorative event to which a broader group is invited with the remainder of commemorative events being held in private — for immediate family and friends only.

Life Celebration

A Life Celebration is often considered to be a “non-funeral.” It is very personalized to the deceased. Friends and family often share stories and anecdotes that reflect their relationship with and the character of the deceased. It may be led by a religious or cultural leader, or by a relative or friend of the deceased.

For more information, please download our Celebration of Life Brochure. 

Memorial Service

This is a tribute to the deceased that reflects on the individual’s life. It is usually somewhat more formal than a Life Celebration, and may or may not include religious or cultural components. It too is highly personalized to the deceased and sometimes takes place at a later date, after a private graveside service and burial has occurred.

Funeral Service

This kind of service usually involves a religious or community leader, and reflects the traditions of various faiths, ethnic and cultural groups — all of which are welcome at Beechwood.

Catered Reception

Most families and friends host a catered reception after a Life Celebration, Memorial Service, Funeral Service and/or burial. Some families and friends elect to have a private commemorative service and burial, but host a reception for the broader group of friends and others who want to pay their respects to the deceased. Beechwood’s exclusive catering partners will provide full catering service including hosts. Menus are available upon request.

Personalized Choices Are Welcomed

Beechwood can coordinate with an event that may be taking place in another location; for example, a funeral or memorial service at your place of worship. If there is something completely different or unique that you would like to plan, Beechwood is more than happy to work with you to ensure your vision is achieved.

Unparalleled Facilities

Whatever your wishes, Beechwood provides one-of-a-kind beautiful facilities to accommodate them.