We understand that death is complicated. The “where do I even start?” feeling can be overwhelming. Our service provides direction, personalization, and independence in memorial planning. We hope our checklist helps you find solid footing when organizing a memorial for yourself or a loved one.
FAQs
What do you do?
How will I use PlanMemorial?
Do I have to pay?
No! This entire website is 100% free for anyone to use. Dealing with grief is difficult already. We hope to do our part in helping you plan a beautiful memorial and celebrate life.
Why are you doing this?
Almost all of us have experienced death in our families and friend circles. We know how difficult this process is, and we hope to create something that will make it easier. This website started as a class project, but we wanted to turn it into a real product that will help empower individuals to celebrate life in their own ways.
What’s the difference between a memorial and a funeral?
Traditionally, a funeral is a service at which the physical body is present. A memorial service has either cremated remains or no form of the body present.
Why plan a memorial?
People plan a memorial to honor the passing of a loved one in a personalized way. A memorial service also affords the family the extra time to plan a ceremony. Since a memorial service can take place after the body has been buried or cremated, there is no rush to organize a ceremony. Immediately following a death, families may not be emotionally ready to have a ceremony. They may need time to grieve. Relatives and friends that live far away can organize their schedule to travel for the memorial service. Memorial services can be utilized by persons of any religious or spiritual tradition. Additionally, memorial services tend to be more financially accessible than funerals.
Can you plan a funeral?
Many of the items in our checklist can be useful in planning a funeral, but our services do not include body care nor do we contract a third party vendor for body care. Please contact a licensed funeral home to plan a funeral. We specialize in helping you plan a memorial.
Do you help handle the body of the deceased?
We do not. We only offer assistance with memorial planning. Please contact a funeral home to arrange a full burial or a direct cremation provider for cremation.
Can you help with cremation?
We cannot at the moment. Please contact a local licensed cremation provider. Many cremation providers offer affordable prices for cremation-only service. You have the option to independently plan the memorial following direct cremation. That’s what we’re here for. In the future, we aim to connect you with local cremation providers directly.
Are you trying to compete with funeral homes?
We are not. For many people, death is very stressful and they would rather hire a professional to do all of the planning. Funeral homes are an excellent option if you want another person to guide you through the process, especially if you’re entering the planning process suddenly. We are here to help people who want to plan memorials themselves. Planning a memorial yourself can save you a lot of money. It can also become an incredibly rewarding experience as you take personal ownership in celebrating the life of yourself or loved one.
How are you different from other end-of-life related websites?
Many websites offer help on end-of-life planning such as financial advice, legal counsel, estate planning, etc. We focus on helping people plan memorials because this is what we’re passionate about and where we think we can make the biggest difference. We encourage you to consult with other industry experts if you have questions outside of planning a memorial.
If I’m invited to a Memorial event as a guest, do I have to make an account?
Nope! As a guest, you don’t have to make a PlanMemorial account. However, we invite you to take a look at all we have to offer at PlanMemorial.com.
How can I contact the host of a Memorial event? Where can I find their contact information?
You can message your host by replying directly to any email about the Memorial event. We value our hosts’ privacy, so we don’t give out their direct contact information. Of course, you can always ask the host yourself.
What do I do if I want to change my RSVP to an event?
To change your RSVP to an event, simply return to the invitation email and select your new RSVP status. Easy as that.
Can I forward my invitation to someone else I think would like to be invited?
We admire that you’re thinking of including more loved ones in your event, but invitations are sent only at the host’s discretion.
What do I need to bring to a Memorial? Is there something special I need to send or do?
There is no set rule on what to bring to a Memorial or how to reach out to the host. We recommend that you share your written condolences with the individual’s most immediate loved ones. If a gift feels appropriate, some hosts ask for a contribution to the costs of the Memorial event or a donation to a particular charitable cause. Another great way to help remember someone is to contribute to a legacy project, such as a PlanMemorial Scrapbook. Sharing pictures and stories helps preserve their impact. As long as you lead with love and patience, your efforts will likely be appreciated.Good places to look for any additional requests are the invitation and the obituary.
Can I speak to someone if I have feedback?
Yes. You can call or text X anytime at 507-401-6095. Feel free to leave a voicemail, and he’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that he is not a licensed funeral director or counselor, but he is more than happy to answer questions or receive feedback you may have about our website.