Dealing with the moment of farewell or the transition to another realm of a loved one or close friend is highly delicate. Supporting the family and assisting them in navigating their grief is crucial, and one of the ways to provide an experience to ease the pain and immortalize good memories is through a farewell ceremony and tributes.
What is this ceremony about?
It’s a heartfelt and solemn moment in the presence of friends and family, within the context of a wake, whether in person or online via the Adiaŭ technology, where a heartfelt tribute letter is read, among other honorable actions.
This moment is genuinely enriched through the support provided by the professionals on-site, with solemn music that embraces the grieving hearts, bringing comfort and alleviating pain sensitively.
It’s the last opportunity for the family to bid farewell and honor their loved one, and it makes all the difference! It’s a moment filled with meaning that is etched in the hearts, capturing moments of joy, the legacy, and countless stories that will never be forgotten.
1 – Start Here
The first step is to reach out to the family and engage in a compassionate conversation to better understand the story of your loved one and their preferences through personalized and specific questions.
This is an essential and sensitive moment that requires preparamily feelsation. The more the f supported and cared for, the better their experience will be. Additionally, the goal is to gather as much personalized information as possible to make the ceremony meaningful and memorable.
2 – Regarding Religious Beliefs
Respecting religious beliefs is essential. This information guides the sacred rites to be incorporated during the ceremony.
3 – Choose the Ceremony Venue
It’s important to guide the family safely, suggesting specific locations, ranging from simple to luxurious, so that they can choose a venue relevant and meaningful to the
4 – Assist the Family with Public Communication
Communicating or disseminating the location of the in-person ceremony or live streaming of the wake, including information such as the loved one’s full name, date of birth, “departure” date, start and end times of the wake, burial location, and other tributes, is of paramount importance. You can create a personalized banner to share with the family for distribution in family and friend groups, as well as on their social media.
5 – Organize the Ceremony
Remember that this is a delicate moment where mistakes cannot be made, as it is the last opportunity for family and friends to say goodbye to their loved ones. The professionals, event coordinators, and the entire team involved in organizing and delivering the ceremony will be the “voice” of the family, so attention to detail and sensitivity are required, as they will make all the difference.
Below are some protocols to be followed:
a) Coordinate with the family on the start and end times of the ceremony.
b) Begin the ceremony with a welcome and address to those present at the location and those participating via live streaming through the Adiaŭ technology.
c) Read the tribute letter sensitively or provide a natural interpretation containing personalized details such as characteristics, preferences, hobbies, leisure routines, and family interactions, among other personalized aspects.
d) Determine the involvement of religious authorities for moments of prayer, supplication, and reflection, always respecting religious beliefs.
e) Perform music in various forms, including the loved one’s favorite.
f) Share personalized videos containing photos of the loved one that evoke significant and joyful moments with family and friends.
g) Release balloons, scatter flower petals, and so on.
h) Conclude the urn’s placement with honor.
6 – To Conclude
To ensure that the experience for family and friends is genuine and transformative throughout the support and ceremony, the professionals entrusted with this noble responsibility must have compassionate hearts.
Understanding the ceremony’s purpose is crucial; don’t rush through it, approach it with love, for only then will there be a transformation in the environment, and the experience of all present will be one of redefining and immortalizing good memories. They will feel that in life’s most difficult moments, they had people who cared about others’ pain, and that will never be forgotten!
Allow yourself to be a channel of transformation in people’s lives. Don’t hold back the expression of LOVE for others; simply let it overflow!
Article written by Stael Veiga.