A memorial service or celebration of life can be held before or after cremation, with or without the urn present, at a funeral home, a place of worship, a park, or at home. This checklist covers the practical items families commonly need. Use what fits your plans and skip what doesn’t.
Before the service
- Choose a date, time, and place, and confirm any venue rules (for example, candles or food)
- Choose someone to lead the service, such as a celebrant, clergy member, or family member
- Write and publish an obituary or death notice with the service details
- Decide on readings, music, and who will speak
- Gather photos for a display board or slideshow
- Order or print programs (order of service)
At the service
- A guest book and pens
- A portrait photo and an easel or stand
- The urn, if it will be present, and a small table to display it
- Candles (many venues allow only LED candles)
- Flowers or a donation box, if you’re asking for charitable gifts
- Tissues
- Audio equipment or a speaker for music
After the service
- Thank-you cards for people who helped or sent flowers
- A memory box for cards, programs, and keepsakes
Guest book
- Common materials
- Bound paper book
- Good for
- Recording names and messages at a memorial
- Before you buy
- Bring several pens.
Memorial service program paper
- Common materials
- Printable cardstock
- Good for
- Printing orders of service at home
- Before you buy
- Check printer compatibility before ordering in quantity.
Easel for photos or displays
- Common materials
- Wood or metal
- Good for
- Displaying a portrait at a service
- Before you buy
- Check the maximum frame size and weight.
Memorial candles
- Common materials
- Wax or LED
- Good for
- Candle lighting during a service
- Before you buy
- Many venues allow only LED candles.
Memorial lantern
- Common materials
- Metal and glass
- Good for
- Memorial services, gravesides, and home remembrance
- Before you buy
- Battery or LED candles are safer for indoor services.
Photo memorial frame
- Common materials
- Wood, metal, or glass
- Good for
- Displaying a photo at a service or at home
- Before you buy
- Some frames have a small keepsake compartment.
Memorial wind chime
- Common materials
- Aluminum or bronze tubes
- Good for
- Garden or porch remembrance
- Before you buy
- Engraving options vary by seller.
Memory box
- Common materials
- Wood or fabric-covered board
- Good for
- Keeping letters, photos, and personal items
- Before you buy
- Check the interior dimensions for the items you plan to keep.
Related
- Can I still have a funeral service with cremation?
- Cremation planning checklist
- Memorial products hub
Reviewed September 30, 2026.