Meaningful elements to include in a live streamed or virtual service

This article was written in April, 2020 at the height of worldwide lockdown restrictions.
It has been co-authored along with Ali Briggs of LifeWeb 360. New Narrative and LifeWeb360 have teamed up to help families coordinate virtual memorial services, funerals, and Celebrations of Life since May, 2020.

Live streaming: The New Normal?

There’s no doubt that the modern funeral has changed for families and funeral professionals alike. As the world changes daily, it can be very difficult to adapt to this new normal while still providing routine and structure for families. 

We understand the hard work that is going into making sure each family receives the same care and attention to detail while being challenged on a brand new level. 

While live streaming or video-conferencing services are not new concepts, infusing special touches can help you bring friends and family together to create a meaningful gathering.

For the purpose of this article, we are considering “Live Stream” an event filmed with a single-camera, similar to a Facebook Live stream or a filmed event to be shown at a later date. 

Create A Custom Invitation

Use a free software like Canva to create a personalized invitation which can be sent out as a picture to guests. Family and invited guests can email this invitation out that includes important information like the date, time, and website to tune in to. 

Ask for video tribute submissions

Encourage friends, family, and other attendees to get creative by recording a 60s story or memory with an iPhone, computer, or a tablet and play this during the service. This can help reduce the time for ‘open sharing’ and can be a beautiful keepsake for the family to have long after the service is over.

If you don’t know where to start, think about asking for short poems, a funny memory, or a written reflection that can be read aloud during the service.

Ask your officiant, emcee, or event host to acknowledge family and friends who have joined virtually

This can be a great way to foster a sense of inclusion for virtual and in person guests. If you have a way of seeing who has joined virtually (ie. via Zoom video), you may want to refer to specific people, such as aunts, grandparents, or special friends.

Create a Custom Playlist for Pre-Ceremony Music

Music can be a soothing way to ‘welcome’ guests to the live stream and allow them for a moment or two to settle in with our honouree’s favourite music. Have the customized playlist available for download or stream afterward for guests as a memory of the service.

Set Aside Time For A Group Activity

It’s important that you build time into the service ‘schedule’ to accommodate a group activity to help guests feel connected while being physically apart. This activity can include a group toast, a moment of silence, or a guided writing exercise. Build in some extra time to allow guests to ‘grab their drink / sandwich / prop / pen + paper’

We hope this suggestions are helpful to you and your family.

Contact our team if we can help you coordinate a live streamed or virtual service of your own.