Times change, technology advances and the pandemic has taught us that we cannot always be with our loved ones at the most important times. That is why one of the funeral services that has experienced the greatest growth in recent years is the online funeral. It is a way of bringing family and friends closer together when a loved one dies. How is an online funeral organised? At Stelae we will provide you with all the details.
Advantages of organising an online funeral
It may sound a little cold, but if an online funeral is organised in a sensitive way, it can be very practical and offer advantages such as:
- Accessibility. Family and friends who are in different parts of the world can participate in the funeral without the need to travel. This not only saves costs and time, but it also allows more people to be, in some way, present at the funeral of a loved one when distance becomes an obstacle.
- Personalisation. Those offering this service provide families with a range of personalisation options, from the selection of music to the presentation of photographs and videos in memory of the loved one. This makes it possible to organise a much more heartfelt tribute in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and their relatives.
- Convenience. Not having to physically visit funeral homes, cemeteries or churches for the preparation of a loved one's funeral can reduce stress and ease the burden on family members who have to organise the funeral. Arrangements are made online, making everything easier and more practical.
- Flexibility. Online funeral services can be recorded and replayed later, allowing those who cannot attend in real time to participate in the ceremony later. This also means that this last tribute to your loved one is kept as a memento for those who cherished them.
- Savings. An online funeral can be more cost effective. By eliminating the costs associated with renting physical space, transportation and other expenses associated with traditional funeral services, families can pay less for the service.
For all these reasons, the online funeral has become an option that allows families to remember their loved ones together in a respectful and well-organised way, even when many of these relatives cannot be present at the ceremony.
Steps to organising an online funeral
Although simpler than a traditional funeral, organising an online funeral also involves some preparation. What are the steps to follow?
1. Choose a suitable platform
The first step is to select an online platform for streaming the funeral. There are several options like Zoom or Skype, but it’s important to choose one that is easy to use and offers the necessary features such as live chat or event recording. The cost of use, although they are generally free, should also be taken into account.
2. Plan the funeral
The next step is to decide on the date and time, as well as the programme for the funeral. Some aspects to consider include readings, music, speeches by the attendees, etc. You should aim to personalise the event as much as possible.
3. Invite attendees
You can notify family, friends and relatives via email or social media, providing details on how to join the funeral online. It is important to include clear instructions on how to access the platform (links, passwords, technological requirements, etc).
4. Prepare multimedia content
For an online funeral, it is essential to prepare multimedia content such as photos, videos and music. These elements contribute to making it more heartfelt and personal.
5. Perform a test
Before the live online funeral, it is recommended to do a test to make sure everything is working properly, from audio and video quality to internet connectivity.
6. Carry out the funeral
During the online funeral, a person will act as a moderator to guide attendees through the different parts of the ceremony. It is also important that there is interaction between participants to remember the deceased.
7. Share the recording
After the funeral, many attendees will want to keep a recording as a memento, and those who cannot attend in real time may also want to see what the tribute to their loved one was like. It’s important that you get this video of the funeral online to everyone you invited.
Affordable alternatives to an online funeral
Although less costly than a traditional funeral, an online or streaming funeral also involves a number of additional expenses such as the technology to broadcast the funeral online and the organisation of all the components of the ceremony.
When families are looking for simplicity and cost savings when a loved one dies, the most economical alternative is direct cremation. At Stelae we have different options to suit the different preferences of families.
