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8 Reasons Why a Virtual Memorial is Not Like Your Office Zoom

Somewhere along the way of the pandemic, a lamentable correlation arose between the Zoom platform and meetings that would have been better off as emails. So, when it comes to receiving an invitation to a life milestone event held via Zoom, such as baby showers and celebrations of life, there is that inevitable twinge of, “Ugh. Zoom.” 

In redefining the funeral industry, Lighten is also changing the way you see Zoom. When it comes to hosting a memorial, Zoom is nowhere near a mundane meeting platform. Rather, it is an accessible, inviting, and customizable way to bring family and friends together for a personalized virtual memorial service.

Benefits of a Virtual Memorial Service

  1. A virtual memorial service brings those you love and appreciate together, even across state or country lines. Being surrounded by your family and friends can create a celebratory, supportive, and comforting environment, virtually. 
  2. Zoom provides a neutral space for creating the environment you want. Our services can evoke a variety of emotions – laughter, tears, and joy. You can comfortably express your feelings while sharing memories, stories, and condolences from the comfort and privacy of your home. 
  3. You will walk away with a keepsake for years to come. Your Zoom ceremony is recorded, allowing you to capture and revisit the pure sentiments and memories shared. 

How Lighten Helps 

  1. As with all our memorials and celebrations of life, Lighten ensures virtual memorials are personalized to your loved one. Your virtual memorial service will be customized to create a ceremony that reflects your loved one’s unique identity and personality.
  2. Your ceremony will follow a structured plan or program, giving designated time for speakers, music, readings, photos, open mic, etc.
  3. To ensure your plan is followed, there will be an officiant or facilitator for your ceremony. Your guests can fully enjoy the event without having to worry about managing the flow of the ceremony.
  4. We understand the unpredictability of technology usage. A tech-support specialist will be in attendance to assist your guests if they have questions or need assistance.
  5. We have all experienced the struggle of muting and unmuting yourself to no avail in an office Zoom meeting. And many know the cringe-worthy experience of hearing dogs barking, construction equipment clamoring, or other disruptions happening in the background while a speaker is saying something important. In a Lighten virtual memorial service, your Lighten team member controls the muting and unmuting so that these issues don’t occur while your loved one is being honored. A Lighten virtual memorial service is not a free-for-all.  As a moderated event, guests are invited to speak one at a time, avoiding uncertainty about who is supposed to speak next and the confusion of multiple people trying to speak at once.  

A Comforting, Connecting, and Personalized Environment

Finally, a virtual ceremony gives you control over meaningful details like music and readings, without the worry of unforeseen, unpredictable circumstances that impact in-person gatherings. Weather-related delays, an unexpected rush of feelings during a ceremony, or even minor illness can create added, undesired emotions on a day meant for positive reflection. Virtually celebrating your loved one, from the comfort of home, with the ability to mute your microphone or turn off your camera, allows you to celebrate your loved one without distraction.

Zoom is no longer just a product of COVID or a place to discuss quarterly growth; it is a modern and helpful space for bringing people together to share and celebrate. Our goal is to create a comfortable, accessible space for attendees to focus on celebrating the life of a loved one without the overwhelming feelings brought on by traveling or sitting in a funeral home. Many families who have hosted a virtual memorial service with Lighten have reflected on how intimate, tasteful, and personal their ceremony was. 

If you are planning to organize a virtual memorial service on Zoom, Lighten can help. We are committed to creating personalized, detail-oriented memorials that celebrate the life of your loved one.