The ritual of a funeral allows friends and family the opportunity to process their grief in a public, supported environment. When no funeral takes place, it can be difficult for those left behind to experience the closure needed after a death.

There are alternative options for paying tribute to someone who has died that help with the journey toward healing. 

Arrange a gathering at your loved one’s favorite destination.

This can be as simple as an organized luncheon at a much-loved restaurant or a visit to the park where they used to walk. A meetup in a special location is a simple but necessary way to grieve.

Publish an obituary or death announcement.

Sharing your loved one’s life in the form of a personalized obituary or death announcement is a meaningful way to honor their memory. Consider placing the obituary in the local newspaper or sharing it on social media.

Organize an interactive tribute.

Ask family and friends to write a letter to compile in a memory book. Gather those who were special to your loved one for a ceremony to plant a tree in a meaningful location.

Create a slideshow of photos to honor your loved one.

There’s often a visual component to modern funerals and memorial services. A digital slideshow presentation or printed images can be put on display for family and friends in attendance.