With everything from gorgeous weather and bright sunshine to vibrant flowers, summer memorials can be truly beautiful and meaningful. That’s why summer memorials after cremation services in Chicago, IL are very popular. 

However, the summer also comes with variables that can quickly turn a wonderful memorial into a disaster, like thunderstorms, heatwaves, and lots and lots of bugs. Here are some tips for planning a summer memorial that will help you enjoy all the benefits of the season without fear of any of the pitfalls. 

Honor the Deceased with Flowers – One of the best parts of summertime is the abundance of bright, colorful flowers and rich greenery. Summer is the perfect time to go overboard with florals, especially when you’re bringing the outdoor feel indoors for an indoor reception after an outdoor memorial service. You can also ask your florist about what’s locally in season for to save some money on the centerpieces, flowers for scattering, or other florals you may want for the memorial. 

Make a Back-Up Plan – If you still want to have your memorial service, scattering event or other kind of meaningful moment to honor the deceased outdoors, you definitely need a back-up plan in case of rain or other problematic weather. Think about where you can have the ceremony if you have to move things inside, or get creative with other solutions like umbrellas or fans. 

Serve Cooling Refreshments – Most memorials these days start in the heat of the day, so your guests will want something to cool them down when they arrive and during the service itself. Try serving cooling welcome refreshments right when the guests arrive so they stay comfortable and cool for the service and into the reception. 

Host the Reception Indoors – Indoor receptions are always a safe bet, but especially so in the summer. You don’t have to worry about pesky bugs swarming the food, heavy rain turning the greeting line into a mud put, or an unexpected heat wave sending your guests in search of air conditioning. You can still enjoy parts of the memorial outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful season, but having the reception inside will save you a lot of headaches and worry. 

Helpful Hand-Outs – Think about helpful favors or handouts you can hand out to your guests to help them beat the heat, like fans or koozies to keep drinks cold. You can even order programs that list the agenda for the memorial service that double as fans. 

Skip the Soup Course for Dinner – Many people choose to serve food at the reception following a lost loved one’s memorial. While a warm bowl of soup might be delicious, it doesn’t really work with the summer season or the summer heat. Instead, opt for more summer-friendly dishes like salads, fresh fruit, or a cooling gazpacho. 

We are here to help if you want to make your lost loved one’s service the best it can be, or do you want more information on Chicago, IL cremation services. Call or visit us today to learn more.