Holding A Beach Funeral Service: Celebrating Life By The Ocean

The beach has long been a place known for tranquility and beauty, making it a fitting location to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. If you are considering holding a beach funeral or memorial service, this blog by Maine Cremation Care will guide you through the first steps, ceremony ideas, activity suggestions, and tips for creating a meaningful and memorable funeral service for your loved one.

First Steps For Holding A Beach Funeral Service

 

Before planning a beach funeral or memorial service, it’s important to take a few initial steps to ensure a smooth and respectful event.

Check In With Your Funeral Director

Reach out to your funeral director and inform them of your intention to hold a beach funeral or memorial service. They can assist you in checking with your city or township to determine if you need a permit to host a gathering in a public space. This step will help you comply with any regulations and avoid any potential issues.

Discuss Scattering Ashes

If your loved one was cremated and you wish to scatter their ashes as a part of the celebration of life ceremony, inform your funeral director. They can ask if there are any bylaws or regulations for scattering ashes at the beach or oceanfront location you have chosen. Understanding these regulations in advance will ensure a respectful scattering of ashes.

Beach Funeral Ceremony Ideas

Are you thinking of holding a beach funeral service for your loved one but not sure where to start? Keep reading for Maine Cremation Care’s favorite ceremony ideas.

Host A Memorial Service On The Beach

Select a spot on the beach where family and friends can gather to honor and remember your loved one. You may choose to set up chairs, a canopy for shade, and a podium for speakers. Create a peaceful ambiance by incorporating natural elements like seashells, flowers, and driftwood.

Memorial Sunset Cruise

If the beach is near a harbor or coastal area, consider organizing a memorial sunset cruise. This allows you to combine the beauty of the ocean with a moving tribute to your loved one. A cruise can provide a serene and intimate setting for sharing memories, scattering ashes, and reflecting on your loved one’s life.

Beach Picnic

For a more relaxed and casual gathering, plan a beach picnic in honor of your loved one. Set up blankets and beach chairs, and encourage attendees to bring their favorite dish to share. This informal setting allows for heartfelt conversations and the sharing of cherished memories.

Beach Funeral Activity Ideas

Incorporating meaningful activities can make a beach funeral or memorial service even more personal and memorable. Here are a few activity ideas to consider:

Make a Memorial Sand Bottle

Provide small glass bottles or jars and invite attendees to collect sand from the beach to create their own memorial sand bottles. These can serve as lasting mementos of the day and a tangible connection to the location where the ceremony was held.

Fill a Shadow Box

Set up a table with a shadow box and various items like seashells, photos, or small personal belongings that remind you of your loved one. Encourage attendees to add their own mementos or written messages to the box, creating a collective memorial display.

Engrave a Memory Wind Chime

Wind chimes are a beautiful symbol of remembrance. Provide small wind chimes and markers for attendees to personalize by engraving messages or the name of your loved one. Once complete, they can be hung near the beach or taken home as a keepsake.

Beach-Themed Funeral Decorations

To create a beach-themed atmosphere at the funeral or memorial service, consider incorporating the following decorations:

Seashells And Driftwood

Use seashells and pieces of driftwood to adorn tables or create centerpieces. These natural elements bring a touch of the beach’s beauty to the gathering.

Nautical Colors

Choose a color scheme inspired by the ocean, such as shades of blue and white. Incorporate these colors into table linens, flowers, and other decorative elements to create a cohesive beach-inspired look.

Beach-Themed Funeral Gifts

If you’d like to provide attendees with small tokens of remembrance, consider beach-themed funeral gifts. 

Seashell Keepsakes: Collect seashells from the beach and attach personalized messages or names to them. These seashell keepsakes can serve as lasting reminders of the beach funeral or memorial service.

Beach-themed bookmarks: Create bookmarks featuring beach or ocean-themed images and quotes. These can be given as meaningful gifts to attendees, offering a reminder of the service and your loved one whenever they read.

Refreshments

When planning the refreshments for the beach funeral or memorial service, consider offering summer foods or dishes that were favorites of the deceased. You can provide snacks and beverages or organize a potluck where attendees can contribute their own favorite dishes. Sharing a meal together can foster a sense of community and provide comfort during a difficult time.

 

The beach’s natural beauty and calming ambiance can bring solace and a sense of peace during a time of grief. Remember to reach out to your funeral director for guidance throughout the planning process, and consider incorporating meaningful activities and decorations that reflect the unique spirit of your loved one.

 

At Maine Cremation Care in Gorham, Maine, we understand the importance of honoring your loved ones in a way that truly reflects their life and spirit. Our reliable and compassionate cremation services in southern Maine are designed to provide support during your time of need. Please contact us about any of our services or to meet with one of our funeral service professionals. You may contact our general office at (207) 749-0094 or send us an email using our contact form.