Author: Brock Sheets

Honoring More Than Just One: The Beautiful Bonus of Virtual Memorials

Attendees at a Memorial Service
Memorial services honor not only the departed, but also the attendees!

We’ve shared lots about how a virtual memorial can beautifully honor someone’s life, and that’s absolutely true. But let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. When you choose a virtual format for a celebration of life, you’re not just honoring the person who passed. You’re also honoring the people who show up. 

That’s right; you’re honoring the guests. The ones who shared meals, memories, and milestones. Whether they were a college roommate, a coworker from a decade ago, or a cousin living three time zones away, these people matter—and a virtual memorial honors them in a way that a traditional funeral service cannot. 

Virtual Memorials Are Helpful For Everyone Involved

Think about it. If your loved one had friends, coworkers, or family members scattered across the country (or especially across the globe) a traditional in-person event might unintentionally exclude some of the very people who knew and loved them. The journey to attend an in-person only funeral is arduous and expensive. Flights, hotels, rental cars… not to mention missed work, jet lag, and TSA security lines that test the limits of human patience. These barriers often prevent individuals from attending a gathering they sincerely desired to attend.

By choosing a virtual memorial or online funeral, you’re not just “making it easier”—you’re making it possible. The memorial becomes possible for more people to grieve, reflect, and celebrate together without needing to cash in vacation days or sell a kidney for airfare.

“Won’t Attendees Feel Less Connected in A Virtual Funeral?”

Great question. Some people worry that a virtual memorial lacks the depth or emotional power of an in-person gathering. But let me gently (and lovingly) push back.

Connection doesn’t require pews and programs and grief doesn’t care about geography. When someone shares a story that makes everyone laugh or cry—whether it’s in a chapel or over an online gathering—it’s real. The love is real. The tears are real. And the honor? Still very much present.

And perhaps the greatest advantage of all: the joy of friends and family who could never have gathered in person are finally connecting after 10, 15, even 20 years. A virtual memorial makes those reunions possible, creating moments of unity and shared memory that are every bit as powerful, moving, and joyful as those experienced in person.

A Celebration of Life That Includes Everyone

When you choose a virtual format, you’re telling your guests:
“Hey, you matter too. Your memories, your connection, your presence—those are worth making space for.”

A virtual memorial doesn’t replace traditional connection; it expands it. It widens the circle so more people can step in and say, “They mattered to me, too.” For those still desiring that in person touch, a hybrid funeral can be a good middle ground. 

So yes, the online memorial service is a beautiful way to honor your loved one. But let’s not overlook the beautiful way it honors everyone else, too.

The Most Overlooked Part of a Memorial Service (And Why It Matters So Much)

Sign point to Memorial Reception

When planning an online memorial service, many families focus their attention on the formal portion—the eulogies, readings, music, and the structured moments that honor a loved one’s life. And rightfully so. A well-crafted memorial service can be deeply moving and meaningful.

But there’s a part of the experience that sometimes gets overlooked: the memorial reception.

Every now and then, a family asks if they can skip the virtual reception portion and just hold the service. Whenever that comes up, I always encourage them to reconsider—and here’s why.

The Reception Is Where Connection Happens

Imagine attending a beautiful memorial service in person—whether in a church, synagogue, funeral home, or any meaningful venue. The ceremony is heartfelt, emotional, and perfectly honors your loved one. But when it’s over, everyone quietly leaves without saying a word to each other.

No hugs.
No stories.
No shared memories.

It would feel incomplete, wouldn’t it?

That’s exactly what happens when a virtual or online memorial service is held without a reception afterward. The memorial reception isn’t just an “extra”—it’s the space for connection, for interaction, for real community.

A Virtual Reunion Across Time and Space

The beauty of a virtual memorial reception is that it opens the door for family and friends—many of whom haven’t seen each other in years, or may have never met at all—to reconnect.

It often feels like a family reunion.

You might have a college friend of the deceased meeting a former coworker for the first time. Or cousins who haven’t spoken in a decade catching up over shared memories. People from different seasons of your loved one’s life come together in the same (virtual) room, united by the impact that person had on them.

These conversations aren’t scripted. There’s no formal agenda. It’s simply people showing up, speaking from the heart, and being present with one another. And it’s beautiful.

Seen, Heard, and Remembered

In a virtual setting, especially when people are watching a memorial service alone from their homes, it’s easy to feel isolated. The reception changes that. It gives everyone the chance to be seen and heard—to laugh, to cry, to say, “Do you remember when…”

These spontaneous, unscripted moments often become some of the most meaningful parts of the memorial experience.

Don’t Skip the Reception!

If you’re planning an online memorial service, I can’t recommend strongly enough that you include a memorial reception. The service honors your loved one’s life, but the reception celebrates their relationships—the people they touched, the memories they made, and the community they built.

It’s a space for healing. A space for remembering. And a space that brings people together, even across miles and time zones.

Don’t miss out on that part of the experience. It matters more than you might expect.

What Makes a Memorial Service Truly Beautiful?

Meaningful Celebration of Life mountain photo
Sunlight hits the mountain tops at a sunrise service

I know this might be a bit controversial—especially with my cousin, who’s a pastor—but I want to share an honest perspective on what truly makes a memorial or Celebration of Life meaningful. Whether you’re planning an in-person gathering or an online memorial service, the real beauty lies in how authentically the life of your loved one is honored.

The Traditional Approach: The Power of Ceremony

Some schools of thought believe that memorial services should follow a traditional ceremonial structure. This includes formal readings, prayers, songs, and perhaps a sermon delivered by a clergy member or celebrant. There’s comfort in this ritual. It offers structure at a time when emotions feel messy and unpredictable. It helps the community grieve together and provides a sense of reverence.

For many families, these ceremonial elements can bring healing and peace. They help us process loss within a familiar framework, which is especially important for people with strong religious or cultural traditions.

The True Celebration of Life

Then there are those who believe the most moving memorial services are the ones filled with personal reflections. This second school of thought focuses less on structure and more on letting the people who knew and loved the deceased share their memories, unfiltered and heartfelt.

It may not be polished. People may cry. They may laugh. But they speak from deep connection—and that’s where the magic happens. When friends and family share real stories about your loved one, you get to hear about their quirks, kindness, humor, struggles, and legacy. It’s raw and it’s real. It truly becomes a celebration of life, as loved ones celebrate the best memories of a loved one. 

Personally, I’ve seen these moments become the most meaningful part of a Celebration of Life. These unscripted tributes let your loved one’s personality shine far brighter than any formal reading could.

Let Their Story Be Told by Those Who Knew Them

Pastors and celebrants absolutely play a role—they offer guidance through grief and often bring great wisdom. But if they didn’t personally know your loved one, they can’t speak to their specific impact. That’s why I always encourage families to make space for the people who knew them best. Give them a platform to honor, to remember, and to celebrate. We’re more than happy to help you create either one of these beautiful memorial services, but personally, I find that having close loved ones share is truly powerful!

 So whether you’re planning a traditional gathering or an online memorial service, think about how you can create space for genuine storytelling. That’s where the gold is. That’s where true tribute lives.

Memorial Websites are Gaining Popularity. Here’s Why.

Online Memorial Website

As the ways we celebrate and remember our loved ones evolve, one trend has become increasingly clear: Memorial Websites are on the rise. More and more families are choosing digital spaces to honor and remember those they’ve lost—and for good reason.

While traditional headstones or printed obituaries have long held a place in memorial culture, they are often limited to a few words and dates. A Memorial Website, on the other hand, opens up an entire world of storytelling possibilities.

More Than a Name and Date

One of the primary reasons Memorial Webpages are gaining popularity is the depth and personalization they allow. These sites can include far more than just a summary of someone’s life. They offer space for:

  • Biographies and Obituaries
  • Photo Albums that span every season of life
  • Home Videos capturing both big moments and everyday joy
  • Poems, Scriptures, and Favorite Quotes
  • Music Playlists to reflect their taste and spirit
  • Writings or Publications they created or loved
  • Donation Portals for causes they cared about

This digital format creates a fuller, richer portrait of who someone truly was—and gives loved ones around the world the ability to participate in that remembering. We’re consistently seeing that families enjoy this opportunity to say more, than traditional routes.

A Space That Grows With Time

Unlike traditional memorials that remain static, a Memorial Website can grow and evolve. Guestbooks allow friends and family to add personal messages, share photos, or recount favorite memories. Some people revisit these pages on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays to reflect and post new thoughts—turning the page into a living tribute. The memorial website becomes a place for everyone to share, rather than a static object.

Flights Just got Cheaper

In today’s global world, families are often spread across cities, states, or even countries. Gone are the days of traveling long distances to view a headstone. With a memorial webpage, you don’t need to be in the same place to remember together. It makes the flights quite a bit cheaper — in fact it doesn’t cost anything! All it takes is a phone or computer to visit, read, listen, and reflect.

For those who can’t attend in-person gatherings—or in cases where a Virtual Memorial Service or Virtual Funeral is held—a memorial website often acts as the central hub for everyone to connect, mourn, and celebrate.

A Modern Tradition with Heart

Ultimately, what makes memorial websites so popular is their ability to blend tradition with technology—offering timeless remembrance in a form that meets today’s needs. They allow for deeper storytelling, broader connection, and more meaningful participation.

And in a time when every life deserves to be seen and remembered in full, that’s a beautiful thing.

What Really Happens in an Online Memorial Service?

Online Memorial Service

When people hear the words online memorial service or virtual funeral, they’re often unsure what to expect. Can a memorial really be meaningful when it’s held online? What does it include? How does it even work?

At first glance, the idea of a virtual memorial service may sound like a poor substitute for a traditional, in-person gathering. But once people understand what’s actually included, they’re often surprised at how powerful and deeply connective these services can be. Here’s what really goes into a well-crafted online memorial.

The Memorial Website: A Permanent Tribute

The first step to every online memorial is creating a memorial website—a digital space that acts as both a tribute and a gathering place. These are lasting tributes that honor your loved one’s legacy. While each site can vary significantly these sites typically include items like:

  • Obituaries
  • Service details
  • Photos and videos of your loved one
  • Poems, favorite sayings, or scriptures
  • A donation portal for causes they cared about
  • And perhaps most importantly, a guest book where family and friends from all over the world can share stories, upload their own photos, and leave heartfelt messages.

This site isn’t just a placeholder—it becomes a lasting legacy that people can return to again and again, long after the service is over. Learn more about memorial websites here, or take a look at a sample memorial webpage here. 

The Virtual Memorial Service: Honoring a Life Together

The heart of the experience is the virtual memorial service itself. This is a neatly planned service that follows a structured program to ensure every special moment is carefully executed. Just like a traditional service, it follows a intentionally designed order that may include:

  • Clergy or spiritual leaders
  • Eulogies from friends and family
  • Musical performances
  • Scripture or poetry readings
  • Ceremonial elements like candle lightings

These are live events, and everyone who speaks is given the space to do so intentionally and meaningfully. Families work with our planning team to design the order of service, choosing speakers and moments that best reflect the person they’re honoring. For more details on how we design this space, check out our post on the diamond approach! 

Rather than feeling distant or disconnected, these services often surprise people with how intimate and heartfelt they can be—even through a screen.

The Virtual Reception Room: Connection Beyond the Ceremony

After the formal service, the tone shifts. Just as you’d head to the fellowship hall or family home after a traditional funeral, the virtual reception room provides space for open connection.

There’s no script. No agenda. Just a chance for loved ones to unmute, turn on their cameras, and share. Maybe it’s a funny memory, a moment of gratitude, or simply a hello across time zones. These unscripted conversations bring warmth and community in a way that many people don’t expect from a virtual setting.

A New Way to Remember, A Deeply Human Experience

A virtual funeral doesn’t mean a lesser experience—it means a more accessible, inclusive one. With thoughtful planning, these three components—memorial website, structured service, and open reception—create something truly meaningful.

In a world that’s increasingly digital, the online memorial service isn’t just a backup plan. It’s a new, valid, and moving way to honor a life well lived.

Online Memorials are for Everyone

Memorial Image

Virtual memorial services are more than just a response to the pandemic. In fact, online memorials & celebrations of life are becoming an essential and lasting way to honor loved ones, especially in today’s increasingly mobile society.

In our modern world, people are more geographically dispersed than ever before. While someone may have spent their whole life in the same home in rural America, their family, friends, and loved ones are likely spread out across the country and even around the globe. This geographic spread can make it difficult for everyone to gather in person for a traditional memorial service, celebration of life, or funeral. That’s where virtual memorials and online celebrations of life come in.

Virtual memorials break down barriers

Even for individuals who lived in the same community for their entire life, their loved ones may be unable to travel to honor them due to distance, financial limitations, or other reasons. Virtual memorial services, online celebrations of life, and hybrid funerals break down these barriers, allowing people from anywhere in the world to join together and celebrate the life of their loved one.

At Willowise, we firmly believe that honoring a life should never be limited by geography. Virtual memorials offer a meaningful way for people to connect and share in the remembrance, regardless of where they are located. Whether family members are across the country or on the other side of the world, online memorials ensure that no one is excluded from paying their respects.

The beauty of a virtual memorial or celebration of life is its flexibility. These services allow people to participate from the comfort of their own home, any location, or from any device that works for them. Plus, with the help of technology, everyone can feel closely connected despite the physical distance between them. An added bonus is that these online gatherings can be recorded for viewing at a later date & time.

Online memorials honor memories

In a world where people are constantly moving and settling far from their hometowns, online memorial services and online celebrations of life provide a solution that brings people together to honor and remember their loved ones. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues who can’t be there in person, virtual memorials offer an inclusive, accessible way for everyone to participate.

At Willowise, we’re passionate about helping families create meaningful virtual memorial services that allow people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the memory of a loved one. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you plan a virtual memorial, reach out to us via our contact page. We’re here to assist you during this important time.

By focusing on the benefits and accessibility of virtual memorial services, we aim to provide an inclusive, respectful way for people to honor the lives of those they’ve lost.

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