Creating and capturing memories at funeral and memorial services
Adding personal touches to a funeral or memorial service
Live music
In terms of creating a ceremony that fully conveys the passions of the one who has died, incorporating a live music performance into the funeral or memorial service for a music lover can be particularly moving.
The Big Gospel Choir cater for funeral and memorial services, including graveside ceremonies. They provide soloists / groups of 3-8 singers and organ / piano / acoustic guitar accompanists.
The St Albans Celebration Choir draws its members from the St Albans Bach Choir and is available to hire for funerals at venues within St Albans and the surrounding area.
Music Students for Hire provide live music including soloists, pianists, string quartets, harpists, jazz and swing, choir and vocal groups. Their musicians are graduates and undergraduates from some of the top music colleges and universities around the country. Their mission is to provide live music at competitive prices whilst simultaneously creating professional opportunities for musicians at the early stages of their careers.
Dove releases
Some people like the idea of having something visual to symbolise the spirit's release from the body. In the past, people turned to balloons and sky lanterns, but nowadays many are looking for a safer and more environmentally-friendly alternative. Throughout the ages, the image of the dove has been associated with love, peace and freedom, so a dove release can be a perfect choice. It can also work particularly well if there are children in attendance because children can be actively involved in the releasing process. Please see Up and Flying Dove Releases or Lambert's White Dove Release for further information about local dove releasing companies.
Live streaming
Many crematoria and churches now have equipment installed to record or webcast services, so that those who cannot attend in person can still watch the proceedings. However, if you elect to hold the service outdoors, or at your own home, or at an alternative venue such as a barn, village hall or golf club, you may want to employ the services of a professional live streaming company who will bring their own portable equipment with them.
Funeral Streaming by Story House Productions is an experienced funeral live streaming service. Their photographers arrive well ahead of each ceremony to ensure their setting up is a calm and seamless process. To eliminate the worry of sourcing a power supply, all their equipment is battery operated, and they use full HD cameras and multiple microphones to provide a high quality viewing experience. They set up a private page for each ceremony, and will add a welcome message from you to your viewers, a photo of your loved one, an electronic copy of the order of service, and links for donations to charity.
Photography
We consider it par for the course to employ a professional photographer at weddings, but most of us are less accustomed to the idea of having a funeral photographer. However, given funerals tend to occur at emotionally charged times, many people find the day passes in a bit of a blur and afterwards have difficulty remembering all the details. A discrete photographer can capture and commemorate the service, allowing you to reflect and draw comfort from the images when you feel ready to do so. Tori Deslauriers is based in St Albans but travels widely for assignments. Please see her website for further details.