Thank you for joining us today to remember and celebrate a life that meant so much to so many. This memorial service has been planned with care — there is a program below to guide you through the day, but above all, we hope you'll feel free to simply be present. Please silence your phone and allow yourself to feel whatever comes.
Please arrive a few minutes before the service begins. Take a moment to sign the guestbook at the entrance, view the memory display, and find a seat. The front rows are reserved for immediate family.
The MC or celebrant opens the service with a welcome and introduction, setting the tone for the gathering.
A piece of music or a poem chosen by the family is shared as a moment of reflection to open the service.
A close family member shares personal memories, stories, and a tribute to the person's life.
A close friend or long-time colleague shares their memories and what made this person so special to them.
A meaningful song chosen by the family plays in full — a moment to pause and remember.
A curated slideshow of photographs celebrating the person's life plays to music.
Messages from family and friends unable to attend in person are shared on screen.
An additional family member, friend, or colleague shares a reading, poem, or tribute.
Anyone who'd like to share a short memory or story is warmly invited to come forward. Please keep contributions brief so others have a chance to speak.
The celebrant or MC offers a closing reflection and thanks all guests for being here.
An uplifting or meaningful track chosen by the family closes the formal service.
Guests are invited to move to the reception area for tea, coffee, and light refreshments. The family will be there to greet you.
The family will be at the door to farewell guests personally. Thank you for being here.
Smart casual or formal attire in dark or muted tones is appropriate unless the family has suggested otherwise. Some memorial services — particularly celebrations of life — may request a specific colour or more relaxed dress. Check the invitation or notice for guidance, and if in doubt, err on the side of neat and respectful.
A funeral takes place with the coffin present, usually within a few days of death, and includes a formal committal ceremony. A memorial service is held without the coffin — often weeks or months later — and focuses on tributes, remembrance, and shared stories. It tends to be more personal and flexible in tone.
A sympathy card is always appropriate. If the family has nominated a charity in lieu of flowers, a donation in the person's name is a thoughtful gesture. Flowers are welcome unless the family has requested otherwise. Some guests choose to bring a plant, a book of personal messages, or a framed photo as a lasting tribute.
The reception after the formal program is the ideal time to speak with the family. During the service itself, please save conversations for the reception — the family is focused on being present for the tributes and is receiving a lot of emotion throughout the day. A warm handshake, hug, or simply sitting nearby says everything.
A compassionate guide for funeral guests covering the service, committal, and reception — so everyone knows what to expect and can be fully present.
View Schedule →MemorialA guest-friendly guide to the celebration of life program — covering welcome, tributes, open memory sharing, and informal reception so guests know what to expect.
View Schedule →WeddingA full wedding day timeline from ceremony arrival through to the last dance — everything a guest needs to know.
View Schedule →Build a polished, shareable order-of-events for your guests in minutes. Run Sheets makes it easy to create, customise, and share your event schedule — no spreadsheets required.