Question 1

What is a typical Virtual Memorial Service like?

Accepted Answer

Our Memorial Services allow friends and family to gather, virtually, to celebrate a loved one’s life. Any number of registered guests can join from anywhere in the world, through Zoom. 
 
Ceremonies are fully customizable, but often feature:
Welcoming remarks
A eulogy
Readings, prayers, and/or poems
Photos and videos
Facilitated open remarks and memory sharing
A toast
Closing remarks
Our team will make sure that the experience runs smoothly for speakers and guests, including communication beforehand about how to join.

Question 2

How do friends and family participate?

Accepted Answer

At Lighten, our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the experience—whether they want to contribute to the program or hear from others.
 
Our team will work with you to plan the memorial service, including any speakers, readings, and eulogies.
 
We can also facilitate open remarks, where any guest is welcome to share reflections.

Question 3

How does Lighten help with planning?

Accepted Answer

We are here to help you create a meaningful Celebration of Life.
 
You will have a dedicated Lighten team member to help with every step. They'll meet with you for a:
Ceremony Planning Session
Ceremony Walkthrough ahead of the event
Along the way, you can communicate with them through the Lighten Planning Center, email, chat, or phone. Lighten will manage:
Ceremony planning and preparation
Creating the Memorial Webpage
Registering your guests for the ceremony
Facilitating the virtual ceremony

Question 4

How long does it take to plan a ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Planning begins with a one-on-one conversation with a dedicated Lighten team member.
Virtual Memorial Services can be arranged in as little as one week. 
After our initial planning session, we typically set up a Memorial Webpage within two to three days.
For ceremonies with fewer than 10 days between the Planning Session and ceremony date, we charge an expedited fee.

Question 5

Can Lighten arrange a physical, in-person Celebration of Life?"

Accepted Answer

As social distancing restrictions have begun to ease, we are now beginning to plan in-person events. Contact us to get started.
 
We also offer a hybrid package for livestreaming in-person events. We will manage the technology and virtual experience for your guests who cannot be there in person.

Question 6

Is there a limit to the number of speakers you allow?

Accepted Answer

We do not limit the number of speakers during a ceremony. If you have questions about the number or length of speeches for your ceremony, we would be happy to discuss your ideas to ensure that your digital memorial is meaningful for both you and your guests.

Question 7

Some of my guests will be new to the Zoom platform. How can we ensure they’ll be able to join the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Accessing the ceremony is simple, and we will include instructions on the Memorial Webpage:
Register for the ceremony
ownload Zoom app 
Anyone unable to join the meeting by computer or tablet may join by phone
Guests will receive detailed email instructions from Lighten, as well as our contact information for any questions.
 
We offer email and phone support leading up to and during the ceremony for anyone having trouble joining.

Question 8

Do you charge more for weekend ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

We do not. Our pricing is dependent on the services you need, not the day on which you schedule them.

Question 9

Can you record the service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can record the service and provide a copy to you after the ceremony is complete.  We can also advise on ways to share the recording with your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions