10 Places to Hold a Memorial in New York City
When people think of funerals, they often imagine a traditional setting like a funeral home or a church. While these are perfectly acceptable venues, choosing cremation can offer opportunities to make a memorial more personalized and reflective of the deceased's personality and preferences.
There are a few different ways to approach planning a memorial service, especially if the deceased didn't leave specific instructions:
What the deceased told you they wanted - If you were fortunate and brave enough to have had this conversation.
What you think they would have wanted - Based on your knowledge of their tastes and preferences.
What you want - Sometimes influenced by your personal sense of closure and memorial.
Guilt-driven decisions - Traditional funeral homes may pressure you into costly options, which isn't recommended.
A memorial service is important for the deceased's family and friends to gather, share stories, and process their grief together. Acknowledging the complexity of emotions, one can be both happy and sad at the same time. You don't need a dark, somber funeral home to say goodbye and honor someone who has passed away. If you're opting for a celebration of life instead of a traditional funeral, here are some alternative venues to consider:
A memorial service is important for the deceased's family and friends to gather, share stories, and process their grief together. Acknowledging the complexity of emotions, one can be both happy and sad at the same time. You don't need a dark, somber funeral home to say goodbye and honor someone who has passed away. If you're opting for a celebration of life instead of a traditional funeral, here are some alternative venues to consider:
Reasons to Hold a Memorial Gathering
Collective Grieving: It provides a space and time for everyone to grieve together, remember, and share stories.
Sharing Memories: You might hear stories you didn't know about your loved one, offering new perspectives and cherished memories.
Joy and Closure: Allow yourself and others to experience joy and closure, remembering the happy times spent with the deceased.
Alternative Venues for a Non-Traditional Memorial Service
Central Park: Inspired by the last episode of the TV series "Parenthood," where the family scattered ashes and played baseball in the park. NYC Parks
Gospel Choir in a Church: For example, Harlem Gospel Choir. Even if they're unavailable, the idea of a joyous, clapping, and singing service with eulogies can create a memorable event.
Queens Botanical Garden: A beautiful, natural setting for a serene and reflective memorial. Queens Botanical Garden
Yankee Stadium: Host a memorial event in a space like the Warning Track for a unique tribute.
Boats: According to the EPA, remains can be placed in the ocean at least 3 nautical
Bronx Zoo: An unconventional but meaningful place, especially if the deceased loved animals. Bronx Zoo
The Riverside Church: A historic church in Upper Manhattan with various spaces, from a theater to a nave. TRCNYC.
Central Park Conservatory Garden: Rent boats in Central Park and then have drinks at the Boat House Café. Central Park Conservatory
Central Park Tavern on the Green: Contact 212-877-8684 for event planning. Central Park Tavern
Central Park Zoo: Contact 718-741-3836 for details. Central Park Zoo
Other Unique Ideas
Dance Party: Celebrate life with music and dance. City Winery
Roller Skating/Ice Rink: A fun and memorable way to honor someone who enjoyed these activities. Places to go
Each of these venues offers a unique way to celebrate the life of a loved one, allowing for a more personalized and meaningful farewell.
