A memorial slideshow is the perfect way to honor the memory of a loved one. Learn how to create one with our easy-to-follow guide.
A memorial slideshow is a way to honor the deceased and celebrate his or her life. Usually played during the memorial service, it contains the most memorable and treasured moments of the person’s life journey. You might find it difficult to dedicate the slideshow to your friend’s or relative’s departure, but it is a healthy and healing method of dealing with your emotions. Through a funeral slideshow, you can say everything that you have always wanted to say and express your deepest gratitude and appreciation.
General tips on how to make a memorial slideshow:
Don’t Make It Too Long
On average, slideshows are four to five minutes long with about 30 to 40 images. The reason for it is that it perfectly fits an average song. If you have doubts about the duration, you can always consult with the funeral director to get some advice.
Choose the Right Images
The most common type of slideshow usually depicts the deceased’s life journey. You can also focus on the most significant and important milestones, like marriage and having your first child. If the dearly departed had a hobby like traveling or photography, consider showing that in your video. Add a couple of pictures where your loved one is surrounded by friends and family members, but try to stick to images that are not crowded.
Digitalize the Photos
It is possible that some of the photos are going to be not digital since they have been kept in family albums for years and years. Most of the time, such images are the most precious ones and deserve to be on the slideshow because they are so rare and special. If that’s the case, you will have to scan and edit them. If you don’t trust yourself to edit pictures, ask professionals – modern editing software can breathe a new life into old and worn out images.
Add a Sentimental Tune
A memorial tribute needs a song to make it more personable. For example, a classic piece or a sentimental track would be a perfect addition to the memorial slideshow. Try to find something that your friend truly loved to convey his or her personality. The deceased’s favorite song will remind everyone of some of the best moments they spent together and help them connect with their feelings. Here are some appropriate tunes that will help you and others reminisce and go through the healing process together:
- Frank Sinatra – “My Way”
- Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven”
- Sarah Brightman – “Time to Say Goodbye”
Include Quotes
When a close friend or relative passes away, it is hard to find the right words to express how you feel. Try to remember the person’s life motto, last words, or favorite poem. Perhaps you have a poem that you would like to share during the memorial service. Finally, you can look for famous quotes on the internet and choose one that speaks to you the most:
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”
“A person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.”
“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.”
How to Create a Slideshow for a Funeral
You will also need a memorial slideshow maker to make your slideshow complete. Take a look at SmartSHOW 3D, which offers a wide range of ready-made tools to make a slideshow. Instead of spending time learning a program and designing the layout, you can create a slideshow in under five minutes and focus more on the content.
First of all, choose a funeral template and upload images to the program. Arrange the photos on the storyline to create a traceable and meaningful life story. If the template lacks some designing details like picture frames, you can always add or change them in the tool. Secondly, choose one of the transition effects but try to select a simple and elegant effect rather than a flashy one. Later, choose one of the songs in the built-in library or upload one from your PC. Add captions with poems and quotes in the font and size that fits the slideshow. Finally, save and share your work directly from the funeral slideshow maker to social media networks or send it via email. For your older relatives, you can save it on your PC in any popular format and burn it to a DVD to bring to the memorial slideshow.
It is a very tough time for you and your family, which is why you should get together and support each other. Working on a slideshow and looking back at the brightest moments of your loved one will help you share your feelings and go through a healing process of acceptance.
