Whether it's geography, timing or financial challenges, it's not always possible to say goodbye to a loved one the way we'd like.
Online funeral streaming is the next best thing for those who can't be there in person and can provide some much-needed closure.
When you book an online funeral service, video cameras are mounted at strategic and respectful positions in the chapel.
When the funeral begins, the cameras start to live stream the service over the Internet so those who can't attend can watch everything as it happens. The service is usually recorded at the same time.
There are many benefits to using a professional online funeral streaming service over doing it yourself. Some of the main ones to consider include:
There are a few ways you can live stream funeral services, it generally depends on how the funeral provider operates and which option feels right for you:
You can usually access the stream via its website and you'll need to pay a small fee for the service.
Companies like Tasteful Transitions and One Room are good options if the funeral home does not offer live streaming.
The easiest way to do this is usually with a phone, tablet or laptop. If you want to stream it live, then platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live make sure those who can't attend the service can still observe the funeral and pay their respects./p>
Live streaming a funeral can add to the overall cost of a funeral and can set you back as little as $80 or more than $1,500, depending on the set-up. How much you'll pay depends on how you choose to live stream your funeral service.
If you're on a budget then streaming the funeral over Facebook Live or Zoom could save you money, provided you already have a phone, tablet or laptop to use. Remember to check if your chosen funeral home allows you to do this.
If you're looking for a mid-range option, funeral homes set their own rates but can charge anywhere between $80 and $350 to live stream the service for you.
For a professional set-up, online funeral services like Tasteful Transitions charge upwards of $750. This usually includes live streaming from three different angles, a DVD recording in a leather case and USB drive and digital photographs of the service. For $1,650 (+ GST), Event Video Production provides one videographer, two cameras, multiple microphones and a live stream operator.
If you're worried about adding to the cost of a funeral in the future, you might consider planning ahead with funeral insurance which can help cover costs such as funeral streaming.
Several funeral providers now allow you to watch the funeral live online from your laptop or computer and many funeral homes have their own streaming service.
You'll normally receive a link to a page that streams the service. You can forward this to your family and friends so that they can view the service as well. The live stream is sometimes from one main camera, though others may have more than 1. Live streaming usually starts around 10 minutes before the funeral or memorial commences.
Some will also provide a DVD and USB drive containing all the photos and video. With a USB drive, you can make copies for family and friends.
As it's a relatively new space, there aren't many official streaming services. A few services that we found available are:
It's easy to let family members and friends know that they can join the online stream by following these steps:
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