Virtual Grief Support Events for Funeral Homes

As the world becomes increasingly digital, funeral homes are reimagining how they support grieving families beyond the service itself. One of the most meaningful, scalable, and impactful ways to extend care is by offering virtual grief support events. These digital gatherings not only meet people where they are—in their homes—but also remove barriers like travel, cost, and accessibility that might prevent someone from seeking help during a vulnerable time.

In this guide, we’ll explore the why, what, and how of virtual grief events—plus tips for implementation, best platforms to use, and how to integrate these events into your funeral home’s offerings with care and professionalism.

1. Grief Doesn’t End After the Funeral
   Bereaved families often feel isolated once the services are over. Virtual grief events create an extended arc of support that builds trust and emotional connection.

2. Accessibility and Convenience
   Online events allow attendees to join from anywhere, whether they’re a senior with limited mobility or a young adult living in another state.

3. Scalability for Funeral Homes
   Hosting one virtual support group per month can serve dozens of families, without the overhead of in-person space or logistics.

4. Brand Differentiation
   Funeral homes that offer ongoing care—not just transaction-based services—build deeper loyalty and stand out in a crowded market.

Led by licensed counselors or grief coaches, these small group sessions provide a safe space for attendees to share, listen, and process emotions.

One-time or recurring webinars on topics like “Understanding Grief Triggers” or “Coping with the Holidays” can draw larger audiences and establish your brand as a grief-support resource.

Create monthly or quarterly remembrance events where families can light candles, share photos, and honor loved ones together.

Host events for specific types of loss—such as child loss, spousal grief, pet loss, or COVID-19 related grief.

Offer art journaling, music therapy, or guided meditation sessions virtually to support emotional expression.

1. Choose the Right Platform

   • Zoom: Easy for most users and supports breakout rooms

   • Google Meet: Free and simple

   • Webex or Microsoft Teams: Ideal for businesses with enterprise tools

2. Partner with Professionals
   Partner with grief counselors, therapists, or hospice organizations for content, facilitation, or co-hosting.

3. Set a Schedule
   Offer recurring events (e.g., the first Tuesday of each month) so families know what to expect.

4. Promote Thoughtfully
   Use email follow-ups after funerals, website banners, or social media to share invitations. Provide clear instructions and a welcoming tone.

5. Offer Privacy and Guidelines
   Ask participants to mute when not speaking, share only what they’re comfortable with, and respect confidentiality.

• Send calendar invites and email reminders

• Allow time for introductions or optional participation

• Use visual prompts or slides to guide discussion

• Offer optional breakout rooms for smaller group discussions

• Record sessions (with permission) or provide takeaways like grief journals or PDFs

• Create a post-event email with additional resources and contact info

1-Hour Grief Support Group Agenda

• Welcome and overview (5 min)

• Grounding activity (breathing or reflection – 5 min)

• Guided discussion or prompt (30 min)

• Optional open sharing (15 min)

• Closing reflection or poem (5 min)

Webinar Format

• Live expert presentation with slides (30–45 min)

• Live Q&A (15–30 min)

• Optional follow-up email with resources and replay link

• Branded Zoom Rooms: Include your logo and message of care

• Follow-Up Emails: Automatically invite families 2–3 weeks after a service

• Package Offering: Promote grief support as part of your full-service care model

• Community Partnerships: Work with churches, hospice teams, or senior centers to cross-promote

• Testimonials: Capture feedback to show the value of these events on your website or in newsletters

A funeral home in Oregon began hosting virtual grief gatherings in 2020. Initially intended as a pandemic stopgap, the program grew into a year-round service with monthly support sessions, seasonal memorials, and guest speakers. Families began returning not just for events—but for preneed planning, urn purchases, and referrals. Their care extended far beyond the chapel—and families noticed.

• Canva or Google Slides: To build visual content for events

• Calendly or Eventbrite: For RSVP tracking and scheduling

• Facebook Events or Groups: To engage local audiences

• Oaktree Memorials Blog: Share articles and grief resources before or after events

Virtual grief support events are more than a digital convenience—they’re a lifeline for families navigating the isolating terrain of loss. They allow funeral homes to fulfill a deeper mission: not just to arrange a passing, but to care for the living who carry the memory forward.

At Oaktree Memorials, we believe grief care is an ongoing process. That’s why we advocate for services—both physical and digital—that help families feel supported, seen, and connected.

By launching or enhancing your virtual grief offerings, you not only serve your families more fully—you build trust that lasts beyond a single moment of loss.