Heartfelt Memorial Services in Southern California
Meaningful Memorial Services in Southern California
At Saddleback Chapel, we’re here to walk beside you and help you create a memorial service that feels meaningful, personal, and true to your loved one’s life. Our team has been serving families in Tustin, Irvine, and the greater Southern California area since 1963, and we’re still family-owned today. We offer not just a place to gather, but the guidance and support you need when everything else feels uncertain.
A Memorial Service That Feels Like Them
A memorial service is a chance to pause, reflect, and honor someone’s life, on your terms, in your time. Unlike a traditional funeral, memorials take place after burial or cremation and allow for more flexibility and personalization.
We’ve helped families plan everything from quiet gatherings to joyful celebrations. No matter what your loved one was like—formal, fun-loving, spiritual, artistic—we’ll help you plan a service that is as unique as them.
We know that healing begins with remembering. And we believe that how you remember matters.
Thoughtful Memorial Service Suggestions and Inspiration
Many families ask: What should we include in the memorial service?
There’s no single right answer. But here are some memorial service suggestions to get you started:
- Create a slideshow or video tribute with favorite photos and music
- Share letters, readings, or eulogies from family and friends
- Display personal items—golf clubs, artwork, handwritten notes
- Set up a memory table where guests can leave messages or photos
- Include live music or a playlist of their favorite songs
- Print keepsake memorial service programs with their story, photos, or even a recipe they were known for
Planning Services Designed to Ease the Burden
Planning a service during a time of grief can feel like too much. Our role is to take that weight off your shoulders. We’re here to listen, guide, and make sure nothing is overlooked. Here’s what we help with:
- Offering guidance and memorial service ideas that reflect your loved one’s life
- Connecting you with trusted local vendors, florists, caterers, musicians, and more
- Coordinating the respectful display of cremated remains
- Providing staff support on the day of the service so you can be fully present
No detail is too small when it comes to honoring someone you love. You’ll never be rushed or pressured. We move at your pace and meet you where you are.
Why Families Choose Saddleback Chapel
We’re not just another funeral home. We’re part of this community, and we’ve been here for generations. We’re also the only family-owned mortuary in Tustin and Irvine, and we believe that makes a difference. Our services are non-denominational, meaning we welcome and honor people from all backgrounds, faiths, and traditions.
When you walk through our doors, you’re treated like family.
Frequently Asked Questions
A memorial service is held after cremation or burial. It gives families more time to plan a tribute that feels meaningful, often without the pressure of time constraints. Absolutely. Many families plan memorials after receiving the cremated remains, giving them the chance to gather extended family and friends and prepare something thoughtful. Yes. One of the most helpful aspects of a memorial service is its flexibility. Services can be planned weeks or even months after the passing, giving you time to gather everyone and plan thoughtfully. We’ll help coordinate around your needs and timeline. No. Despite “chapel” being in our name, we are not a religious institution. We’re a non-denominational mortuary and funeral home—welcoming everyone, always.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
Right now, you might not know what comes next. That’s okay. All you need to do is reach out. At Saddleback Chapel, we’re here to listen, support, and help you plan a memorial service that honors your loved one with warmth and dignity.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote. We’ll help you explore memorial service suggestions and provide gentle, experienced guidance—so you can focus on remembering.