Can You Get a Memorial Video
Before the Funeral?
Most families find us with a date already set. The service is Thursday; today is Sunday. This guide answers the only question that matters in that moment: is there still time — and what do you need to do first?
Is three to four days enough?
Usually, yes. Our standard delivery is within 72 hours of receiving complete materials. "Complete materials" is the phrase that decides everything: the clock starts when the photos, clips, and consent form are in — not when you first write to us. A family that gathers materials on day one almost always has the film before the service.
We also build the schedule backwards from your service date and tell you on day one whether it's realistic. If it isn't, we say so before you pay — a memorial video that arrives after the funeral is a failure we'd rather decline than deliver.
The day-by-day timeline
- Day 0 — inquiry and materials. You write to us with the service date. We reply within one business day (usually much faster when a date is near) with a materials list. You upload photos, clips, and any recordings; the family signs the consent form.
- Day 1 — preview and confirmation. If the project includes their voice, you receive the free 15-second preview first. Only when you say "that's them" does production begin — and only then is the deposit due.
- Day 2 — production. Photo restoration, gentle animation, editing, and the farewell letter recording come together into a first cut.
- Day 3 — your review and delivery. You watch the cut privately, request one round of changes, and receive the final file in formats ready for the venue's screen and for sharing with family.
The one-hour materials checklist
One person, one hour, one folder. Ask a family member to gather everything into a single phone album or folder — done imperfectly today beats done perfectly tomorrow.
- 20+ photos across the decades — prints can be photographed with a phone, straight-on in daylight
- Any short clips where they move or speak, even a few seconds
- For a voice farewell: voicemails and voice messages — see what makes a voicemail usable
- The words: a farewell letter if the family has one; if not, we help shape one from memories you share
What if the service is in 48 hours?
Ask before you assume it's too late. A shorter format — like a Living Portrait, three or more restored and animated photographs in a 30–60 second tribute, typically delivered within 48 hours — can often still make the date when a full film can't.
Tell us the exact service time in your first message. We'll answer honestly on day one: what's achievable, what isn't, and what the fallback is. No fee is taken for a timeline we can't meet.
What does it cost?
Published prices, no sales call: Living Portrait from US$249 (typically 48 hours) · Voice Farewell from US$649 · Memorial Film from US$899 (both typically 72 hours from complete materials). Every price includes one revision round; voice projects include the free preview before any payment.
For a wider market comparison, see our memorial video cost guide.
Service date already set? Write to us now with the date — gather materials while we reply. We answer within one business day, faster when the date is close, and you'll know on day one whether the timeline holds.
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