However, if you are holding the service outside in a public park, you’ll need to do your own cleanup.įire extinguisher. Depending on where you hold the memorial service, wastebaskets or garbage bags may be provided. Bring plenty of extra garbage bags to clean up after the event. Make sure to include this in your invitations. Guests should be encouraged to bring their own chair or blanket as well. If they are not (if you choose to hold the service outside for example), you may want to bring chairs or even picnic blankets for your guests to sit on. Depending on the setting of the service, chairs may be provided. If you plan on holding a lengthy memorial service, you should consider providing guests with a place to sit. Also be sure to bring plenty of napkins, cups, or plastic silverware if necessary.Ĭhairs/Something for your guests to sit on. You may also want to consider bringing a table to set them up on. If you decide to serve snacks or beverages after the service, be sure to have those on hand. But in case they come unprepared, your guests will appreciate you providing something to keep them warm. It would be a good idea to include what guests should wear to the event on the invitation. If the service is going to be held outside during a cold month, you may want to bring provisions in case your guests get cold. For their comfort, having water available will be much appreciated.īlankets, hand warmers, or wraps. During that time, people may become thirsty. Candlelight memorial services can last anywhere from an hour or more. As a courtesy to your guests, you may want to provide water bottles in case someone gets thirsty. But having extra matches on hand won’t hurt.īottles of water available. Most people will be able to light their candles from the flame of the person standing next to them. Be sure to bring plenty of matches and lighters to light the candles with. They can be relatively inexpensive and purchased in bulk ahead of time to have on hand for your guests. Candle drip protectors come in a variety of styles and materials. You and your guests will need something to hold your candles in to prevent the wax from dripping. However, it’s a good idea to have extra on hand in case a guest forgets to bring one with them.Ĭandle drip protectors. You can also ask guests to bring their own if you want to save money. Order candles in bulk ahead of time to prepare for the ceremony. Any kind of candle will do, but generally plain white candles are most used for vigils. Every guest will need a candle to participate in the candlelight memorial and pay their respects.

The Memorial also provides an opportunity to challenge stigma and encourage activism and community dialogue, while highlighting the need to safeguard the advances that have been made in stemming the epidemic and to make greater progress in the future.Candles. The occasion will be used to further the overarching aims of ensuring that HIV stays firmly on the social and political agenda and that HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services are available to all who need them. The memorial, with the theme of “Let’s keep the light on HIV”, is coordinated by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and is spearheaded by a coalition of more than a thousand community organizations, such as networks of HIV-positive people, women’s and youth groups, businesses, academic institutions, faith-based organizations and the media. People who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses will also be remembered. Activities will range from small local vigils to national commemorations as people come together to light candles, march, perform, raise awareness and express solidarity with people living with and affected by HIV. On 18 May, thousands of people will take part in events around the world to support the thirty-first International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.