When a loved-one passes and the grief of loss is overwhelming, a funeral service can help provide an opportunity for friends and family to honor and remember the deceased in a place that helps foster an environment of comfort, support, and healing. But planning a funeral service can be overwhelming; therefore, knowing what to plan for can help ease you into the process of saying final goodbyes to loved ones.
Whether it is pre-planned or is an “at-need” event, there are basic steps to follow to ensure that the process of saying goodbye and burying a loved one is easy and not overwhelming, especially when grieving. Let’s go through important aspects you should keep in mind when planning a funeral service.
Funeral Service
Traditionally, the deceased’s body is present at a funeral service, or if cremation is an option, the cremated human remains of the deceased are present. When the deceased’s body or cremated remains are not present, the service is considered a memorial service. So, first and foremost, understanding the difference between a funeral service and memorial service is important, although in essence, both are events to honor, remember, and celebrate the deceased with all family and friends present.
Specific Services
A funeral service is an extremely personal event, so the wishes of the deceased and family members are important; therefore, deciding on where to hold a funeral service is important, depending on the deceased and family’s wishes. Funeral services can be held at funeral homes or religious places. If the deceased or family members have specific religious or cultural traditions they would like at the service, it can be discussed with a funeral director or a religious figure.
Next, deciding on whether or not there should be an open casket should be discussed. Combining services and personalizing the event to cater to the deceased and his/her family’s needs can be important for family and friends.
Sending out death notices or an obituary is essential to inform as many friends and family as possible. Along with the notice, family and friends can specify whether or not they’ll accept sympathy flowers or donations to help ensure a smooth service.
Remembering the Deceased
To honor and remember the deceased, there may be readings such as religious verses, hymns or poems that family or friends will want to deliver. There may also be videos or other memorabilia that people wish to present, so ensuring the right technology and resources is important. There may be music or other personal wishes of the family, such as catered food and drinks or a pot-luck that funeral service goers should be notified of.
Once basic preparations have been thought through, choosing the right provider can help make the process go easier. Providers can help with specific details of services and understanding costs and fees. Many times, there are cultural or religious wishes that family and friends want, and the right funeral director or service provider can help. Keeping these points in mind will help you go through an already difficult process and hopefully arrive at a place of contentment.
