The Funeral...

• Helps confirm the reality and finality of death
• Provides a climate for mourning and the expression of grief
• Allows the sorrows of one to become the sorrows of many
• Is one of the few times love is given and not expected in return
• Is a vehicle for the community to pay its respects
• Encourages the affirmation of religious faith
• Is a declaration that a life had been lived as well as a sociological statement that a death has occurred

No two lives are exactly the same,
and no two funeral services should be, either...
A funeral service that’s both meaningful and memorable should be as unique as the individual being celebrated.  It should be a ceremony, reflecting personal values, interests and experiences – all the things that form the rich tapestry of a life worth celebrating.

Planning any funeral service, though, requires making many decisions during a difficult and painful time.  You want to organize an event that honors and highlights your loved one’s life, which can be very challenging with the emotions and responsibilities that are presented during this time.

A funeral director can provide knowledge, high-quality service and the breadth of experience necessary to help you plan the best funeral possible.  He or she can be your greatest source of help, support and direction as you sort through your options and begin to make plans.  While funeral directors are experienced in personally working with grieving families on a weekly basis, they will be able to provide information, advice, understanding and empathy at a time when everyone needs a little guidance.

A meaningful funeral service is an essential life occasion that truly helps family and friends begin the healing process.  To assist your funeral director, there are steps you can take to create an event that will allow everyone to say goodbye – and to remember the life being celebrated.

Special touches make a world
of difference...
As you begin planning for this unforgettable experience, let your loved one’s life be your guide.  To help you focus, here are some ideas that can make a world of difference in your service.

Personal effects and reminiscence – To begin personalizing a funeral, consider what was unique and memorable about your loved one.  Think about his or her special qualities, passions, hobbies and pastimes.  Was your husband an amateur painter?  Consider holding a retrospective of his work.  Was your grandmother a teacher?  You may want to ask the school choir to perform at the service, or invite a former student to speak.  Your creativity will provide a lasting, honorable representation of your love one.

Music – Music can be a powerful way to remember your loved one.  Today, many services feature a mix of religious and secular music played from a CD or even by a live musician.

Involve family and friends – While you might be somewhat reluctant to ask, family and friends may feel honored to get involved in your loved one’s funeral.  Your funeral director can help you create an interactive experience to help people who are grieving, especially children.

Speakers – Think about asking key individuals to contribute a remembrance, reading, poem or favorite story.  Many times, such contributions can go a long way toward capturing the essence of your loved one.

Special touches – One way of making a ceremony more special is to create decorative touches such as candles, a special covering to drape over the casket or a photograph montage of the person whose life you are celebrating.  Consider placing chairs in a semicircle or in small, intimate clusters around the room.

Mementos or remembrances – Hand out a small keepsake as friends and family leave the funeral, something that will later bring your loved one to mind.

Memorials – Dedicating a memorial to your loved one is a wonderful way of honoring them.  Planting a tree or making a contribution to a relevant charity can create a lasting memory that will also benefit others.