While every ceremony is unique to the individual and the needs of their family, the underlying importance of the event remains the same: it is the single most important step you can take toward healing after loss – for everyone involved.
Thomas Lynch, a Funeral Director and writer, said that “A good funeral gets the dead where they need to go and the living where they need to be.” And we couldn’t agree with him more.
“But,” you ask, “What should the funeral for my loved one look like?” And we would respond by saying, “What would you like it to be?”
We will sit down with you and ask the questions, share the stories, and explore the many options available to you. That will lead us all to the most appropriate service for your loved one, your faith, and your budget.
Together, we will choose where, when and how to hold the funeral or memorial service. You will choose the musical selections, the prayers, and the special personal touches that will help you commemorate the life of someone you held so dear to you. We’ll advise you where we need to; but in the end, you’ll make the decisions and then leave the rest to us.
The first decision involves selecting the perfect location for your loved one’s funeral or memorial service. You can choose to hold your ceremony in our chapel or you can choose to hold it elsewhere. The ceremony is typically led by a religious leader or a friend. Just let us know what you think would be best for all concerned.
Next, you may wish to inform your wider circle of family and friends of the service location, date, and time. We will help you spread the word, through print and online channels to bring your community together to commemorate your loved one’s life.
Many choose to hold a viewing or visitation. It is often done the day before or the day of a ceremony. This gives family and friends the opportunity to gather together and support one another in an informal setting.
You may choose to have a casket present to allow viewing of your loved one and give everyone a chance to say a final goodbye before the service, burial or cremation. If cremation will take place, you may either purchase or rent a casket. A rental casket involves a reusable outer shell with an inner liner that is new each time.