Is A Memorial Service Right For A Lost Loved One?
Following the death of a loved one, you and your family have decide between holding a funeral or memorial service. The memorial service is usually the more economical option and offers the chance to honor the memory of a lost loved one without the added strain of paying thousands of dollars for an expensive funeral. If you are unsure whether or not a memorial service is the right option, here is what you need to know.
Why Choose a Memorial Service?
A memorial service usually occurs after the cremation of the deceased. Immediately following the death of a loved one, you can contact the funeral home or the crematory directly and request the service. Caskets can be several thousands of dollars, but the cremation is far less.
The remains will be placed in a simple container or you can opt for an urn. There are many high quality urns that are available within your family's budget and you can even opt for the engraving.
Once the cremation occurs, you do not immediately have to hold the memorial. The services can be delayed to a later time, which allows for family and friends to make the appropriate preparations to attend. It also allows time for properly planning the service so that everyone is given the opportunity to properly grieve and celebrate the life of the deceased.
What Should You Remember When Planning the Service?
When planning the memorial service, there are a few things you and your family should remember. One of the first is that you should not ignore the wishes of the deceased. Many people are taking the planning of their services into their own hands before their deaths. If your loved one pre-planned at a funeral home for the service or left instructions, try to honor them.
The memorial service is a chance to honor what was special about the deceased. You can think out of the box when planning it. For instance, if your loved one was a musician, incorporate music into the service.
Be creative and do not ignore the smaller details that will make the memorial memorable for others. Small details, such as ensuring that military honors are observed, can make a difference. Check with other family members and work with the funeral home to ensure that you are not overlooking anything in your planning. The funeral home director can provide invaluable insight on the smaller details.
Contact a group like American Cremation Society for more information.
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