It is always hard to lose a loved one, and with the responsibility of having the funeral, the burden only increases. Burial ceremonies are not mere rituals; they act as a process of celebrating the life of the deceased individual while ensuring closure for their kin and loved ones.
Below, we will explain some choices that people have when planning a funeral service. This guide is designed to help you make decisions with regard to planning and executing the necessary stages of a funeral and burial so you can get back to what is important – remembering your loved one.
Understanding Funeral Service Options
Most funeral services normally include a wake service, and burial or interment service at the cemetery. Cremation is another option that may be with or without a service. The body is cremated and the ashes are either kept, buried or scattered.
Making Thoughtful Choices Ahead of Time
It is not a secret that most individuals make arrangements for their funeral, which also turns out to be very beneficial. Making these choices before a death occurs allows a person to select the funeral service, the funeral home, and weigh their financial strength without emotions taking over. It also enables you to say some final words to your family, informing them how you want them to bury you.
What to Do When a Loved One Passes
When a close person dies, the first moments and days are the most challenging. To begin with, you must secure a legal certification of death and later inform a funeral services provider. Assembling crucial paperwork like the will, life insurance policies and any prior funeral service arrangements is also essential in this period. Informing the family, friends, and the community about the demise is another procedure that may be conducted personally or by a funeral service provider.
The Funeral Service: A Day of Remembrance
The funeral in itself is a day wherein relatives and pals of the deceased assemble as a group to mourn. Such an event’s planning requires coordinating the specific sequence of activities: the order of service, who will speak, and appropriate music or readings that the deceased would have appreciated. For instance, the funeral venue and transport for the family need to be sorted out. Mementos like photos or a memory book can be used to remember and honor the life of the deceased in a more special way.
Post-Funeral: Reflection and Memorialization
After the funeral, certain practices such as planting a tree, adopting a pet, or any other beneficial activities in the name of the deceased is also another common practice. Such actions are a great way to honor the deceased and create a space where people can come and remember the departed family member. This time is also when grieving starts, but people should know that grief is not tied to some specific schedule and everyone grieves in their own way.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are many stages when planning and organizing funeral services and each of them is invaluable. Each step in the grieving process helps in the acknowledgement of the deceased’s life and in the giving of a comprehensive farewell. This process is, of course, never pleasant, but through knowledge and careful planning, you can find some solace during one of the most difficult periods in life.