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Designing A Memorial Service And Saying Goodbye
When you lose a loved one to death, a funeral ceremony offers a formal way to say goodbye. Such services should be personalized to reflect the life of the individual. The mortuary you use offers assistance in planning an appropriate service for your loved one.
When planning the service, consider the music you will use. You may opt for live music, through voice or instruments. Other options include the use of recorded music, which is growing in popularity.
Most services include an officiant or eulogist. In the past, it was common for a member of the clergy to fill this role; however, today there is more freedom in who will lead the service. The family generally communicates directly with those responsible for conducting the service. Some religious groups provide more direction in the manner of conducting the services than others. If you want a religious service, but are unsure who you should contact, the mortuary staff can provide assistance.
Often the individual may have been a part of a fraternal organization or served in the military. Such groups may be invited to take part in the service. Some have specific types of services, specific to their organizations. Veterans groups may offer the final playing of taps, salute to the deceased (21 gun), and present a flag to the family.
The family can also decide about the viewing and whether they want it to be a part of a service. While considered traditional in some locations, it is not in others. No matter what the local customs, this is truly a decision the family can make.
The process of saying goodbye is difficult. For many, it is an important part of the process of grieving the loss. If possible, talk with loved ones before their death to determine what they want in terms of a funeral ceremony. This makes it easier to plan a service you know your lost loved one would approve.
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