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•  Funeral Services & Tips

•  Mortuary List & Tips

•  Cemetery List & Tips

•  Obituary Glossary & Tips

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•  Memorial Music Tips

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•  Urns Glossary & Tips

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•  Funeral Cost & Tips

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•  Funeral Homes Tips

Designing A Memorial Service And Saying Goodbye

A funeral ceremony is a way of saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed. They can be highly personalized to reflect the individual's life. The personnel at the mortuary can help you to make plans that are an appropriate reflection of the individual.

One important question to consider is the music that is appropriate for such an occasion. Live music is appropriate, whether you choose instrumentalists or vocalists. In the past few decades, it has become more common to use recordings.

There is usually a eulogist or officiant for the service. This person may be a clergy member, family friend or even a member of the family. The family is generally responsible to communicate with the individual in planning the service. In some cases, families need help in contacting a person who can do this job. Most mortuaries offer assistance. Keep in mind that some religious ceremonies may include specifics as to what is included in the services.

If your family member was a member of a fraternal group or in the military, these groups may take part in the service. Some fraternal groups offer services that are specific to the organization. Veterans groups may provide a final playing of taps, a 21 gun salute and present a flag to the survivors.

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.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one who has passed. However, the funeral ceremony is an important part of the process for many. Plans for the services should be discussed before the passing of a loved one. This allows the survivors to make plans for a service they are certain would have been approved by the individual.