•  Granite Headstones

•  Upright Markers

•  Memorial Monuments

•  Memorial Tomb Stones

•  Cemetery Gravestones

•  Cemetety Statues

•  Memorial Stones

•  Obelisks & Cenotaphs

•  Granite Memorials
  •  Bench Headstones
  •  Angel Memorials
  •  Jesus Headstones

•  Garden Stones

•  Memorial Symbols
  •  Crosses
  •  Jesus
  •  Crucifixion
  •  Resurrection
  •  Mary
  •  Heart Shapes

•  Service Areas

•  Funeral Services & Tips

•  Mortuary List & Tips

•  Cemetery List & Tips

•  Obituary Glossary & Tips

•  Cremation Tips

•  Memorial Music Tips

•  Memorial Poems & Tips

•  Sympathy Quotes & Tips

•  Urns Glossary & Tips

•  Caskets Glossary & Tips

•  Funeral Cost & Tips

•  Funeral Flowers & Tips

•  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 loved one was a member of a fraternal organization or has a history of military service, it may be appropriate to include these groups. Some organizations offer specific services tailored to the organization. VFW groups may also assist and present a flag to the survivors.

The decision to have a viewing before or after the service is at the digression of the family. In some locations, the viewing is considered traditional, while in others it is not. Regardless of local tradition, the family has the final say in these regards.

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.