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.
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 of the time, there is a eulogist or officiant at the service. This individual may be a member of the clergy, a friend or family member. It is generally the responsibility of the family to communicate with the individual to officiate the service. If help is needed in contacting an appropriate individual, the mortuary can provide assistance. If planning a religious service, keep in mind some groups are more specific in what should be included than others are.
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.
Families can also determine if they want to have a viewing as a part of the service. One option that is becoming more popular is the memorial service, in which the body is already cremated or buried and not at the service. However, these are personal decisions for the family.
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.
