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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
