If you haven’t been through the process of planning a funeral, then it can be a lot to handle when you are facing this challenging task. Many people are struggling with their grief of losing a loved one. At the same time, they need to face the reality of designing a funeral to showcase the life of the person. The best thing that you can do is choose a reputable funeral home in Clarkdale, GA for assistance.
A funeral director has many years of experience in the industry. You can tap into this expertise to learn the best practices for the type of funeral that you want for your loved one. Ask questions, learn about the services, and then customize the day to match your preferences.
Here are a few things to consider when you are putting together the plan for the upcoming event:
1. Final Resting Place
Where should the person be laid to rest? If you choose a casket burial, then your choices will be limited to cemeteries. You have the freedom to choose the cemetery that you prefer. Plus, you can discuss the options for burial plots that are available within the cemetery. This final resting place is important because it will be the location where people come when they want to remember the person who was lost. So, pay attention to the details such as ease of access, the design of the headstone, and the proximity to other family members.
On the other hand, cremation gives you more flexibility for the final resting place. You aren’t limited to a cemetery burial. Instead, you might choose to keep the ashes in an urn in your home. These ashes can be divided into multiple urns so that you can share them with other family members. Or, you can choose a location to scatter the ashes.
2. Viewing or Not?
The next thing that you need to consider is whether or not you want to plan a viewing. A viewing can be planned with a traditional burial as well as cremation. Often, the viewing is held the night before the funeral, with a shorter viewing time on the morning of the funeral. Then, the casket will be closed before the funeral services commence.
If you choose a viewing and cremation, then the body will be cremated after the funeral services are over. Family and friends will have an opportunity to say goodbye. Then, you can choose the final resting place for the ashes.
When a viewing is scheduled, you will need to work with the funeral home to arrange for embalming and a casket. Pick a casket design and color that matches the personality of the one you have lost.
3. Funeral, Memorial, or Celebration of Life
The term “funeral” usually refers to a gathering where the body is present in a casket. This funeral can be planned before the cremation if you prefer. Or, you can schedule the cremation first and then have a memorial after the cremation is complete. Consider the benefit of having the ashes present in an urn on the day of the memorial.
Some families don’t like the somber atmosphere that is created at a funeral or memorial. So, they choose to have a Celebration of Life instead. This event is designed to highlight the successes and accomplishments of the person in a positive, uplifting way. You can hold the celebration of life in your home, at a funeral home, at an event center, outside, or anywhere else that you want to have a party. Design the party with details that were loved by the deceased, such as their favorite foods and décor.
4. Cost of the Services
Budget is a factor that needs to be considered when planning a funeral or cremation. Funeral costs can add up and cause a significant debt for the family. So, it is important to compare the cost of the services while considering the financial needs of the family as well.
Some families skip the funeral to avoid the expenses of holding the event. But, it is important that you have a gathering where people can mourn and say goodbye. Instead of skipping the funeral, it might be better to choose a cheaper venue, such as a church or backyard. Or, choose cremation instead of a casket burial.
Cremation tends to be cheaper for many families. If you pick cremation, you can choose to have a direct service without an embalming and a viewing. Plus, you can avoid the costs of a casket, burial plot, and graveside services.
At Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory, we will gladly customize your funeral plans in Clarkdale, GA. Visit our funeral home at 1975 East-West Connector, Austell, GA. 30106. Call to learn how we can help with upcoming funeral services: (770) 944-2900