There is no specific “best way” that would be right for each client and their family to arrange for final goodbyes. However, there are many options and starting points that can be taken to plan these final arrangements. So, let’s take a moment to define a few formats and service options now.
Funeral Service: A common form of honoring ceremony is a funeral service. Funerals are calendared as soon as possible after death has occurred. This makes the most sense from a practical standpoint since a funeral service is centered around the deceased person’s remains. However, there is a lot of room for individual expression to be offered in the funeral from elaborate, upscale events with several parts or brief and very private services.
Burial Service: A burial service can be part of a more extensive funeral service, or it may be held as a standalone service at the time of interment. Burials can occur for casketed, shrouded, or cremated remains. Depending on your place for burial, above-ground and below-ground interment solutions are possible. If you are interested in above-ground entombment, look for an establishment that offers burial in crypts, mausoleums, or columbarium structures.
Cremation Service: Cremation is classified more as a body disposition or preparation service and less of an honoring service. However, cremation is undoubtedly a respectful means of taking care of the deceased. The procedure transitions the corpse into a few pounds of ashen remains, with all soft tissues being thoroughly burned away. If a public honoring ceremony is wanted, it can be planned for someone who has been cremated. Some people are surprised to learn that one person can have a funeral and cremation in Avondale, PA.
Memorial Service: As an alternative to a funeral service, the memorial can afford more flexibility by having the deceased remains cared for before this service is held. Especially if more time is wanted for planning or allowing families to gather, a memorial can be a practical solution to honor the deceased.
Life Celebration: This is a beautiful lens to honor your loved one if you are hoping to focus on their legacy, passions, and the life that has been lived. A Life Celebration can be worked into a funeral or memorial format. Some families find that theming an event around an activity or location meaningful to the departed individual can be cathartic and an especially poignant way to celebrate their life.