Coordinating a funeral can be like taking control of an aircraft while still learning how to fasten your seatbelt. One minute you are facing grief; in an instant you find yourself immersed in caskets, eulogies and funeral flower etiquette.
The Big Picture: Setting the Tone
When planning a funeral, remember this important fact: this event should not be seen as a party – instead it should serve to remember and grieve, while celebrating life lived. So, how would you like it set its atmosphere? Are we discussing somber and reflective or joyous and celebratory celebration? Selecting a suitable soundtrack for life’s end credits can be like selecting violins versus trumpets; Mozart versus Metallica? Remember, this process should not aim to please everyone; rather it should create an environment which honors and truly represents who the one being celebrated is. Remember, the tone you set will influence all other decisions to come; so choose carefully; this first step on the road towards creating an unforgettable send-off will bring lasting memories of celebration!
Timing Is Everything
Timing is everything when it comes to funerals. You are hosting an extremely specific kind of party and must choose an ideal time and date to throw it. Too soon and the shock remains raw; too long later and people’s lives start taking over again. So, when should you plan a final farewell? Immediately? A week later? Perhaps an themed Halloween funeral? Pro tip: there is no one-size-fits-all timeframe – take some time out, consider your needs, wishes of deceased (if known), practicalities for attendees – then make decisions accordingly. Time won’t stop moving; only you have control in this moment in time!
Money Talks: Budget Considerations
Everyone knows death can be expensive. As you grieve the death of a loved one, the last thing you need is financial strain on top of everything else. But one funeral doesn’t need to lead directly into bankruptcy. Attaining success involves setting expectations, prioritizing, and making informed choices that meet budgetary constraints. From caskets and cremation services, flowers to fond farewells – everything comes at a cost – so sit down, take a deep breath, and let’s talk numbers! Before planning, it is important to set realistic budgetary expectations. Keep in mind that the value of a funeral lies in its ability to offer meaningful, respectful, and heartfelt tributes – not its price tag. Aunt Ethel would want us to remember her with fond memories rather than burden her with debts she left behind.
Burial or Cremation? That is the Question
Traditional burial offers its symbolic final resting place and memorial site for loved ones to visit; cremation offers flexibility and often affordability. Cremation provides an avenue for Aunt Ethel’s remains to be scattered in her favorite rose garden, stored in an elegantly designed urn on your mantel or even transformed into timeless jewelry pieces. Making this decision won’t be simple, and should take into account all aspects of their life and their wishes, religious or cultural practices, budget considerations and more. Be patient as you consider all options – this decision should reflect what feels right to both parties involved, not what society dictates is best.
Eulogies: Arguably the Hardest Part of Any Funeral
Writing a eulogy can be one of the most intimidating parts of a funeral. No longer just grieving relative but public speaker with the task of summarizing Aunt Ethel’s entire life into just minutes is no simple task! But make no mistake – she was no ordinary woman! How can you capture her spirit, zest for life, and uncanny ability to know when you were sneaking cookies before dinner? First and foremost, remember a eulogy is not a biography. Writing an emotional tribute and collecting memories to Aunt Ethel can be a heartfelt way of sharing her unique qualities that made her who she was. Use humor, be kind and be honest – don’t feel obliged to pretend she was perfect. At her funeral service, it will likely be her unique characteristics – like wearing Halloween clothing to a Christmas party – that you remember most fondly. So share that story and let people see the Aunt Ethel you knew and loved. Just remember a eulogy isn’t about having perfect words; rather it should express love in as genuine way possible and remember there’s no right or wrong way of doing that.
Funeral Programs and Thank You Notes
A funeral program can serve as an emotional Swiss Army knife; serving as both a guide through the service, mementos for grieving loved ones and an unexpected canvas for Aunt Ethel to display her memorable ‘Christmas Halloween’ photo. As you craft the program for a funeral service, keep in mind that it serves more than simply as a schedule of events; mourners will cherish this reminder of a life well lived. Include photos, favorite quotes or even handwritten messages from their dearly departed loved one to further bring life back into focus for all attendees. Personalise it so it will touch hearts deeply; but we’re not done yet – your guests deserve recognition too, for their support and contributions – such as casseroles enough to feed an army. Say thank you in style by adding personalized elements. Be careful of becoming overwhelmed when faced with writing dozens of thank-you notes in the midst of sorrow; take a deep breath – this doesn’t need to be about crafting the ideal, heartfelt message; rather, it should simply express gratitude and acknowledgement of people you appreciate. Simply printing “Thank You” on an image of Aunt Ethel would do just fine, or writing out words would suffice – keep them short and sweet for maximum impact. Keep in mind, though, that its the thought behind what counts more than its length; whether its programs or thank you notes, the goal should always remain the same: to create keepsakes which honor and memorialize their unique life and love of whoever it may be you’re bidding farewell to.
Headstones and Pictures
Deciding upon headstones for final resting places requires many decisions, from material selection and design considerations, epitaph and placement – each element plays its part in making an appropriate memorial tribute. While granite remains the go-to material due to its durability and variety of color options, marble adds timeless elegance that puts personalization first. As your love for those you’ve lost grows, so to do your options for memorializing them with pictures for headstones – truly making their memorial experience complete. An artful photo can communicate so much, memorializing life lived through pictures alone. From stunning landscapes and animals to portraits of loved ones themselves, selecting an image should be carefully considered; consider what will bring comfort or make them smile when visiting.
Conclusion: The Final Bow
Arranging a funeral can feel like trying to put together a puzzle while riding an unpredictable rollercoaster: chaotic, intimidating and ultimately cathartic all at the same time. Take a deep breath; know you aren’t alone on this journey.
image sources
- Ella-Rosa’s-New-Single-FUN: Artwork by Hannah DeVries
- Amelie Lens: Photo Credit: Sam Neill
About the author
Where to Begin Developing Your Real Estate Property
A lot of new homeowners are not aware of the possibilities that can be done to add more value to their dwelling place. Assessing your surroundings can help in determining which part of the property requires attention. While most homeowners would want to start from the garden or the lawn area, they don’t have an idea what it takes to develop a property. That is because it can be a demanding endeavour. Developing the lawn’s full potential If you love planting, you may opt for a veggie patch or a native plant garden. It should be a lovely spot to grow some fresh produce and attract local wildlife. On top of that, you may add a space to receive guests or one for gatherings with some outdoor seating and a barbeque area. Lawns are also great for setting up a […]
Step2 Unwraps Top Toys for 2024 Just in Time for the Holidays
Step2, leading manufacturer of play kitchens, push cars, water tables, playhouses and climbers, is sharing their holiday lineup of highly anticipated toys, including best sellers and new imaginative toys sure to bring a smile to any child’s face this holiday season. The 2024 holiday collection includes the company’s top-selling ‘My First’ collection which features the My First Christmas Tree™, My First Advent Calendar™, My First Snowman™ and the My First Gingerbread House™. In addition, consumers can find everything from pretend play kitchens and roller coasters to swings, sleds, climbers, water tables and more, all designed to encourage imaginative play and cognitive development. We know the holidays are starting earlier than ever, and we want to be able to help people find affordable, quality toys that not only inspire creativity and education, but are built to last,” said Kelley Bennett, Chief […]
Photo by Hayley MikellCaroline Romano Unveils 'Pretty Boys': A Must-Listen New Single With Guitar-Powered Vibes!
Behold the electrifying essence of Caroline Romano's latest single, "Pretty Boys"! This captivating alt-pop track beautifully intertwines raw emotion and infectious energy, inviting you to probe the whirlwind of love and heartbreak. With its stripped-back guitar riffs and soaring choruses, "Pretty Boys" is sure to resonate with your youthful spirit and leave you singing along. Whether you're strolling through the city or hanging with friends, let Caroline's relatable lyrics and vibrant melodies soundtrack your day! Exploration of Heartbreak and Intimacy Themes of heartbreak and intimacy weave throughout Caroline Romano's "Pretty Boys," inviting you to dive deep into the emotional landscape of love and loss. With evocative lyrics and a blend of tender and explosive musical elements, this track captures the whirlwind of feelings that accompany young love and the longing that often follows. It's a relatable journey that resonates with […]
Cool Activities for your Next Holiday in Thailand
Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with more than 30 million tourists entering the country in 2023 and if you are planning a holiday in the Land of Smiles, there is much to see and do. In this short article, we take a look at some of the amazing things that you can do when holidaying in Thailand. Scuba diving – If you a marine animal lover, you can book dives on stunning reefs with one of the boat tours in Phuket that offer a wide range of packages. The Andaman Sea is home to a diverse range of marine species, which include whale sharks, giant manta rays and bottle-nose dolphins and if you would like to learn how to scuba dive, you can take a PADI course and even become an instructor. Deep sea […]
Meet Kendra Kay
Raised in a rodeo family, her music captures the heart and soul of country life, with standout performances and award-winning vocals that resonate deeply with fans. You'll love her debut album, "Homegrown Heart," and the incredible journey that has seen her share the stage with country legends. So sit back and get ready to discover the spirit of country music through Kendra's captivating story and musical prowess! Album Releases and Chart Success For Kendra Kay, the journey to musical stardom took a significant leap with her debut album 'Homegrown Heart,' released in 2022 under Willing Records/Universal Music Canada. This album not only showcased her powerhouse vocals but also featured collaborations with well-known artists like Maren Morris and Carly Pearce. With explosive success, it debuted at #1 on the Canadian Country iTunes Charts and climbed to #3 on the All Genre […]
Brooke Moriber Unveils Empowering Anthem 'Stay': A Tribute to Strength and Resilience
Magnificent music often captures the essence of our journeys, and Brooke Moriber's new single, "Stay," is no exception. You'll be inspired as she brings her unique voice to this powerful anthem about inner strength and resilience, originally made famous by Jennifer Nettles. Through heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies, Brooke invites you to join her in celebrating the courage we all carry within. Don't miss the chance to listen and feel empowered by her incredible artistry! Theme and Personal Journey Reflected in the Music Now, as you probe “Stay,” you'll discover a powerful narrative about a woman's journey to finding her inner strength. Brooke Moriber draws from her own experiences, intertwined with feelings of resilience and personal growth. This theme resonates throughout her music and performance, creating a connection that invites you to explore your own path to empowerment. Production and […]
Related
A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Bangkok
By the early 2000s, the idea of building a career at one company and staying put in one location was no longer the dream for many young people. Instead, they wanted a better work-life balance, to be liberated from the tedium of the office, and to get out and see the world. This shift coincided with the widespread adoption of the internet, and so digital nomadism emerged as a possibility. As more people adopted the digital nomad lifestyle, they started to cluster around certain destinations which are particularly accommodating and advantageous to them. The bustling Thai capital of Bangkok, a long-time favourite destination of backpackers and budget travellers, sits at the top of that list. This guide will explore why that is. Of course, the advantage of being a digital nomad is that you can choose where and how you […]
The Eight Style Tips That Will Make Your Wardrobe Feel Fresh
You open your closet filled with clothes, but you don’t know what to wear. You spend the morning trying different clothes, yet you still can’t find something that makes you feel good. If you can relate to this, then you must be experiencing a style rut, and that could affect your confidence in the long run. But before that happens, follow these style tips to turn things around and make your wardrobe feel fresh again: Clean out your wardrobe. Sometimes, you just need to take everything out and look at your clothes again to realise that you actually have a lot of good pieces to wear. So before you start shopping for new clothes, make sure that you do a wardrobe cleanout first. Remove all the clothes that you haven’t worn in at least six months and re-organise your clothes […]
6 Powerful Habits That Will Add Value to Your Life
Are you feeling down and defeated lately? Have you lost your drive to succeed? Do you feel that you’re not as valuable as others? The truth is, you are not alone because a lot of people around the world feel the same way. But when you really think about it, getting back on track and adding value to your life boils down to creating a routine that will allow you to be consistent at nourishing yourself. And we’re not just talking about physical nourishment here but emotional, mental and even spiritual nourishment too. Now, if you don’t know where to begin, here are six simple but powerful habits that you can embrace to add value to your life: Practice self-awareness. Have you ever felt that you don’t know yourself anymore? Maybe, it’s time to practice self-awareness. When you’re caught up […]
All about denim jeans and their popularity
Looking and feeling great can make the world of difference for a woman whenever they get dressed ready to face the day ahead. It may be to head to work facing challenges which have more chance of being overcome when arriving with the right attitude or getting ready to go and meet friends or a loved one to have fun in a sociable environment. They may well have helped themselves to get into such a mood by adopting a healthier diet and doing some exercises each day to stimulate the body and mind. Then of course, there’s how they dress, often choosing quality appropriate items which instil confidence while being guaranteed to receive many compliments and admiring glances. Nudie jeans for women allow the wearer to show off a highly fashionable item of clothing guaranteed to feel comfortable and look […]
The Numerous Benefits Of Buying a Luxury Villa This Year In Phuket Thailand
Many people can only dream about having a holiday home in a tropical destination, but now it has become a reality for many. When you compare the prices of property in places like the USA and the United Kingdom, Thailand property is much cheaper and so this is where many people are looking to buy their first-ever property or a property that they can travel to during their vacation time. Many do not want the responsibility that goes with owning a large house and so they opt to buy a villa instead. Thankfully you can buy luxury villas in Phuket and this is a beautiful island in the south of the country that boasts the finest beaches and the nicest people. Imagine having your very own luxury villa in such a place where you can travel to whenever you like […]
The Top Things In Life That We Need To Treat Ourselves To Because We Deserve It.
We don’t treat ourselves nearly often enough and if we were to wait for other people to do it for us then we would be waiting a very long time. We live in a very ‘me me’ society and for that reason alone, if you want something in this life and you want to have yourself pampered then you’re going to have to do it yourself. It is true that life provides us with many responsibilities every single day and it involves holding down a full-time job while also taking care of a large family. We need to start doing better things for our physical and mental health so that we can enjoy life to the full and we won’t have any regrets when our time comes to leave this planet. If this involves you enjoying a hotel spa in […]