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Funeral Arrangements – Things to Expect

    There is perhaps nothing more difficult to bear than having a loved one pass away. To this end, funerals exist not just to bid farewell to the people that we have cherished, but to help us grieve and mourn, and at the same time celebrate a life that has passed. During this stage in our lives, emotions will undoubtedly be raw and despair will undoubtedly follow us. However, there are a few things we will need to expect in order to make things go as smoothly as possible.

    Funeral arrangements

    It all starts with finding the right funeral service for what is needed and more importantly can be afforded. As morbid as it may sound, acquiring a service to compare funeral plans is necessary in today’s modern world as they can prove to be quite costly. Only after the prices of the service are made transparent and the desired service selected can we start making arrangements regarding how to proceed, and this is commonly discussed with the funeral director.

    The funeral director

    Engaging with a funeral director is required for the immediate family not just for the sake of completing the documentation such as the death certificate but for the transportation of the remains. He or she will discuss specific questions on what the desired funeral service is and on whether to have the body cremated or buried. It is particularly important to take note of whether the deceased had already made funeral plans, however, just to ensure that double payments are avoided.

    Preparations and events for pre and post-service

    A decision on how the remains will be presented at the funeral must also be expected, from having either a closed or open casket to the method of embalming. Cremation or burial services can also be chosen and arranged. Perhaps the one thing that requires the most attention would be whether to hold events before and after the funeral. Choosing to have a wake and visitation can be helpful to guests who aren’t necessarily in close proximity, and a reception after can help everyone bond together.

    Transportation services (burials)

    In case a burial is chosen, transportation will also have to be decided on, to move the remains from the funeral director’s establishment to the cemetery. There may be additional charges for this service, depending on the funeral, however, you, a chosen family member or a friend, can also drive if need be.

    Losing someone close is never easy. It is something that would reduce even the bravest men and women to tears. While it is normal to mourn the passing of a loved one, it is important to celebrate the life that he or she may have lived too and to be happy that their troubles are over. While it may be easy to forget our responsibilities during these turbulent times in our lives, it is important to remember that our respective times are not yet done and that we still have responsibilities to fulfil.

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