Funerals or memorials are intended not only to honor the deceased person but also to help the surviving loved ones find closure. But when should you hold your loved one's funeral? Or even your own, if you are pre-planning? Here are a few key factors to help guide you to the right timing.
1. What Did the Person Want?
Always consider the deceased when planning their funeral. If there is a will or other documents that guide you in their express wishes, abide by these as closely as possible. If not, the family and close friends should carefully think about what they know of the person before making decisions. Some of the biggest factors for timing a funeral include how the person felt about embalming, as well as any religious beliefs that call for quick or delayed burial.
2. Are You Using Embalming?
Embalming is the process of slowing down the decomposition of a body by replacing some of its fluids with chemicals that slow down natural cycles. If you plan to or are willing to use embalming, the body will remain in good condition much longer than without.
3. Can Everyone Be There?
One of the most common reasons to delay funeral services is to allow distant mourners time to change their plans and be at the funeral. But it's important to assess how necessary this really is. Remember, funerals help provide closure after a death. So the longer you delay, the longer before grieving can move forward.
4. Will There Be a Viewing?
Whether or not there is an open casket makes a huge impact on timing. If the family wants or the deceased wanted an open casket, you generally must hold the funeral sooner than with a closed casket. Even with embalming, natural forces will continue to cause the body to decompose. Some families hold an early viewing separately from the funeral if the latter needs to be delayed.
5. Is a Memorial Acceptable?
Finally, how would you feel about a memorial service with no remains present? If you don't have to worry about the condition of the body, you may hold services as soon or as late as you wish. However, some people feel that closure is only truly achieved if they can say goodbye in person.
Where Should You Start?
Get help finding the ideal timeline for your or your loved one's final services by meeting with an experienced funeral home in your area today. With their guidance, you'll meet the needs of the surviving family as well as the deceased's memory.
Contact a local funeral home to learn more.
Share3 March 2023
A couple of weeks ago, one of my dear family friend’s suffered the loss of her husband. After a brief illness, he passed away at a local hospital. Immediately after his passing, she started planning the funeral arrangements. She didn’t want his funeral to be a sad occasion. Instead, she wanted the service to celebrate his amazing life. She worked tirelessly with the professional staff at a local funeral home in order to plan the order and type of service for the funeral. On this blog, you will discover tips for planning a funeral service that will celebrate the life of your deceased loved one.