The loss of a loved one and having to plan for cremation services Richland, PA, create an emotionally overwhelmed time. The closer you are to the deceased, the harder it is to believe and adapt to the reality that the person has left you forever. During such an emotionally trying time, you have to hold yourself together and make good decisions to give the perfect last goodbye to the deceased – the one they truly deserve.
Planning a funeral is amongst the most challenging events as grief and sorrow of losing the beloved can cloud your judgments, and you end up paying more for the substandard service – or fail to fulfill all the wishes of the deceased.
That’s why it is vital to understand the ins and outs of organizing a funeral beforehand, as that will help you arrange a meaningful and appropriate funeral for the departed loved one. Here are some of the most important steps to consider when the time comes.
Hiring a Funeral Director
Many people have a misconception that hiring a funeral director costs extra money and one can save all that amount by arranging the services his or herself. It can’t be any far from reality. A funeral director has years of experience in handling various tasks associated with funeral services.
Because of their direct contacts with all the funeral service providers such as catering, music, burial, religious clergy, florists, etc. you can get these services at a discounted price without lifting a finger. He can take care of all the details that allow you to spend more time with the family and friends.
- Burial or Cremation
If the deceased hasn’t explicitly delineated what type of funeral services he or she wants, then the responsibility befalls the surviving family. In America, the two most common types of funerals are burial and cremation. If your family is a religious one or follows a longstanding tradition, it will make it easier to make a decision. The family can come to a consensus on whether to burn the body (cremation) or bury it – depending on your budgetary allocations.
In the last decade, cremation has become more prevalent in America due to fewer costs associated with it.
- Religious or Secular Services
One of the most critical aspects to consider while making this decision is the deceased’s religious propensities or beliefs. If he had a strong faith in a denomination, then the final services should follow religious rites and rituals, else, there are many secularist human traditions that you can choose.
The concept of non-traditional funerals is gaining traction in the States and your funeral director can better guide you on what’s best for you.
- Transporting the Body
Mostly, the casket is transported in a hearse, but now people are increasingly opting for non-traditional ways of transporting the casket like floats and horse-drawn carriages. It all boils down to the choice and financial capacity of the surviving family.
- Arranging a Post-Ceremony Gathering
Post-ceremony gatherings are arranged to honor and remember the deceased. Mostly, wakes are held by the bereaving family, and close friends and family are invited to the deceased’s house. But they can also be performed at funeral homes or other convenient places.
Also, you’re not obliged to arrange a wake. You can just spend the time with the nearest ones. The gathering’s size and scope should consider your financial situation – you shouldn’t put too much strain on your bank account for the wake or cremation services in Richland, PA.
