Making Funeral Arrangements

Someone you care for has died and you may be feeling numb, confused, extremely distraught and exhausted. Making funeral arrangements and taking care of other business may seem insurmountable.

First consider contacting a close friend or relative, so they may give their support and practical assistance. Second contact one of Glen Abbey's professionals to receive all of the latest and most up-to-date guidance available. You can contact us 24 hours a day, any and everyday.

You will find a vast wealth of information from our Resource Page or if desired and need someone to just take charge, we are prepared to assume all of the intricate details as well as guide you through the tangled red-tape and bureaucracy.

While different cultures and religions have their own distinctive customs, funeral and cremation services all share a common goal - to honor the person who died and bring closure to friends and family.

Arranging a Funeral or Cremation Service

Anyone who has ever planned a funeral or cremation service knows that it can be a difficult experience at a very emotional time. If the deceased has not made previous arrangements, important decisions have to be made by the family quickly, during a time of grieving. The funeral home and cemetery must be selected, funeral or cremation service arrangements have to be made, and the type of cemetery property and memorialization needs to be chosen. Many other important activities such as notifying relatives, explaining events to children and picking up guests at the airport also demand attention.

Seek opinions and support from family and friends and realize there are no right or wrong decisions. Sometimes the process may seem overwhelming and emotionally draining, but here are some general guidelines about the types of decisions necessary to bring dignified closure to the life of a loved one.

Decisions

When a death occurs, there are many decisions to be made. Glen Abbey's staff of professionals can be an invaluable resource to families during this difficult time. Their role is to serve as a guide or facilitator, helping to explain all options. In essence, they provide the family with enough information to make intelligent, thoughtful decisions. The family can rely on us to explain the various models of caskets. He or she can also offer advice or suggestions about the display of flowers.

Clothing

The clothing can come from the deceased's personal wardrobe, a department store, or from the funeral home, whichever is most convenient for the family. The family will be able to have a private viewing of the deceased before there is any public viewing. During the private viewing, our director ensures the family is satisfied with the deceased's appearance and solicits feedback for any changes.

Setting the Time

 
Select the day and time of the funeral or memorial service carefully. While some people may want to get through the service as quickly as possible, you should allow enough time for out-of-town guests to make travel arrangements and time for family and friends to read the obituary and arrange for time off from work.

Services Location

There are several options for where to hold the funeral or cremation service. The family church or such as our chapel, The Little Chapel of Roses, are appropriate sites. Some may prefer to hold the entire ceremony at the cemetery. If the service is held in the church or at a chapel that is not next to a cemetery, transportation details must be resolved, such as the funeral coach, flower car, and limousines for family members and pallbearers.

Visitation

The family may wish to arrange for visitation so that relatives and friends can express their condolences. The casket can be open or closed. It is entirely the family's choice. Religious and fraternal items that were meaningful to the deceased may be displayed in the visitation room or chapel. When selecting music, take into account the musical preferences of the deceased in order to personalize the service. The family may also select an outer burial container, flowers, and organizations for charitable donations, pallbearers, clergy or other speakers to officiate and should provide information for a eulogy.

Guidance and Support

 
With a little guidance and a lot of support, a well planned, thoughtful funeral or cremation service can be one of the most comforting ways to honor the life of a loved one. Especially for individuals and families having a particularly difficult time adjusting emotionally to the loss of a loved one.