You might not need to decide at all.
At some point, the time comes when you’re faced with a tough decision. How to commemorate the life of a departed loved one? Do you plan a traditional funeral or a celebration of life?
Before deciding, you should understand what each is and how they work. To take some of the weight off your shoulders, discuss end-of-life arrangements with the person you’ll be planning for. If you know what they want, your job is a lot easier. If that discussion isn’t possible, just remember–whatever type of memorial you choose, it’s about the deceased. Ask yourself what they would want, and what would honor them most.
What do funerals entail?
Traditional funerals ceremonies are designed to acknowledge the death of a loved one, comfort the family, and move the deceased to their final resting place. Funerals usually consist of three parts–the visitation (or viewing), the funeral service, and the committal service.
The visitation and funeral service normally take place at a funeral home or church, but they can also be held at one’s home. The committal service follows an automobile procession from the funeral service to the cemetery, where the remains of the deceased are interred.
Funerals are generally quiet, somber religious events. Attendees in mourning often wear black or dress conservatively so as not to take attention away from the deceased. Conversation is focused on condolences, offering comfort, and honoring the lost one’s memory. Religious officiants or funeral directors often lead the services and read from religious texts, sing hymns, and recite prayers. Music is soft and contemplative.
Some people don’t want to picture their family and friends mourning their loss. They would rather their family gather together to celebrate the life they lived.
This choice is understandable. Though we will all die, we each have our own unique relationship with death. If a loved one requests a celebration of life, their request ought to be honored.
However, funerals are only as somber and sad as you want them to be. There is always room for personalization when planning a memorial. So you can opt for a more celebratory than solemn.
What is a celebration of life?
A celebration of life is a type of memorial with fewer guidelines than a traditional funeral. Some people prefer a celebration of life because it provides more room to customize their commemoration and it allows for a more festive atmosphere. Also, celebrations of life open more options for venues, dates, and attire.
Celebrations of life don’t have to be held in a church. It’s common for them to be held at a family member’s home, at the deceased’s favorite restaurant, event hall, or any other special place where people can gather.
Since the deceased is normally buried before a celebration of life, there is no rush to plan and host it. They can occur weeks, months, or even years after the passing, which means you can take more time and put more thought into the event.
The dress code is often more casual for celebrations of life. But that depends on the venue and the planner’s preference. While celebrations of life can be more casual, the deceased’s memory should be the star of the event. If you think your outfit might take attention away from that, choose something more modest.
Can you do a funeral and a celebration of life?
Yes, absolutely.
Funerals and celebrations of life complement one another and can result in a more memorable, dynamic commemoration.
The traditional funeral allows you to show your loved one the solemn respect they deserve. You’re able to see them before they are buried, which is important for some in the grieving process.
After a somber service, you might want to surround yourself with friends and family to remember the good times. The celebration of life allows for just that. Sharing fun and humorous memories, telling stories, and playing the deceased’s favorite songs. These activities might not be suitable in a funeral home or church setting, but they are fair game for a celebration of life.
No matter what you choose, the most important piece is showing genuine respect for the reason you’re gathering–the deceased. So ask yourself what type of memorial would honor your loved one most.
If you need an experienced funeral home that will personalize your ceremony to your deceased love one, look no further than Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory. They’ve been serving Cuyahoga Falls and Northeast Ohio for over a century. And they honor traditional and unique funeral and memorial requests