Planning a funeral service is never easy to think about, and yet, it’s something that many people have no choice but to face. Ultimately, it must be a ceremony and event that pays proper respect to the fallen while also being a space for grieving and mourning for the survivors. It’s natural that most arrive at this difficult moment unprepared—who can ever be ready?—so the dedicated funeral and cremation services professionals at Rochester, NY’s Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home offer these tips for what to keep in mind when planning a funeral service.

• The Service: It’s important to think about what kind of funeral service is the best fit for both the deceased and the bereaved. If the choice hasn’t already been made by the person who passed away, it’s up to the survivors to make these arrangements. Should there be a more traditional or religious service? Would having a wake help? While you're deciding, try to find a balance between what the deceased would have wanted and what the friends and family need.

  

• Laying to Rest: Here, too, the important thing is to balance the preferences of the deceased (if these are known) with what the family wants and can afford. Traditional graves, of course, provide a space where the fallen can be mourned and visited; however, many opt for cremation. In the case of the latter, you will need to figure out where to keep the ashes and who will hold onto them.
• Tributes: Through it all, you might want to consider ways to personalize the funeral service and reception. Did the deceased have a favorite song or food? Was he or she a fan of a sports team? Gardner? These elements could be incorporated to shine light on the personality and character of the fallen.

It’s never easy, but the funeral directors at Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home are ready to help you through this painful task. To learn more about them and the services they offer, visit the funeral home online or simply call (585) 426-7830.