Laying a loved one to rest is an incredibly difficult undertaking. While dealing with your grief, you may be tasked with planning a funeral that pays tribute to their time on earth. But if you’ve never taken on this responsibility before, you may be unsure about how to proceed. To help make the process easier, the professionals at Shirley Brothers Mortuaries & Crematory in Indianapolis, IN, share the following informative guide.

Understanding Funeral Options

What’s the Most Common Way to Celebrate a Life?

Many people take comfort in planning and attending funeral services to start the healing process. A traditional funeral service involves a gathering of friends and family at a place of worship, funeral home, or cemetery. These services typically occur shortly after someone’s passing, whereas a memorial can take place at another time, as the deceased’s remains typically aren’t present. While there are traditional elements, such as a viewing of the deceased, a eulogy, religious readings, and floral arrangements, there isn’t a set rule book to adhere to. You can make a celebration of life completely unique to the person who has passed.

Keep in mind, it’s common to have both a funeral service and a memorial service. Memorials can take place outside a church or funeral home, and they often include a meal reception and personalized touches, like memory tables, themed decorations, balloons, or even white doves. 

What Are the Burial Options? 

When a loved one hasn’t left implicit instructions, you’ll need to decide how to treat the remains. Both traditional burial and cremation are respectful and noble options. Some families favor burial in a cemetery, as it provides a peaceful place to visit and pay respects to the departed. Cremation, which is an accelerated decomposition process that reduces a body to ash in a matter of hours, is a bit more cost efficient. The remains will be placed in a cremation urn of your choosing, so you can sprinkle ashes at a beloved location, leave them in a mausoleum, or keep them at home. 

For help with funeral and memorial services, locals in the Indianapolis, IN, area call Shirley Brothers Mortuaries & Crematory. Visit their website or contact them at (317) 897-9606 to discuss your needs. Together, you’ll honor a life with respect and dignity.