When you lose a loved one, it’s not uncommon for funeral planning to be the last thing on your mind. Grief is draining and exhausting, and the thoughtful staff at Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, is sensitive to all of their clients and what they’re going through.

In an effort to give people the tools they need to make arrangements during such an emotionally volatile time, the team at Adzima Funeral Home created this guide to help you make some of the big decisions, like how to choose between a funeral service and a memorial:

• Find Out What Your Loved One Wanted: Most people want to honor their loved one’s wishes, and even if your loved one didn’t leave specific written instructions, it’s possible that they made their wishes known to their spouse, a family member, or a close friend. Ask around, but don’t feel defeated or frustrated if you can't come up with a definitive answer.
• Decide Between Cremation & Burial Services: If your loved one will be cremated, you may want to choose a memorial service rather than a funeral service. During a memorial service, the body is not typically present, and while you can certainly have a traditional funeral and then opt for cremation, this option is more expensive, because you’ll essentially be paying for two types of services.
• Consider Their Religious Beliefs: Many people consider a funeral service to be more traditional than a memorial service. In some religions and cultures, the presentation of the body during a funeral is considered an integral part of honoring the individual. If your loved one was generally traditional or a member of a religious community, you may want to factor that into your decision and opt for a funeral service.

Whatever type of service you choose to honor your loved one, make sure to take the time you need to grieve. If you need help creating a beautiful tribute in the form of a funeral or memorial service, call Adzima Funeral Home at (203) 375-2200 today. You can also visit the Stratford funeral home online for more information on memorials or funeral planning.