Whether you’re pre-planning your funeral home arrangements or setting up a service for a loved one, the process is often an unfamiliar and emotionally challenging task for most individuals. There are many options for memorializing someone who has passed. If you’re unsure of where to start, below are some answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.

Common Concerns About Funeral Planning 

Should there be a viewing, funeral, or both?

A viewing gives surviving friends and family members a chance to pay their respects to the deceased with the body present. But, like all aspects of funeral planning, it is optional. Often, people rely on religious practices to determine which services are fitting. In secular circumstances, it’s best to honor the wishes of the deceased or their surviving family members.

What is the difference between a funeral and memorial?

At a traditional funeral, the body is presented in a casket, and the service typically includes religious elements such as prayer readings. Memorials, on the other hand, do not have the body present, and the service can encompass poem recitals, eulogies, or other readings in lieu of religious aspects.

Where should the service be held?

If the deceased was a practicing member of a particular faith, it is usually fitting to hold the service in a church, temple, or similar setting. Another option is to hold the function at the funeral home or cemetery if a burial has been chosen. 

When is an open-casket service appropriate?

Some individuals feel that seeing the body provides an opportunity for closure, but others prefer not to have open-casket services. Ultimately, this decision depends on the cause of death and the family members’ wishes.

What are the financing options?

Many people choose to pre-plan their arrangements to pay for costs in advance. Doing so with prepaid accounts, allows them to save their family the hassle and the burden of expense when the passing occurs. However, life insurance plans and other financing solutions are also available to ensure the life of every individual is honored in a meaningful way.

For assistance planning a funeral in Monroe County, NY, turn to the caring team at Arndt Funeral Home LLC. The compassionate professionals have been helping local families hold respectful ceremonies to honor the lives of their loved ones since 1975. To speak with a director about your needs, call (585) 225-6350 today. Visit the funeral home’s website to learn more about them and how they can assist.