Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy. If you are responsible for funeral planning, it can be overwhelming to make arrangements in the midst of grieving. To help you honor your loved one’s memory, here are just a few of the factors you will need to decide on during the planning stages. 

A Guide to Important Funeral Planning Decisions

1. Burial or Cremation

After the death of a loved one, you must choose between a burial or a cremation. A burial is a traditional option. However, it is also more expensive as you must purchase a casket and a plot. Cremations allow you to keep the ashes of your loved one in an urn or scatter them in a specific location. 

2. Type of Service

You will also need to determine what type of service will best honor the memory of your loved one. For instance, a viewing is held prior to the funeral and offers loved ones a chance to see the deceased and say goodbye. Your family’s religion may influence how you approach this gathering. For example, a Jewish tradition is to hold Shiva for a week following the funeral to pray and mourn. 

3. Memorial Display

It’s common for family and friends to pay tribute to the deceased with a photo and media display at the funeral home. You can choose to create a digital slideshow or make a collage with photos of the deceased. Memorabilia, such as trophies or collections, can also be displayed to showcase the life of your lost loved one. 

If you need assistance with the funeral planning process, reach out to the compassionate funeral directors at Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel in Dayton, OH. Whether you are planning a traditional funeral or a cremation, they will help you navigate every step of the arrangement process. They also offer grief support and counseling to ease the stress of this emotional time. Call (937) 610-1900 today to speak with a representative and schedule a funeral planning consultation. You can also visit them online for more information about their services.