Planning a memorial service for a loved one who died during pandemic restrictions

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If you were one of the nearly 20% of Americans who lost a relative or friend to COVID-19 (according to one source ), or for any reason during the pandemic, gathering restrictions and precautions may have prevented you from holding the kind of funeral that you wanted for them. Many families that we have worked with over the past year or so expressed the desire to hold a larger memorial service for their loved one once the pandemic eased.

As time passes, it may feel less urgent or necessary to hold a memorial service. But there is tremendous value in gathering to mark the passing from life to death of someone we love. Time spent reflecting on their life, honoring them and what they meant to you and others is an important part of your grief journey.

If you are thinking about holding a memorial service for someone who died during the pandemic restrictions, we’ve prepared some advice and ideas that may help. Please know that we are always available to assist you in making your plans.

1. Scheduling – Many families are choosing to schedule services on a special day like their loved one’s birthday or an anniversary. It might seem logical to hold it on a holiday when people may be off work, but that could conflict with other plans that people have made. If you are thinking about scheduling it on a holiday, consider publicizing service details well in advance.

2. Location – Depending on virus levels in the community, you might consider an outdoor location. Our funeral home continues to follow protocols for social distancing and cleaning for your safety, and if you would like to use our funeral home, please just give us a call to schedule.

3. Publicizing service details – While a service immediately following a death can be naturally publicized through the obituary, a newspaper listing, or word of mouth, it can be a little harder to get the word out for a service scheduled later. We suggest utilizing Facebook, email and text messaging to share details. You could certainly place a short newspaper notice, though there will be a charge from the newspaper for that. If you call us for assistance with planning the service, we’d be happy to help with this.

4. Sharing time - A time of sharing can be a wonderfully meaningful part of the memorial service. Sometimes right after a loss, it can be painful to hear even the sound of your loved one’s name, and hard to listen to others reminisce. But as time goes by, you may find yourself longing to hear someone say their name or share stories about them.

It can be a little hard to get this started, because most of us do not enjoy speaking up in crowds. One way to open up a sharing time is to ask the guests to raise their hands if they were a friend, co-worker, family member, club member, etc. of your loved one, or if they are there to support a surviving family member. This can help break the ice a bit and generate warmth in the room. You might also pull a more outgoing friend or family member aside before the service and ask them to go first. You can also ask those who cannot attend to send you their stories to read aloud during this time.

5. Technology – No matter when you have the service, chances are good that there will still be scheduling conflicts and guests who do not feel comfortable traveling or gathering. Consider asking a guest to livestream the service on Facebook or another platform. If you hold the service at our funeral home, we can help you with this.

Holding a memorial service is an important way to honor the life of your loved one. And, as some time has passed since your loved one's death, you may even find that the time spent planning the service can bring a measure of healing. If we can be of assistance, please give us a call.

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Planning Ahead: How Preplanning Helps Protect Against Inflation

February 2, 2026

Inflation affects nearly every part of daily life, from groceries and utilities to health care and housing. One area that is often overlooked is funeral and cremation planning. Like most services, these costs tend to increase over time. Preplanning provides a thoughtful way to prepare while reducing both financial and emotional stress in the future. More people are choosing to make arrangements in advance, not only to ensure their wishes are clearly known, but also to help protect their families from rising costs and difficult decisions during an already emotional time. The Reality of Rising Costs Funeral and cremation services include many components influenced by inflation, such as professional care, facilities, transportation, materials, and regulatory requirements. As these expenses increase, waiting to make arrangements can result in higher costs for families who may be unprepared to manage them, both emotionally and financially. Planning ahead allows you to make decisions calmly and deliberately, rather than facing rushed choices during a time of loss. Addressing Today’s Prices One benefit many people appreciate about preplanning is the ability to address pricing in advance and reduce uncertainty about future costs. Preplanned arrangements may be funded in full or paid over time, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that fits your budget and personal situation. This approach helps make planning more approachable and manageable. To help protect pricing, arrangements are typically financially secured through full payment or an approved payment plan. This helps ensure that the services you choose today remain in place in the future, even as costs change. Reducing Financial Stress for Loved Ones One of the most meaningful benefits of preplanning is the consideration it shows for those you care about. When a death occurs, families are often required to make many decisions in a short amount of time. Having arrangements already in place removes much of that burden. By planning ahead, you relieve your loved ones from financial uncertainty and clearly document your wishes. This allows them to focus on honoring your life and supporting one another instead of worrying about costs or decisions. A Thoughtful Part of Long Term Planning Preplanning final arrangements is similar to creating a will or setting aside savings. It is an important step in long term planning. It gives you the opportunity to take control, ask questions, and make informed choices without pressure. Many people find comfort in knowing their plans are documented, their preferences are clear, and inflation is less likely to affect the value of the arrangements they have chosen. Peace of Mind for Today and Tomorrow Ultimately, preplanning is about peace of mind. It provides reassurance that your wishes are understood, your family is supported, and important details are handled thoughtfully. If you have been considering planning ahead, our team is here to share information, explain options, and answer questions whenever you are ready. A simple conversation today can bring comfort and confidence for years to come.

Myths About Prepaid Funeral Plans Explained Simply

January 13, 2026

Prepaid funeral plans are often misunderstood. While some people worry about cost, flexibility, or security, the truth is that funeral preplanning can offer peace of mind and financial protection when arranged through a reputable provider. Below are common myths about prepaid funeral plans—and the facts families should know. Myth 1: Your Money Is Better Off in the Bank Fact: Funeral costs increase over time. A prepaid funeral plan locks in today’s prices on many funeral services and merchandise, helping protect your family from inflation and future cost increases. Myth 2: You’ll Lose Your Money If a Funeral Home Closes Fact: Prepaid funeral plans are regulated by state law. Funds are typically placed in a trust or insurance policy, not held by the funeral home. If a provider closes, the funds can usually be transferred to another funeral home. Myth 3: Moving Makes Your Plan Useless Fact: Most prepaid funeral plans are transferable. If you relocate, your plan can often be moved to another funeral provider, ensuring your arrangements remain in place. Myth 4: Life Insurance Covers Funeral Expenses Fact: Life insurance payouts can take weeks or months, while funeral costs are due immediately. Prepaid funeral plans are specifically designed to cover final expenses at the time of need. Myth 5: The Plan Won’t Work Unless It’s Fully Paid Fact: Many funeral preplanning arrangements provide coverage as soon as payments begin, as long as the account stays current. Your selected services are typically guaranteed. Myth 6: Preplanning Means High-Pressure Sales Fact: Funeral preplanning should be educational and voluntary. Reputable providers focus on honoring your wishes—not selling unnecessary products. Why Prepaid Funeral Planning Makes Sense Locks in funeral costs Reduces financial stress on loved ones Ensures your wishes are clearly documented Protects against rising funeral expenses Prepaid funeral planning is a thoughtful way to support your family and take control of your final arrangements. Contact us today to get started.

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What to Wear to a Funeral Service

July 24, 2025

Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear? While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear. 1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option. Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones. Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise. Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance. 2. Dress Modestly and Neatly Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative: For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer. For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate. 3. Footwear Matters, Too Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service. Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors. 4. Consider the Location and Weather The setting of the service can influence your outfit: For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel. Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice. In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season. 5. Keep Accessories Simple This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering. 6. What About Children? Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service. 7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support. What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most