Creating a beautiful ceremony for your loved one
A traditional funeral ceremony tends to be a structured, formal event. If you prefer a more informal type of gathering, there are many ways to make a funeral for your loved one unique and memorable, just like their life. Here are just a few ideas.
- Hold the gathering at a place that was special to them or that they would have liked.
- Print a large photo of your loved one to serve as a focal point during the gathering.
- Set out a guest book for guests to read and sign. This can be a simple guest register, or something even more creative. If you like to scrapbook and have the time, create a memorial scrapbook and lay the pages out individually across a few tables. Guests can sign and write a memory next to a favorite photo. When you reassemble the pages later, you will have a beautiful memory book.
- Create a memorial video with a slideshow of photos to play during the event. Time spent gathering photos and sharing memories can be a healing experience for you and your family. Our staff can put the video together for you.
- Set up a memorial table with mementos such as cherished possessions, awards, photographs, artwork, other creations. If your loved one was an artist, hang their artwork or decorate the funeral chapel with art that illustrates their personality or interests. Was the deceased a quilter? Display some of their best work. Was she a particular fan of Picasso? Why not find some prints to display?
- Set up a digital photo frame to show even more photos.
- Select a customized casket or urn. These days, urns and caskets come in a variety of materials, and they can often be customized. When picking out a casket or urn, think of how you can choose one that reflects your loved one’s personality or interests. Caskets come in materials such as metal, standard steel and wood. Hardware on the casket, such as custom handles and corners, can reflect objects that the deceased admired. Some examples are flags, favorite sporting team, praying hands and flowers. With both caskets and urns, you can often choose custom engravings or other personalized elements, so don’t be afraid to discuss your options with our staff.
- Ask guests to write memories on note cards as they arrive, or in the days before the service, to be read aloud.
- Don’t be afraid to show and invoke emotion. A meaningful funeral will have both tears and laughter as you mourn, but also celebrate together.
- If the obituary is not provided in written format, consider reading it during the gathering before a time of sharing.
- Use readings, eulogies and music to paint a picture of what they saw and experienced throughout their lifetime, including historical, civic and personal events. Explain to younger guests what life was like for them growing up.
- Tell their favorite stories or jokes. Have a storytelling contest among the guests for the best story about their life.
- Play their favorite music in the background of the gathering, or arrange for local musicians to play covers of their favorite songs.
- Collect memorial donations for their favorite charity or organization.
- Make copies of favorite photos of your loved one, and paperclip them to helium-filled balloons. Guests can take a balloon, keep the photo as a memento, and release the balloons together outdoors.
A funeral or memorial gathering can be as unique as your loved one.
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.
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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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
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