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Showing posts with the label common questions about funerals

Should You Attend a Funeral of a Friend?

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“I don’t know if I should go.” It’s something that many people say to themselves when it comes to attending a funeral. It’s a sensitive subject that must be treated delicately, and the rules of etiquette around funeral attendance can be confusing. Not only must your personal relationship to the deceased and their family be considered, but given the current state of the world and the ongoing pandemic, the state of your current health and the potential risk you pose to others must also be considered. Your friends at Trinity Memorial Gardens have come up with a quick reference guide for you to use if you are asking yourself “Should I go?” before an upcoming funeral.    When You Should Attend the Funeral  According to Funeral Wise , a general rule of thumb is that you should attend a funeral if the deceased is a close friend or family member, the bereaved is a close friend or family member, or you want to show support for the person’s loved ones. You should also attend the fu...

Choosing a Cemetery and Plot

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  Whether you are making burial arrangements for yourself or a loved one, choosing a cemetery and plot can be a difficult decision. If you’re planning for yourself, you may have already considered that you’d like to be buried in your home town, in a plot with other family members, etc. But what if you’re making burial plans for a loved one who passed away without making their wishes known? How do you choose the right cemetery and plot? Here are some important things to consider: Cemetery Location If the person who died will be buried in a cemetery , the first thing to figure out is where. Many people purchase cemetery plots while they’re alive, in which case the cemetery has already been chosen. If the person who died did not purchase or choose a cemetery plot, consider where he or she would have liked to have been buried. While many people want to be buried in the place they lived, others prefer to be buried in the place they grew up, or in the place they were born. Also, cons...

How to Write a Eulogy

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One of the most important parts of a funeral that can help tie everything together is the eulogy. A eulogy helps us remember the times we shared with our loved one, starts conversations, and helps capture our loved one’s life story.  Don’t know where to start when it comes to writing a eulogy? That’s OK. At Trinity Memorial Gardens , we’re here to help you. Below are 7 steps that you can take to help write your loved one’s eulogy.  Interview family and friends You don’t have to feel like the complete weight of remembering your loved one is on your shoulders. Ask family members or friends to share their stories of your loved one. This process itself can be very cathartic, as the act of remembering and sharing can help in the healing process itself. Tell a Story (or stories) Everyone at the service will appreciate your personal memories of your loved one. Don’t worry about remembering each detail, perfectly; just share the details that matter to you. To think about a good story,...

Some Common Questions About Funerals

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  A funeral is a ceremony for celebrating, honoring, and remembering the life of a person who has passed away. While specific customs, traditions, and practices differ across different cultures and religions, all funerals serve the key purpose of giving the bereaved a special time and place to say goodbye and find comfort and healing in one another. It’s natural to have a lot of questions about funerals. Here are answers to some of the more common questions relating to funerals, funeral services, and funeral homes: What Does a Funeral Director Do? A funeral director is trained to anticipate your needs and help you decide on the details of your service. Directors can be caregivers, planners, organizers, and advisors all at once. They are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person’s having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors can also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.  C...

What Makes a Good Memorial Service?

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At some point in our lives, we’ve all been to some type of memorial service, whether it was more casual or a formal affair, chances are, some stick out in your mind more than others. So what exactly makes a good service? Usually, the most memorable services include personal touches, are meaningful, and uplifting. Here are some ideas from lovetoknow .  Having a themed service that represents your loved one. If your loved one was known for always wearing a certain type of outfit or pattern, you can request that guests, or those planning to speak, wear similar looks. This can make the service feel extra special and sweet. It may even add a smile to some faces if your loved one was known for wearing funky or interesting patterns or colors, sports jerseys, or certain hats and accessories. Instead of opting for a more traditional image in the program or up on stage, you can select a funny or silly picture of your loved one. If they had a great sense of humor, this may be an appropriate ...

Frequently Asked Cemetery Questions

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If you’ve never spent much time around cemeteries, you might not know much about the ins and outs of how they work. If you’re planning a loved one’s funeral, or pre-planning your own, it’s a good idea to get familiar with these designated places of burial. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cemeteries and burials:  What’s the difference between a cemetery and a memorial park? A cemetery is a traditional burial ground that’s been around for centuries . A wide variety of grave markers may be used, in all shapes and sizes. You’ll know you’re driving by a cemetery as the many headstones stand out. Many cemeteries have graves dating back to previous centuries and offer insight into local history. A memorial park is a newer type of burial ground that began growing in popularity in the mid-20th century. It’s intended to look like a tranquil park, with plenty of trees, gardens, and walking paths. Grave markers are flat and flush to the ground. Can I purchase a larg...

Why Should I Pre-Arrange My Funeral?

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Thinking about the end of your life can be an uncomfortable thought that you quickly push away to the back of your mind. However, putting a plan in place is actually a smart and caring thing to do. Take a look at how pre-arranging your funeral can not only benefit you but also your loved ones.  You Get to Choose How You Are Remembered  Pre-arranging your funeral gives you the ability to choose how you want to be remembered. You simply write your wishes down on a piece of paper so that your family knows exactly how you want your life to be celebrated and remembered. Did you have a long military career? Was there an organization that you were highly active in? When you pre-arrange your funeral, you get to choose what type of service you would like, as well as where you would like donations to go.  Easier on Loved Ones Will your loved ones be able to handle the responsibility of everything that is to come once you pass? There are many details that your loved ones will have t...