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funeral of a friend, family member • Honor, recognize and celebrate
or colleague or watching a movie or the life of the deceased
television show with funeral scenes • Allow friends and family to say
may naturally prompt the discussion their last good-byes
with your own loved ones. Talk about • Provide closure after the loss of a
what you liked or didn’t like about the loved one
services you saw or attended. • Allow friends to console the family
• Tell your children or loved ones that of the loved one
because you care for them so much,
you don’t want to burden them with So what is a funeral? In general terms,
difficult decisions when you’re gone. a funeral is a gathering of family and
Tell them you’ve made your own final friends after the death of a loved one
arrangements, and give them a written that allows them the opportunity to
record of what they are. mourn, support each other and pay
• Make your funeral and cemetery plans tribute to the life of the deceased. It
with us and then wrap a copy of your often consists of one or more of the
contract and wishes in a gift box, and following components:
present it to your children.
• Make it a family affair. Schedule an
appointment with your chosen funeral Burial Plans
up the subject with loved ones earlier home or cemetery provider and invite When considering final arrangements
Preplanning/Planning in life when they are younger, and your children along to participate for yourself or a loved one, one of

Ahead most likely healthier, makes the topic in the selection of services, funeral the first decisions you might make is
Preplanning your funeral will make easier to discuss and keeps the focus merchandise and cemetery property. whether you prefer burial or cremation.
certain that your choices are respected on the celebration of life rather than This decision often influences other
and carried out, without leaving your an impending loss. Whether you’re sharing plans for your own important considerations, such as
family to wonder what your wishes final arrangements with loved ones, or elements of the funeral service and
might have been. Here are some tips that may help encouraging loved ones to make and share type of cemetery property.
you start the advance planning their plans with you, the conversation
conversation with your loved ones:
You also have the option of paying about planning ahead is an important Funeral Service
for your funeral in advance. This locks one that every family should have. While A formal or informal ceremony or
in the cost of the funeral at today’s • Set a time to have the conversation. no one wants to think about their death ritual prior to burial, a funeral service
prices. Schedule it as an appointment with or the death of a loved one any sooner often provides a sense of closure to
your loved ones, whether you want than they must, having the conversation in
to share your plans with them or family and friends. Although your
When you’re ready to make a real plan, advance alleviates the need for potentially faith or culture may dictate some
send us an email and we will have one ask them to make their plans to more unpleasant or difficult conversations elements of a funeral service, you may
of our preplanning counsellors call share with you. in the future. want to personalize other elements
you to set up an appointment. • Tell your parent or loved one that of the service. At a funeral service, a
you want to ensure their final
arrangements are done according Funeral Arrangements casket or urn is present, though you
There are many different ways to begin may choose to have the casket open
the planning ahead conversation. to their wishes, and you need their Whether you’re planning for yourself or for or closed.
You know your family and how your help to make that happen. a loved one, the funeral service is one of
loved ones might best respond to the • Ease into the conversation. the most important elements of a person’s Held the night before or immediately
topic. For some families, it might be Questions such as “Have you ever final arrangements. With the opportunity prior to the funeral service, the
a casual conversation over dinner or thought about where you would for great personalization, the funeral visitation - also called a wake or a
another family gathering. For other like to be buried?” or “What type service can truly reflect the uniqueness of viewing - provides a way for friends
families, a formal meeting might be of funeral would you like to have?” the life it honors. and acquaintances to pay respects
better suited. may open the discussion to more and offer condolences to your family.
details about your loved one’s Regardless of whether you or your loved
wishes. one have opted for burial or for cremation, As with the funeral service, you may
Regardless of your approach, the want to decide if you want an open or
conversation is much easier to have • Take advantage of funeral-related the funeral or memorial service fills an closed casket should one be present.
when death is not imminent. Bringing opportunities. Attending the important role. It can:

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