•  Granite Headstones

•  Upright Markers

•  Memorial Monuments

•  Memorial Tomb Stones

•  Cemetery Gravestones

•  Cemetety Statues

•  Memorial Stones

•  Obelisks & Cenotaphs

•  Granite Memorials
  •  Bench Headstones
  •  Angel Memorials
  •  Jesus Headstones

•  Garden Stones

•  Memorial Symbols
  •  Crosses
  •  Jesus
  •  Crucifixion
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  •  Mary
  •  Heart Shapes

•  Service Areas

•  Funeral Services & Tips

•  Mortuary List & Tips

•  Cemetery List & Tips

•  Obituary Glossary & Tips

•  Cremation Tips

•  Memorial Music Tips

•  Memorial Poems & Tips

•  Sympathy Quotes & Tips

•  Urns Glossary & Tips

•  Caskets Glossary & Tips

•  Funeral Cost & Tips

•  Funeral Flowers & Tips

•  Funeral Homes Tips

Organizing A Memorial Service And Saying Goodbye

When a loved one dies, the funeral ceremony offers a formal way of saying goodbye. These services can often be personalized in order to reflect the individual's life. You can find help through the personnel at the mortuary who prepare the body.

One important question to consider is the music that is appropriate for such an occasion. Live music is appropriate, whether you choose instrumentalists or vocalists. In the past few decades, it has become more common to use recordings.

There is usually a eulogist or officiant for the service. This person may be a clergy member, family friend or even a member of the family. The family is generally responsible to communicate with the individual in planning the service. In some cases, families need help in contacting a person who can do this job. Most mortuaries offer assistance. Keep in mind that some religious ceremonies may include specifics as to what is included in the services.

If your loved one was a member of a fraternal organization or has a history of military service, it may be appropriate to include these groups. Some organizations offer specific services tailored to the organization. VFW groups may also assist and present a flag to the survivors.

Families can also determine if they want to have a viewing as a part of the service. One option that is becoming more popular is the memorial service, in which the body is already cremated or buried and not at the service. However, these are personal decisions for the family.

The process of saying goodbye is difficult. For many, it is an important part of the process of grieving the loss. If possible, talk with loved ones before their death to determine what they want in terms of a funeral ceremony. This makes it easier to plan a service you know your lost loved one would approve.