Earlier this year, a close friend of mine passed away. This sweet woman was incredibly unique. Besides adoring vintage clothing, she always had extremely short hair. After her death, her son wanted to plan a funeral service with her unique style in mind. So, he immediately started working with the helpful staff at a respected funeral home in our hometown. After relaying his desires to the professional employees at the funeral home, my friend’s son decided to omit a viewing on the night before the funeral. Instead, he had the funeral home staff bring his mother’s body to the church two hours before the funeral service. He also gave anyone who wanted to speak at the funeral service an opportunity. On this blog, I hope you will discover the wonderful ways the staff at a funeral home can help you plan a unique funeral for a loved one.
Planning a cremation service alone can be challenging on an emotional level when you're in mourning. If you're in a situation where you need to plan the service with a stranger, it can be intimidating. However, it can be a pleasant experience for all as you strive to celebrate the memory of your lost loved one. Follow these tips when planning a cremation service with a stranger.
Address the Elephant in the Room
Being paired with a stranger to plan such a personal thing can be uncomfortable. Address the unique situation in your first conversation with the stranger. If there are any other big issues that are present as you start the planning process, say so. For example, if there is a limited budget, come to an agreement on how much can be spent on the cremation service before you start planning it.
Offer Solutions for Anticipated Problems
If you are worried that it will be difficult to collaborate with a stranger on such a delicate matter, say so up front. However, if you're going to bring up potential problems, also present suggested solutions to the problems. For example, you may tell the person that you are concerned about how weather may ruin an outdoor service, but then also offer alternative indoor locations.
Make a List of Priorities
One easy way to see whether you and the stranger are on the same page for the service is simple. Make a list of what your priorities are within the cremation services, and ask the stranger to do the same. After making the lists, share them with each other. You can get a better idea of whether you two are on the same page if you share your lists early in the planning process.
Speak Up About What You Like and Dislike
You may fear speaking up because emotions inevitably run high after a loved one passes away. However, it's important to be clear and honest about you like and dislike when planning the cremation service with a stranger. Don't simply agree to keep the peace when you think something should or shouldn't be included in the service.
Finally, try not to stress out over the idea of planning the memorial service with a stranger. As long as you treat the person how you would want to be treated and follow these tips, you are setting yourself up for a rewarding experience. You and the stranger may even choose to get to know each other and stay in touch since you both were important to your lost loved one. You may be pleasantly surprised by how well co-planning a cremation service can go.
Share9 January 2018
