In the 21st Century, funeral traditions are much different than they were two or three generations ago. One of the primary things that has changed is that funerals are more expensive and more elaborate. Two generations ago, funerals were expected to be universally somber affairs. Now many people regard them as a celebration of the deceased's life, rather than mourning their loss.
As previously stated, the expense of a funeral can vary dramatically. The family or friends of the deceased can purchase a costly casket, flowers, and other details totaling thousands of dollars. Or they can limit themselves to the necessities in order to keep costs down.
There are several options available with the memorial service itself. You can elect to have a viewing in the funeral home and a memorial service in the church of your choice, or you can have a memorial service at the funeral home. You can choose to include just family, or family and friends. It can be made private or public. The decision is up to you and your loved ones.
Most funerals have some kind of music whether the service is in the church or funeral home, and many times a friend or relative will provide the music. Music can be an important part of the service and very moving.
Some people try to plan their own funeral arrangements prior to death as a way to ensure that they have the service they would want. This may sound like trying to control things from the grave, but it can definitely lift some of the burden off the family.
The funeral of a child, of course, is especially difficult and needs to be handled carefully by the funeral home.
Speeches about the deceased's life by family or friends are now also a common part of many funerals. These speeches can be a part of the healing process for those who knew the deceased well, and help those who did not know them well understand them better.
Lastly, people do not feel they have to always wear black at funerals anymore. Since it is a "celebration of life" for the deceased, bright clothing fits right in with that theme.
As previously stated, the expense of a funeral can vary dramatically. The family or friends of the deceased can purchase a costly casket, flowers, and other details totaling thousands of dollars. Or they can limit themselves to the necessities in order to keep costs down.
There are several options available with the memorial service itself. You can elect to have a viewing in the funeral home and a memorial service in the church of your choice, or you can have a memorial service at the funeral home. You can choose to include just family, or family and friends. It can be made private or public. The decision is up to you and your loved ones.
Most funerals have some kind of music whether the service is in the church or funeral home, and many times a friend or relative will provide the music. Music can be an important part of the service and very moving.
Some people try to plan their own funeral arrangements prior to death as a way to ensure that they have the service they would want. This may sound like trying to control things from the grave, but it can definitely lift some of the burden off the family.
The funeral of a child, of course, is especially difficult and needs to be handled carefully by the funeral home.
Speeches about the deceased's life by family or friends are now also a common part of many funerals. These speeches can be a part of the healing process for those who knew the deceased well, and help those who did not know them well understand them better.
Lastly, people do not feel they have to always wear black at funerals anymore. Since it is a "celebration of life" for the deceased, bright clothing fits right in with that theme.
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