The tradition of holding a funeral or memorial service has been transitioning over the last couple of decades. In fact, the latest statistics from the National Funeral Directors Association indicate that half of families chose cremation over burial in 2021. Meanwhile, another shift is taking place, and that is a shift towards more personalized memorial and funeral services. Personalized funeral services can be held with cremation or burial as the final disposition method—and personalization can transform healing from a loss from a simple, sad occasion to one that is warm and uplifting. Here’s why we think more individuals and families in the South Shore area are turning to personalized funerals and memorial services.

Personalized Services Remember the Person at their Best

Personalized services can highlight the best qualities of an individual, from their dedication to their family to their personal passions and pastimes. By gathering photos, awards, and their own prized possessions and presenting them alongside the person’s favorite music and readings, the healing process can begin in a positive light. Personality traits can be shared by the officiant or celebrant, and guests can recall and discuss the individual kindly and lovingly as they share memories among themselves at a visitation or following the services.

Personalized Memorials Evoke Warm Memories

As we noted in our previous blog post, personalized services can be an uplifting part of the healing process. Putting thought into the service details will be something people remember, talk about, and even cling to as they begin to recover from their feelings of loss. For those who choose cremation, a memorial video can visually represent major milestones from a person’s life. Videos can be very effective in telling the person’s story and reminding everyone of their greatest adventures and best qualities.

Planned Personalization Provides Control

When families plan funeral or memorial services in advance, they get more control over how they are remembered. Prearranging your own services with personalized touches enables you to have complete control over the readings, music, images, personal effects display, and food at the venue. If you prefer a celebratory atmosphere, you can arrange for that. If you want people to wear a certain color to honor a favorite cause, you can request that. If you want your obituary to be written with humor, you can make it so.

 Furthermore, personalizing your funeral in advance of your death gives you complete control. Plus, it can give your family a sigh of relief knowing they won’t have to make decisions about the hundreds of details that can go into a memorial service. Saving them from the stress of decisionmaking and potential family disagreements places them closer to healing. By planning ahead and ensuring they know what you want, you can free them from the unpleasant parts and allow them to move into their grieving process.

When you have questions about personalizing a funeral or planning one in advance, New Day Cremation and Funeral Care in New Bedford, MA, is here for you. We are family-owned and local, and we are well versed in assisting people from all walks of life and all faiths. Please call us to discuss your wishes, and we will let you know your options.

Source: NFDA