Personalizing a Funeral Service While Being Mindful of Expenses

By: VGFS
Saturday, October 24, 2020

Planning a funeral service for a loved one can be both an honor and a financial stressor for the bereaved.

These costs can vary greatly depending on where you live and which extras and upgrades you select. If you are on a restrictive budget, you do have options. Below are some helpful ways that you can personalize a funeral service to make it meaningful and memorable without overextending your budget.

Decide between a ground burial and cremation.

Compared to a traditional funeral service, cremation is generally the more affordable disposition method but it isn’t right for everyone. Ultimately, you and your loved ones will have to decide what’s right for you. By choosing an in-ground interment, additional costs will be required, such as for the casket, burial plot, and grave marker. Cremation was surging in popularity long before the COVID-19 pandemic cast it further into the spotlight. Its lower cost and added flexibility are attractive to many grieving families. Recognizing that some people who choose cremation still want the opportunity to incorporate elements of a more traditional funeral service, visionary funeral providers are now offering enhanced experiences such as a memorial service, visitations and viewings. It’s always best to discuss your options and questions with your funeral director before making any final decisions.

Give thought to the service’s location.

Traditional funeral services often take place in the funeral home. Hosting the gathering at a public park, fellowship hall, or in a room at a community center can be more cost effective. These locations also work well for memorial services, which can be held days, weeks, or even months after your loved one has passed away. Think about locations that were meaningful to the departed or your family members. Holding the event in a familiar place, where memories can be shared and re-lived, can provide a great deal of comfort to the grieving.

Brainstorm ways to personalize the space economically.

If you opt for a traditional funeral service, you might consider skipping elaborate flower arrangements, for example. Instead, infuse personality into the room by asking guests to bring scented candles, favorite bible verses inscribed on slips of paper, or other sentimental items to place around the casket. You can also create a special space by involving the departed’s personality, hobbies, and interests. For example, if your loved one was a big Ravens fan, you could ask friends and family to wear something purple and enjoy a repast with his/her favorite game-day foods.

Memorialize your loved one in a creative obituary.

This type of obituary includes much more than just a list of dates, names, and locations. Rather, it aims to tell the story of the person—what they valued, who they loved, what made them so special. Inserting a short anecdote, such as how your mother baked bread every Sunday for the local food bank, can add a unique touch that will make her obituary stand out from the rest. If you are unsure of what to write, ask your friends and family members to share their favorite stories.

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy.

As you celebrate his or her life, of course you want the homegoing to be as special as possible. Remember, it’s the amount of heart you put into the gathering that will make it exceptional.

If you need additional tips or suggestions for your loved one’s final arrangements, please reach out to us anytime. We are always here to help you to make the best decisions for your unique situation.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...

Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration? Seven Sneaky Symptoms That Might Surprise You

We pay close attention to the signs of dehydration we've grown accustomed to, but these less-apparent indictors are just as important. We all know staying hydrated is critical for good health, esp...

Planning Your Own Funeral? Here's Why That's a Smart Way to Go

Planning your funeral is an act of compassion that alleviates the stress on your family, allowing them to focus on healing and cherishing your memory. There are few things in life as poignant as c...

The AFRO Honors Morticians as Unsung Heroes

The AFRO honored the “Unsung Heroes” of the COVID-19 pandemic at Valley Mansion by Martin’s on Aug. 6. At a special event earlier this month, the media company commended morticians for their...

Seven Important Considerations When Making Funeral Decisions for a Departed Loved One

Making funeral decisions can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any f...

August is Black-Owned Business Month: We Celebrate With You

During August, we celebrate and recognize Black Business Month and the invaluable contributions generations of Black Americans have made in our communities, economy, and world. The forward momentu...

Seven Lesser-Known Signs of Dementia that Might Surprise You

While most people are aware of its familiar symptoms like memory loss, there are lesser-known signs of dementia that can be just as important. Dementia is a condition that affects millions of indi...

Wondering What to Bring to a Funeral or Celebration of Life?

While sympathy cards or floral arrangements are customary, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to what to bring to a funeral, memorial, or life celebration. While our presence at a funera...