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

By: VGFS
Saturday, August 12, 2023

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 family can face. Amid loss and grief, making funeral arrangements may seem overwhelming. However, by approaching the process with compassion and thoughtful consideration, you and your family can create a meaningful and fitting farewell for the departed.

In this article, we offer guidance to help you make the best funeral decisions during difficult times.

1. Take a collaborative approach.

In times of deep sorrow and personal pain, it is important for family members to come together and communicate openly. Along with fond memories, share any funeral preferences your departed loved one might have expressed. Engaging in these conversations can help you gain a better understanding of their wishes and create a service that truly reflects their life and passions.

2. Consider personalization options.

Funerals don't have to conform to traditional norms. Celebrate your loved one's life in a way that feels authentic to their personality and interests. For example, you might incorporate their hobbies, interests, and achievements into the service. Personal touches like these honor their memory and provide comfort to family and friends.

3. Seek guidance from professionals.

Experienced funeral professionals are there to alleviate some of the burden during this challenging time. Funeral directors can offer valuable advice on many aspects of the arrangements, such as choosing between burial and cremation, selecting a casket or urn, and coordinating transportation. Their expertise can ensure that all logistical details are handled smoothly, giving you one less thing to worry about.

4. Keep your budget in mind.

Funerals can be expensive, but it's essential to establish a budget and stay within it while also doing your best to honor your loved one’s wishes. Discuss pricing options with the funeral home and explore alternatives that fit your financial situation. Remember that the true value of the service lies in its meaningfulness, not its cost.

5. Be mindful of inclusivity.

If your loved one belonged to a specific cultural or religious community, it's important to respect and uphold their beliefs. Work closely with your funeral provider to ensure that all customs and traditions are adhered to so that family and friends can pay their respects in a manner that feels authentic and comforting.

6. Don’t overlook virtual participation

In today's digital age, consider using technology to include distant family and friends who may not be able to attend in person. Livestream the service or create a virtual memorial where people can share their condolences, stories, and photos, fostering a sense of unity and support.

7. Allow time for healing.

It’s important to remember that the funeral is just the beginning of the healing process. Grief takes time to navigate and the path is different for everyone. Reaching out for support from friends, family, or grief counselors can provide comfort during your bereavement journey.

While funeral planning for a departed loved one is often a challenging task, it also offers the opportunity to pay tribute to their life and create a memorable final goodbye. By following the guidelines above, you and your family members can make thoughtful funeral decisions that honor your loved one's legacy and provide comfort to those left behind.

We are committed to providing compassionate guidance as you navigate these important funeral decisions. If you have questions or need to make funeral arrangements, please contact us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 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 about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, 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 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...

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...

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...

How to Ease Your Child's Grief: Ten Must-Know Funeral Tips for Parents

When your child is bereaved, it can be hard to know the right things to say and do. These funeral tips for parents offer the guidance you need. Like adults, children need time to grieve the loss o...