- Saying the final farewell can be done many different ways.thai funeral image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
Traditional funeral services with centuries old burial rites are comforting to many, because the rituals are familiar. However, alternative funeral services are less costly. In addition, the flexible nature of alternative funeral services offers the choice to more accurately represent the life of the deceased and give more genuine solace to relatives, friends and loved ones left behind. - Alternatives to traditional church services are available.funeral 03 image by Undy from Fotolia.com
Alternative funeral services can take place in any setting. If the family prefers a church service, non-denominational churches tend to be more amenable to personalized funeral ceremonies. Memorial services and funerals at non-denominational churches can be as relaxed or as formal as family members and loved ones wish. Alternative funeral services may include Power Point presentations depicting scenes from the life of the deceased, stories of shared experiences and musical selections from beloved genres. Although many denominational churches maintain their traditional funeral rituals, some church officials are willing to relax rigid funeral service rites to accommodate the family's wishes. - Celebrate the dearly departed and the good times you shared.partying. celebration.wine and cups for party image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
Laws governing the transport of human remains restrict options for burial sites. However, alternative sites such as private homes, banquet halls, parks and beaches are often used for memorial services. A person who loved to entertain might be memorialized at a catered affair, complete with a five-course meal and champagne toasts. Other options include a casual pot luck home gathering with attendees bringing some of the deceased's favorite dishes, or an informal gathering at a place frequented by the deceased, such as a favorite pub, park or beach. Cremated remains can be scattered in a favorite rose garden, or at the base of a tree planted in memory of the dearly departed. - Remember your loved one in a way that reflects her life.park bench in the hyde park image by Martin N from Fotolia.com
Families and loved ones have several options for storing or dispersing cremated remains. Cremation urns come in a broad range of styles and sizes, suitable for any decor. If the deceased liked to garden, or had a particular chair or spot in the yard or garden where he liked to sit and relax, a cremation stone might be just the thing. Cremation stones, which contain the ashes of the deceased, can be placed in a favorite garden or flower bed. Specially designed jewelry is available, containing a lock of the loved one's hair, dried flowers from the funeral or memorial service, or ashes. Spouses, children, grandchildren and loved ones can often purchase this jewelry from the funeral home, and keep their loved one with them wherever they go.
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