Funerals are too expensive. The social, psychological and emotional benefits of a funeral far outweigh the financial costs. Also, a funeral for someone you love needn’t be lavishly expensive to be meaningful. There are plenty of flexible, inexpensive options available for a family to personalize their loved ones service.
Funerals are meaningless. With forethought and a bit of planning, funeral ceremonies should be personalized ceremonies reflecting the uniqueness of the bereaved family. Also, meaningful funeral ceremonies are civilized, socially binding rituals that create a supportive community for family and friends.
Funerals should reflect what the deceased wanted. It is very important to recognize that funeral ceremonies are primarily for the living. In some circumstances, the wishes of the deceased are carried out completely with no influence from family or friends. However, family and friends often find comfort in choosing to remember their loved one through a variety of gestures and feel privileged to contribute their personal stories, memorabilia and thoughts.
Funerals are only for religious people. Not true. Non-religious ceremonies are completely capable of meeting the survivors’ mourning needs and are no less significant.
Funerals are always held at a funeral home or place of worship. A meaningful service for a loved one can be held at any location the family feels comfortable and appropriate. For example; services and celebrations of life can be held at local community centers, Legion hall’s, on a beach or, in a family member’s backyard. Whatever facility the family finds would best accommodate and reflect the life of the deceased is one suitable for a funeral or memorial service.