Memorial Service

A lot of people wonder what a memorial service should be like because they have only been to traditional funerals. They are used to a setting much like a church where funeral songs are played, a preacher says a few words, and perhaps even a family member speaks. It is a very solemn occasion that includes viewing of the loved one by all that attend the service. This is the traditional way to say goodbye and one we are quite familiar with in the US. Memorial services where the person has been cremated can vary widely from the traditions.

No need to have it quickly
The time constraints that cause people to miss work and have to fly across country in a few days is due to the limited time to bury an embalmed body. Once you decide to be cremated, the time constraints can be relaxed quite a bit. Some families have even waited until a convenient holiday gathering to say their last good byes. Scheduling may vary depending on where you decide to have the service. If you have it in a remote location, you may wait until the season is right.

Location can be anywhere
The cost to transport a body is prohibited so people who die overseas even request they not be transported home. This is not the case with an urn full of ashes. You can transport them yourself on an airplane as carry on luggage if you have the right container. You can put them in your car and take them anywhere you want to drive. Some families don't wait for the cremation because the body has been donated to a medical school.

Include crafts/arts/etc
The memorial service is more about honoring the life lived than the traditional funeral. Items that are identified with your life are displayed to show what contributions you made to the lives of those attending the memorial service. It maybe art, a wine collection, crafts, awards, or just a theme of fishing for those who loved the outdoors. It is more a commemoration of a life well lived and the respect from your family and friends.

Anything you want it to be
You can do anything you want for your memorial service because there aren't any rules. Pick a theme, pick a place, set it up so everyone's mind wander over those great moments in your life that will make you live on after you have passed to the next plane.

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Instructions for your burial

There was another example recently where a funeral home cremated the wrong body and buried the one who was to undergo cremation.  So, you need to select carefully who you are going to trust with your last wishes. Never leave any burial instructions to chance. If you plan on having your ashes spread in a special place, be safe and visit the spot if you can before you decide on it. There may be special logistics needed to get to some remote spots.

Work with your spouse or family member
Always make your burial plans with a family member because as we all know, we won't be there to help out when everything is done for our burial. It is best to express your wishes to them while getting them on board to your plans. They will have to execute your plans so they need to know how important it is to you. Fill in all the details so they don't have to wonder what you would have wanted them to do.

Contracts
I don't recommend signing any contracts with service providers because who knows if they will still be in business when you need their services. It is best to save your money in a special account so you won't lose it like some have done with those prepaid burial plans. Estimate your cost and add at least 10%. Every 3 years, look at the costs again and see if you need to adjust for increases in the price of carrying out your wishes.

Have a plan
Have a plan and keep it with all your other important papers. The planning can be fun and going on vacation to see a particular scenic place has its own rewards. Plan for your cremation costs, your memorial service, and the cost to spread your ashes or have the interred. Keep it simple and you will keep it inexpensive

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