How soon after death should the service be held?

A service can be held at any time. Often families choose to have it in the first week following a death. Others might wait until all the family is available to come to the service. Keep in mind that the service often provides a sense of closure. Postponing it for too long can extend the family’s journey through grief.

How do I write or arrange for a eulogy?

Writing a eulogy for your loved one can be challenging especially when the loss is fresh. Write from your heart. If you are too emotional to read it, then ask someone you trust to read it on your behalf. Resources are available on this site under eulogy writing. You can also have a pastor or celebrant (someone who has experience in funeral services) prepare and give the eulogy and/or service for you.

What is the difference between a funeral and memorial service?

Traditionally a funeral service will have your loved one’s body present in a casket or urn (following cremation). If there is no body present, then it is considered a memorial service.

Do you have to do a funeral/memorial service for your loved one?

It is not required to have a service for your loved one, however the service offers the family and friends an opportunity to remember their loved one, to celebrate the life they have shared together. It is also a very important part of the grief process. Without a service, often families feel like something has been left undone.

What is a graveside or committal service?

Graveside and committal are the same thing. This often-brief service takes place at the cemetery as the body/ashes are ready to be placed in the ground. There are brief words, prayers or readings read with words of commendation.

What is a commendation?

A commendation are words spoken at the conclusion of a funeral/memorial/graveside service. They are words that commend the loved one into the next life however that is understood by the family.