Our list of the most frequently-asked questions will certainly shed light on the topic of memorial services. Still, it may not have the answer to your specific question. If that is the case, give us a call at 519-348-8643. A member of our staff will be pleased to provide you with the information you're looking for; and who knows? Your question could be added to this list, ultimately assisting others in making vital commemorative decisions.
| Which type of service format is right for me and my family? |
| There's really no way we can tell you which service would be the best in your situation. In fact, we don't believe it's even part of our job to tell you; instead, our work is in showing you the spectrum of possibilities. We can explain your options, make suggestions; all with the goal of empowering you to arrive at the best possible decision. |
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| How much will it cost? |
| This is a lot like asking "how much will it cost to buy a car?" The answer is totally dependent upon the 'bells & whistles'–the special features–you've selected during the arrangement conference. When you sit down with a funeral director to discuss service costs, you'll receive a copy of the firm's General Price List which will detail all the basic professional services included in the price of your loved one's memorial service, as well as the cost of any ancillary products or services you've purchased. Call us to get a better idea of what your loved one's memorial service will do for you, as well as what it will cost. |
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| What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay? |
| Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors. One of the most common is the fee charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash disbursement could be for clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash disbursements. |
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| What are "cash disbursements"? |
| Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors. One of the most common is the fee charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash disbursement could be for clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash disbursements. |
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| How much will I have to be involved? |
| How much would you like to be involved? Certainly, your funeral director will need you to specify certain details: the where and when, for example. Together you'll make important decisions about other specifics, but once those decisions are made, you can "step back" and let us handle everything or have as much input as you please. |
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| What items will I need to bring to the funeral home? |
| You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. You may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. Your funeral director will provide you with an exact list of the things he or she would like you to bring along to the arrangement conference. |
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| What is a civil celebrant? How can he or she help? |
| A celebrant is a person who has been trained to conduct formal ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. They are not clergy; instead they are experienced masters-of-ceremony and story-tellers. A celebrant works closely with surviving family to create a ceremony which reflects the beliefs, cultural background, values and aspirations of your deceased loved one, and your family. If you think you would be best served by a celebrant, please speak with your funeral director. |
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| Will I, or another family member, need to write the obituary? |
| Commonly the funeral director who met with you during the arrangement conference will assume the responsibility of writing the obituary. You will support them in doing so by providing them with the necessary legal documents (birth certificates, military records, and marriage or divorce decrees) and other important details about your loved one's life. If you, or another family member or friend, wish to write the obituary, we can help to guide you through the process. |
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| What's the meaning of the phrase "in lieu of flowers"? |
| It's quite true you see "in lieu of flowers" in a lot of obituaries today. It does not imply you can't or shouldn't send flowers; if that was the case, we would use a more direct statement, such as "no flowers please". Instead, the family has given you the choice to send a memorial donation "in place of" flowers. |
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| Do I have to ask for memorial donations in the obituary? |
| Of course not; in fact there's absolutely nothing you have to ask for in your loved one's obituary. If it feels wrong to you do make such a request, then you shouldn't. But when you realize most people appreciate the opportunity to "do good" as a way of paying tribute to the memory of a close friend or family member, your feelings may soften just a bit (allowing you to make the request). If you have questions or concerns around the issue of "charitable contributions", give us a call. We can help you to decide on the most suitable charity for your situation. |
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