Choosing the Products

Now that you have thought more about burial or cremation for your loved one, you will need to choose the products such as caskets, cremation containers, personalization pieces and memorialization products. Below is a general idea of what can be available from a funeral home.

Casket Selections

Funeral homes have a number of caskets that you can choose from. Choose from cloth caskets, wood caskets, metal caskets and others. Customize many of the caskets to pay a fitting tribute to your loved one.

Cremation Containers

If you have chose cremation, a casket is not required. A cremation container to hold the body of your loved one is an alternative to the casket. If you choose to have a viewing with the body present, you can rent or purchase a casket from the funeral home.

Urn Selections

When cremation occurs generally the cremated remains are placed in a permanent urn.  The urn may be present for services, used for the final interment or kept in a special place in the home.  Urns are made of numerous materials generally in categories of hardwood, metal or stone. Many families have appreciated the option of personalized engraving.  This may include an inscription of the deceased's name and dates of birth an death.  A wide selection of symbols is also available which may reflect hobbies, interests or affiliations.  Engraving is completed in order that the urn may be sent overnight from the manufacturer to our facility so no delay in arrangements is involved. We also offer a smaller selection of temporary urns for those selecting scattering, and miniature urns also called "keepsakes" which will hold a token portion of the cremated remains, a lock of hair or earth from the gravesite.

The value of an urn is determined by the material from which is it made and the craftsmanship involved in its production.  A wide range is offered providing choices in all price ranges.

Personalization Options

As you begin to think about personalizing the funeral, turn your thoughts to your memories of the person who died. Think about his or her qualities and what he or she meant to others. Consider his or her passions, hobbies, pastimes, likes, dislikes.

You might try making a list of the following:

• Attributes or passions of the person who died
• Special memories to share
• Achievements of the person who died
• Important people to include somehow

Personalize the elements of ceremony

Once you've given thought to the unique life and personality of the person who died, it's time to incorporate those memories into the funeral plan. Be creative as you, together with your family, friends, funeral director and the person who will lead the service, brainstorm how to remember and honour this special person.

A good way to personalize the funeral is to personalize the common elements of funeral ceremonies:

• The visitation
• The eulogy
• The music
• The readings
• The procession
• The committal service
• The gathering or reception

Memorialization Products

There are a number of ways to memorialize your loved one and ensure they are remembered and honoured. Choose from a line of personalized stationary to send those attending the service home with a keepsake, or honour the life lived with a DVD tribute video. There are many memorialization options that can help you say your final goodbyes and remember a life well lived.

If you have questions or would like to explore your options, please contact us.