After decades in the funeral business in the Ft. Worth-Dallas TX area, many of the same questions have been asked for years. “Is a memorial service necessary?” or “should there be a memorial?” The answer to this age old question depends on each individual family. That said, it’s true that each and every family will truly benefit in some way from having some form of tribute or memorialization service. Of course, time, date, place, and details as to how the service will play out will vary; but the idea of families planning their own memorial service can be a very rewarding experience for them, as well as helping to overcome their grief.
The Cremated remains of their deceased family members aren’t always present at the gathering. This is just another of the many choices involved in planning a tribute. There’s really no “right” or “wrong” way in how to properly plan a fitting memorial. Each specific situation should be discussed by survivors, and play out in a way most meaningful to them. More often, stories, photos, or remembrances of friends will have a part. Also, cremation memorial services will not always have a religious tone. Some families take a more humanistic approach, with less scripture and more stories and music; though, most often, families will involve their church or minister to assist in planning. Always be mindful that there is no legal requirement to have expensive, licensed traditional funeral home staff be present at a memorial service for cremated remains…saving hundreds of dollars in most cases. The affordability of this type of service allows more options available to more families.
Another benefit of a cremation memorial service is the flexibility regarding the time factor. For maximum family benefit, they should never feel rushed. Plenty of time should be allowed for geographically challenged families to work through their differences. The more family members involved, the more stories, the more photos…the more healing.
As more Ft. Worth-Dallas TX area families couple the affordability of internet or web based cremation with the flexibility of planning their own fitting memorial tribute, the true benefits are rewarding for a lifetime.
